Date: 6 May 2003 18:44:31 -0700 From: jk4062nopsamo.com (jk) Subject: 1999 9-5 SE V6 Tires
Hello All, I have 1999 9-5 SE V6 with about 57K miles on. I had replaced the factory original tires (215/55/R16 "V" rated Michelin MXV4 Energy) about 15K miles ago with the same kind. But about 5K miles ago, I had got rear-left side tire blew-up. And the local tire shop for the quick fix didn't have the matching Michelins. So I replaced with Kumho Ecsta tire with "W" speed rating with the same spec (215/55/16). Since I have noticed some road noises due to the mis-matching tires, I just replaced with two Michelin MXV4 Energy Plus tires for the rear and wasted money on Kumho. Although I told them to replace with the SAME tires (factory original), the tire shop replaced with Energy Plus "H" rated tires which is new model by Michelin having a different tread patterns with the original MXV4 Energy "V" Rated. They told me that the original tires no longer available. 1. Will this be O.K. that Energy and Energy Plus to be mixed? - two in fronts are Energy with about 15K life left. - two in rears are Energy Plus, Brand New 2. Shall I have them re-change with "V" rated Energy Plus tires? Those two in the fronts are still good tires that I don't want to change at this time. Only reason I changed the rear was "road noise" by Kumho. By the way, since the noise issues were driving me crazy. I had my local Saab dealer to check and replace two front side wheel bearings. Any of your expert opinions will help. Thanks jk