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Is there really a difference in tires?

Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:24 am
Posted by Slippy
Across the rivah
Member since Aug 2005
7086 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:24 am
Does having a speed rating of up to 169 mph matter to a regular driver who maybe tops out at 85? There seems to be some disparities in warranties. Michelin, who many people think of as "the best," has shorter warranty periods than other manufacturers.

Looking for a set for my Explorer. I can't think of a reason not to get the Coopers that are 30% cheaper than the Pirellis that came on the car.
Posted by jefforize
Member since Feb 2008
45006 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:25 am to
Always worth it to spend more on things that separate you from the ground.

Tires
Mattress
Shoes
Posted by mmonro3
New Orleans
Member since Apr 2013
4059 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:25 am to
Get the coopers
Posted by Steadyhands
Slightly above I-10
Member since May 2016
7032 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:27 am to
Wouldn't recommend going to tire rack and buying the cheapest brand you've never heard of, but there's plenty of great tires out there much cheaper than the most known brands.
Posted by 0x15E
Outer Space
Member since Sep 2020
14351 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:27 am to
quote:

Does having a speed rating of up to 169 mph matter to a regular driver who maybe tops out at 85?


Stop camping in the left lane
Posted by North Dallas Tiger
United States of America
Member since Mar 2024
13008 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:27 am to
Good tires improve handling immensely.
Posted by redstick13
Lower Saxony
Member since Feb 2007
39760 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:29 am to
For normal driving there’s not a real noticeable difference, it’s when the road conditions are bad that you see where the extra money went.
Posted by Obtuse1
Westside Bodymore Yo
Member since Sep 2016
28316 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:30 am to
quote:

Is there really a difference in tires?


There are massive differences in tires. Much more than most people think. The easiest shorthand for someone not interested in going down the rabbit hole is the Tirerack site. It is a one stop shop for tire recommendations for specific types of vehicles and specific types of performance envelopes. If you want an even shorter shorthand just buy Michelin they are among the best for every on-road tire. Keep in mind longer warranty doesn't mean "better" it is often simply a result of a more durable compound which very often has less adhesion. There is a fine balance between traction and wear, usually the top level tires do that better.
Posted by HubbaBubba
North of DFW, TX
Member since Oct 2010
48729 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:35 am to
quote:

For normal driving there’s not a real noticeable difference, it’s when the road conditions are bad that you see where the extra money went.
Always replace your brake system with high performance rotors and pads and get tires rated best for stopping under wet conditions. It only took one near rear-end collision where my brakes and tires weren't responding as well as I expected them to and I ended up stopping inches short of rear ending someone for me to go the next week and spend the money on better brakes and rubber.
Posted by BigBinBR
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2023
7315 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:44 am to
There is a lot of variables in tires. Stick with “name brand” and you will get good tires (stay away from Chinese junk).

After that each tire will offer something a little different such as hardness for longer life, tread patterns for surfaces, etc.

One thing people don’t think about when buying tires is the road noise. Make sure that the tire you buy isn’t going to be loud as shite (and remember an increase of only 3db is significantly louder but perception wise around 10db will sound double as loud).
Posted by Obtuse1
Westside Bodymore Yo
Member since Sep 2016
28316 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:47 am to
quote:

Always replace your brake system with high performance rotors and pads and get tires rated best for stopping under wet conditions.


This is rabbit hole area. Upgrading brakes is a balance. Ultra high performance rotors and pads often don't play well in normal driving but may excel in spirited driving or on-track adventures. Finding the correct upgrade for a specific car for routine driving takes some research. Some cars are already fitted with excellent brakes for routine driving BMW and Porsche are two of the best companies as a whole.

You also have to be careful about just looking at wet ratings some tires that are really good in the wet sacrifice arguably too much dry adhesion. What you are generally looking for is a good balance which the top-tier tire companies tend to be better at delivering.
Posted by UptownJoeBrown
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2024
2218 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:48 am to
I would go with the Cooper.

I pay attention to the stopping distance. I don’t want to rear end someone and presumed to be at fault because some asshat decided to stop short.

Also have forward and rear cameras on all vehicles. The negligent assholes are gonna lie or the insurance company is gonna look for any reason to have you comparatively at fault.
This post was edited on 2/2/25 at 11:49 am
Posted by mattz1122
Member since Oct 2007
54433 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:49 am to
IIRC, Firestones historically go best with Explorers
Posted by LSUGUMBO
Shreveport, LA
Member since Sep 2005
9192 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:50 am to
I always check the warranty and reviews when buying tires. I know reviews can be faked by bots, but if a tire has several hundred/thousand positive reviews, they can’t all be fake, right?

Check Tire Rack, Discount Tire, Simpletire.com, also check local places to see if they will price match or work with those distributors.
Posted by Cleary Rebels
Member since Oct 2024
2899 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:52 am to
The Coopers I bought one time sucked - learned my lesson on tires. Michelin on all my vehicles.
Posted by Will Cover
Davidson, NC
Member since Mar 2007
39461 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:52 am to
quote:

Is there really a difference in tires?


Manny Fresh recommends Sumitomo tires and they gotta be run flat.

That was enough for me.
Posted by POTUS2024
Member since Nov 2022
20943 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:53 am to
quote:

Always worth it to spend more on things that separate you from the ground.


Absolutely not.
Posted by Loubacca
sittin on the dock of the bay
Member since Feb 2005
4093 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:55 am to
quote:

Does having a speed rating of up to 169 mph matter to a regular driver who maybe tops out at 85? There seems to be some disparities in warranties. Michelin, who many people think of as "the best," has shorter warranty periods than other manufacturers.


You should always get replacement tires with the same speed rating of the tires that originally came on the vehicle. Most reputable shops won't even install tires with a lower speed rating than the original. You can always go up a speed rating too.

Posted by Loubacca
sittin on the dock of the bay
Member since Feb 2005
4093 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:57 am to
quote:

The Coopers I bought one time sucked - learned my lesson on tires. Michelin on all my vehicles.


What if you need something in an AT/RT/MT? Michelin doesn't offer anything in those types of treads.
Posted by GreenRockTiger
vortex to the whirlpool of despair
Member since Jun 2020
52962 posts
Posted on 2/2/25 at 11:59 am to
quote:

What if you need something in an AT/RT/MT?
it’s always difficult to find those for my minivan
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