Date: Sun, 14 May 2006 14:22:24 -0400 From: Fred W <Malt_Houndnospamm-me-not*yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Minimum Tire Load Rating for 2004 9-3 Aero
Shane Almeida wrote: > On Tue, 09 May 2006 19:50:10 -0400, Fred W wrote: > >>Shane Almeida wrote: >> >>>Anyone out there know what the minimum recommended load rating for a 2004 >>>9-3 Aero (17" wheels) is? Any recommendations for replacement tires? I >>>live in New England, but have dedicated winter tires and wheels. I'd >>>appreciate any suggestions. >> >>Here's what I would (and will) do. Get a set of BFGoodrich g-Force Sports: >> >>http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=g-Force+Sport&vehicleSearch=true&partnum=245ZR7GFSP&fromCompare1=yes&place=40 >> >>They are Z rated summer tires at very reasonable price and I have never >>yet heard a bad thing about them. The price is low enough (~$100 ea) >>that even though they may wear out like a z rated tire, you won't feel >>the pinch of the high buck models. > > > Thanks Fred. > > I checked BF Goodrich's site: they don't recommend the g-Force Sport on my > car. Actually, they say they don't have any tires that fit my car. I'm > guessing they're trying to meet or exceed the 94 XL load rating, which > they don't offer in the 225/45-R17 size. > > I'm still not sure if the load rating matters, but I think to be safe I'm > going to get a tire that's 94 XL. Kumho has three tires that meet the > spec: Ecsta SPT, Ecsta AST, and Ecsta ASX. All of them are under $90 and > have decent ratings for tread-wear (320, 400, and 420 respectively). The > ASX is the only tire on Tire Rack in that size that has a tread-life > warranty (30,000 miles). I would rather get a good tire (BF Goodrich) with a slightly lower load rating than a crappy tire (Kumho) with the correct load rating. ...unless you plan on hauling cargo with the car I guess. You carrying cement blocks or sand bags or something in the Aero? -- -Fred W