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I bought the Saab winter tire package last January along with my new Viggen. When I picked the wheels up, they were mounted with Hakka Q's instead of the Artic Alpins as promised (out of Alpins, yada, yada). Initially I was surprised and a little miffed, but as I have always had great luck with Hakka 1's I figured no big deal. The Hakka Q is a "studless ice" tire in the same vein as Artic Alpins, Blizzak, etc, and performed well for me last winter. Lots of little sipes, sticky rubber, etc.
The question I am asking myself, as I have just been made aware that the speed rating of this tire is 99mph (Q rating)- was the dealer acting responsibly in putting a 99mph rated tire on a car that comes with Z rated summer tires and can go 155mph. I don't drive as fast in winter, but on dry roads I went 90 mph plenty often last winter not realizing how close to the speed rating limit of the tire I really was.
Any thoughts on this? I have about 5k miles on them and at this point can not likely do much griping to the dealer.
The other question regards tire size. Tire Rack says +/-3% of stock size. The 215/45/17 measures 625mm while the 205/50/16 supplied are just under 3% smaller at 611mm. Would a 205/55/16 (631mm, 1% larger) be a better choice considering the lesser diameter differential and the fact that it is skinnier? I realize sidewall flex will be greater but I am more concerned with on snow performance than dry road cornering. I know this statement contradicts my concern about speed rating, but the reality is when I do go 90, it is on a dry straight highway, not cornering like a madman.
Feedback on the above is eagerly anticipated. Thanks
claude
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