New Tires

[Frankenstipe]

So we just had our first big-ish rain of Winter here, and on my way to school I noticed I started hydroplaning a few times. I've hardly even put 20k miles on the stock tires, they look like they have enough tread left, did the penny test. Do the stock tires really suck that bad, or is there something else I'm missing? I was doing the speed limit, 65-70 mph, as opposed to my usual 5 over just to be a little safer.

Either way I'm not going to take any chances since I visit my sister up in Humboldt quite often and it always rains like hell up there, some snow and hail on occasion to. I was thinking of just getting some Yokohama AVID TRZ's in stock size to replace them but now I'm thinking it might not be a bad idea to get some 16" lightweight rims while I'm at it.

Another question I have is about tire sizes. I've been doing a lot of reading on the Tire Rack website about what the numbers mean and everything, but nothing really explains what is better in what scenario or what effect a higher/lower number has on the ability of the tire.

It's all still a little new to me so if anyone can post any useful info that'd be great.

[kyle@tirerack]

The TRZ tire has been well received from customers who have purchased in the past. Send me a message with contact info if you have any specific questions on wheels, tires, or sizes. Wheels

[Frankenstipe]

Well yeah I know that that's why I picked them.

My question was what effect does going with a wider tire (225mm) have on the car compared to a skinnier tire (195mm), same question for tire size (15",16"17" etc..).

I've done a lot of reading up on the subject but can't seem to figure either of the things out.

I've also decided to go with Yokohama AVID H4s (225/45/17) instead because I changed the wheels to Ace Mantas (17x7), cheaper, better looking, but heavier which is fine I guess.

Also the offset on these rims only comes in 35 and 48 for my cars bolt pattern, 5x100. I plan to eventually lower the car on springs, maybe coilovers, with anywhere from a 1.5-2.5 inch drop, would either of these offsets cause any problems with rubbing or suspension interference? The offset for my tires now is 42.

[kyle@tirerack]

The wider lower profile tire will improve dry handling and steering response. The narrower tires would be better for weather performance such as snow. Hard to say on the springs vs the wheel offsets....35 is pretty low and puts you closer to the fender while the 48 is on the high end. You may have to measure after wheels are installed to determine how much clearance is left.

[Frankenstipe]

I see, thanks for the info Kyle.

[TRAVISDTD]

Ultimately it won't matter what tire you have it you are driving too fast for the conditions. It is true that the narrower tire will do better in wet and packed snow conditions but even with an all season rated excellent for wet conditions has a failure point under a certain conditions. If you are looking to upgrade your tires the Yokohama TRZ's are a good choice if you are looking for life. They are a hard compound tire that will take you far. Very far before you need to replace them. Ups to that is of course life, downs to that is performance. A hard long lasting tire won't flex and hold the road as well as a slightly softer tire like say a Yokohama YK520. the TRZ will tend to slide around tight corners where the yk520 will hold better for you. Since you are driving a Corolla S I assume you use it. The YK520 might be a better tire for you to look at. As for size if you aren't upgrading your wheels look, at widest, 205.65/15 (again, sticking with the Original 195.65.15 will be better when the road is wet).

[Frankenstipe]

Good info, but I noticed that the YK520's actually have a slightly higher tread rating than the H4s, but the H4s have a slightly higher traction rating. They both cost about the same, but the one with slightly higher traction is slightly cheaper, kinda odd don't you think?

Either tire choice will fine for me I think, hell anything is better than Insignia's at this point. The only time I really go all out in my car is when I visit my sister in Nor Cal, there are several roads I can take to get there that are all very windy and fun. Other than I just drive normally because I live in a very flat part of the valley, so I was just looking for something that would last at least 50k miles and still have some good traction when I go round corners or get into a wet situation.

[TRAVISDTD]

H4's or 520's would both be a good choice for you, you will be happy with either one.

[Frankenstipe]

Yeah I figured as much, thanks for your help.

[yi5hedr3]

Stock tires DO suck! Get some Michelins!!!