New OEM Tires

[maryjanetbird]

Re: New OEM Tires

Actually, an H rated tire will usually last longer than a V rated tire because the tread rubber is a harder compound. Also, the H rated tire is usually cheaper to purchase since the stickier V rated tire is more performance oriented and, thus, in higher demand by most consumers. But, to get that extra performance ( which is minimal ), they give up treadwear and money. I doubt that you will notice any difference at all, but I do think the dealer should give you some money back, since they substituted a cheaper tire.

[joe166]

Re: New OEM Tires

Some H rated tires are cheaper but they are not all cheaper. The performance rating is not more expensive because it is more in demand, it is more expensive because it generally is more expensive to make.

If you do not appreciate the "minimal" performance advantage then by no means should you pay for it. Most people do, however.

The softer, performance tire will usually wear faster too, so don't pay for it if you don't like it.

[Treken]

Re: New OEM Tires

Some H rated tires are cheaper but they are not all cheaper. The performance rating is not more expensive because it is more in demand, it is more expensive because it generally is more expensive to make.

If you do not appreciate the "minimal" performance advantage then by no means should you pay for it. Most people do, however.

The softer, performance tire will usually wear faster too, so don't pay for it if you don't like it.

Ya, if you check the price of Michelin V95's, they are over $20.00/tire cheaper than the H96, at least on the online web sites I checked.
I think I got a good price on them. I payed just under $1200.00 Canadian with the taxes and installed and to get rid of the old tires. I did not bother to inform them about the sub after finding that they do cost more and I am not going to drive over 130 miles an hour.

[Ol'Dave]

To ALL 02 Owner's: Be Careful out there

Don't let this happen to you. This is how My day started.



It was an OEM tire replaced two years ago. And the former owner paid through the nose for it. When he finally reached home, he went to his Ford Dealer, and had the other three replaced. He then parked the car in storage for 11 months.

This tire, the odd duck, that he got from a tire store, has a mfg date code of 1803. (First week of Aug, 2003.) I checked the other three just in case, and all of them have 08 mfg dates.

Soooo. Check those Dates!!!

Oh, and yes, my morning sucked!!!!!!!

[Lonestar]

Re: New OEM Tires

Ok, I have the read the above, now which tires are the best and where can I get them and how much do the cost?

That is a question with as much emotion and opinion as discussions about oil, oil filters, politics, and religion. You can visit www.tirerack.com and look at reviews and ratings for the tires to fit you car. However, you need understand that the ratings on Tire Rack reflect the opinions and ratings of people who purchased the tires and probably only a small percentage of those folks are qualified to rate tires.

Some members here have swapped their OEM Michelin Pilots for Goodyear Response Edge, Michelin AS, Bridgestone, Pirelli, and others. Unfortunately you can not road test different tires on you specific car and what one person says really does not mean a lot for what is smooth to one may not be to another. A tire that a person says handles well may be like a wagon wheel to someone who has spent a lot of time on road courses. Now, do not forget looks – oh yes, the sidewall and tread on some tires that may look good to one might look like road kill to another.

IMHO the OEM tire has a nice sleek look, handles OK, and provides a decent ride. The Goodyear Response Edge has a more aggressive but not harsh look and owners appear to like their handling and ride. I have the OEM tires on a set of 16 spoke wheels and Bridgestone Serenitys on set of 21 spoke wheels… I run both. The OEM tires feel more round and provide a more balanced ride – absolutely no vibration in the seat or wheel. The Serenitys provide a softer ride and handle far better but even with road force balance there is an ever so slight vibration at highway speeds. I would love to try a set of Michelin AS tires on the Thunderbird to see how they do would do but, as mentioned, you do not get to try them out before you buy.

[MidNiteRiders]

Re: New OEM Tires

I have to buy tires soon and asked this on another thread and thought I wouyld try one more time. I too want to hear from someone who actually has used the tire on one of our tbirds. The tire I was asking about was the Michelin® Pilot® Sport A/S Plus.It first went on sale in September of 2008.

In addition to users rating them higher than the MXM4s on some tire sites, they are less expensive. I am very interested in hearing from someone with actual experience.

Has anyone purchased the Michelin® Pilot® Sport A/S Plustires for their tbird or any other car?

[Lonestar]

Re: New OEM Tires

I saw a post very recently and there was a pic of (I believe) a TR Bird with Michelin® Pilot® Sport A/S on the car. There is also an owner in Texas with this tire but I can not remember which person.... Hopefully, one or both or these folks will see your post and chime in.

[gladiator99]

Re: New OEM Tires

For tire reviews, log on to www.tirerack.com and go to the reviews. You can find reviews for most of the tire manufacturers current offerings and that may help you decide on which tire you may wish to purchase. I have a 2002 Bird with tires that now are approaching 7 years old and will be thinking about replacing them soon. I will read all the reviews on any replacement that I am interested in before purchasing.
Take care!
Jim

[MidNiteRiders]

Re: New OEM Tires

I went to the Michelin site and put in the car information and it did not bring up the A/S Plus for an option for the tbird. I wrote them an email asking them if it is an option. I will let you know if/when I hear back from them.