Why AWD has bigger tireson Sienna?

Hi

Having the Sienna for almost 2 months I have some questions:

(a) I realize that an AWD Sienna comes with a bigger tire/wheel size. Why?
Would id be adviseable to get bigger/wider tires for a none AWD Sienna LE?
If Yes/No why?

(b) Will the flat tire alert light go on with any wheel installed on a
Sienna with this feature? How does it KNOW?

(c) Should the brakes be pressed down while shifting from {P} to say {D} or
{R} and vs versa? Or is it OK to let feel the shift and shake into the gear
changing to?

(d) Is it true than Dunlob(sp?) isnt the best chosen tire for a car,
Michelen, Bridgton and ?? is much better?

(e) Is it worth to get an extended warranty for the car?

(f) How do I protect under carriage from rust etc.?

I have many more question regarding our new Sienna but dont feel bothering
you guys so much at a time. :)

with appreciation,
Erina

The tires on the AWD models are 225/60R17s vs. 215/65R16s on the
non-AWD models. Since the XLE limited comes with the 17s for both AWD
and non-AWD, I would say the 17s are more cosmetic (meaning they look
better) with the bigger rim size than provide much better function.
The 17 inch tires are slightly wider but I would bet the diameter is
almost identical. In reality, the 17 inch tires may handle a bit
better, but will also give a slightly harsher ride due to the thinner
sidewalls. They are also more expensive to replace. If I were you I
wouldn't worry a thing about having the 16-inch rims vs. the 17s.

Don't know for sure, but I would imagine the flat tire alert is not
dependent on the wheel.s used.

ALWAYS plant your foot on the brake when shifting into and out of Park,
and for that matter from R to D or vice versa.

The stock tires are probably not as good as quality aftermarket tires.
You will do well to get 30-40 thousand miles from them.

Extended warranty? NO, in my opinion, they are not worth it.

Protect the undercarriage by periodically spraying it with a hose,
especially if you are in a cold climate where they use salt on the
roads or if you drive in conditions to pick up a lot of dirt or sand in
the undercarriage.

"E M" <shamtire@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:fcCLe.531$286.288@trndny09...[color=blue]
> Hi
>
> Having the Sienna for almost 2 months I have some questions:
>
> (a) I realize that an AWD Sienna comes with a bigger tire/wheel size. Why?[/color]

Slightly better handling and better looking cosmetically.
[color=blue]
> Would id be adviseable to get bigger/wider tires for a none AWD Sienna LE?
> If Yes/No why?[/color]

No, because you will probably never take advantage of the added cornering
ability so it is probably not worth the added expense. If you routinely
take exit ramps at twice the speed limit or do 4 wheel drifts through turns
or plan to rob a bank in the Sienna, then you might appreciate the extra
corenering ability. Otherwise, I'd pass.
[color=blue]
>
> (b) Will the flat tire alert light go on with any wheel installed on a
> Sienna with this feature?[/color]

Probably.

How does it KNOW?

The anti-lock brakes have a speed sensor on each wheel. A flat tire will
rotate at a slightly different speed than the tires that are not flat. A
computer senses the different wheel speed and turns on a warning light.
[color=blue]
>
> (c) Should the brakes be pressed down while shifting from {P} to say {D}
> or {R} and vs versa?[/color]

Absolutely!

Or is it OK to let feel the shift and shake into the gear[color=blue]
> changing to?[/color]

It is only OK if you're willing to shorten the life of your transmission. A
friend of mine always changes from forward to reverse or vice versa while
the vehicle is rolling and has had transmission trouble in every vehicle he
has owned, including Toyotas, Dodge, & Ford. Shifting from forwrd to
reverse while the vehicle is rolling puts a lot of extra wear on internal
parts.[color=blue]
>
> (d) Is it true than Dunlob(sp?) isnt the best chosen tire for a car,[/color]

Not necessarily. Spelling id Dunlop.
[color=blue]
> Michelen, Bridgton and ?? is much better?[/color]

Not necessarily. Spelling is Michelin and Bridgstone.

A lot of people swear by certain brands of tires. While I worked for a car
company, I had 50 or 60 different company cars assigned to me for 12,000
miles each, plus another 100 or so different cars for much shorter periods.
Different tmodel tires within the same brand perform differently, i.e,
better dry traction, better wet traction, different ride comfort, different
amount of road noise, different tread life, etc. I have had bad luck with
Firestone tires, otherwise, all others would probably work fine on a van.
[color=blue]
>
> (e) Is it worth to get an extended warranty for the car?
>[/color]

For a non-Toyota extended service contract no because they often have many
loopholes to avoid paying for repairs. For a Toyota Extra Care, maybe.
Your choices are to purchase the extended service contract in case you
encounter a covered repair or put money you'd spend on the contract in a
separate savings account to spend if repairs come up. If no repairs are
needed, you still have your money. Even after 15 years in the car business,
I do not purchase extended service contracts on my vehicles.
[color=blue]
> (f) How do I protect under carriage from rust etc.?[/color]

Frequently spray with a hose or go to a car wash, especially in the winter.
[color=blue]
>
> I have many more question regarding our new Sienna but dont feel bothering
> you guys so much at a time. :)
>
> with appreciation,
> Erina
>[/color]

--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply

"E M" <shamtire@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:fcCLe.531$286.288@trndny09...[color=blue]
> Hi
>
> Having the Sienna for almost 2 months I have some questions:
>
> (a) I realize that an AWD Sienna comes with a bigger tire/wheel size. Why?
> Would id be adviseable to get bigger/wider tires for a none AWD Sienna LE?
> If Yes/No why?
>[/color]

Since AWD allows the vehicle to travel where there are obsticles that
"normal" cars don't see, the automakers put bigger tires on to give more
ground clearance. Logis says they might even put different suspension on
them to give more clearance so the tires will fit. Not all AWD vehicles get
larger tires or modified suspension, but it is typical that vans do.


[color=blue]
> (b) Will the flat tire alert light go on with any wheel installed on a
> Sienna with this feature? How does it KNOW?
>[/color]

The Flat Tire Alert senses the different rotational speed of the flat tire
vs. the tires that still have air, so Yes, the flat tire alert should still
work.

[color=blue]
> (c) Should the brakes be pressed down while shifting from {P} to say {D}
> or {R} and vs versa? Or is it OK to let feel the shift and shake into the
> gear changing to?
>[/color]

The Brake Pedal has to be held down to shift out of Park. This is a safety
feature that prevents the shift lever from being moved by a child. It is
best for your machine to not change the gears (direction of travel) until
the vehicle is at a full stop, but there is no requirement to press the
brake pedal to move the shifter, except as I already said to move the lever
out of P.


[color=blue]
> (d) Is it true than Dunlob(sp?) isnt the best chosen tire for a car,
> Michelen, Bridgton and ?? is much better?
>[/color]

You need to talk to the tire people about which tires suit you the best.
There is no need to replace the factory tires until they wear out, which
sho8uld be in about 30,000 miles.


[color=blue]
> (e) Is it worth to get an extended warranty for the car?
>[/color]

If you are not able or willing to do the service on your car, then you
should get the extended warranty.


[color=blue]
> (f) How do I protect under carriage from rust etc.?
>[/color]

The undercarriage is already protected by the materials they used in
building the car.

On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 08:41:03 -0700, "J Strickland"
<spam@nospam.net> wrote:
[color=blue]
>[color=green]
>> (e) Is it worth to get an extended warranty for the car?
>>[/color]
>
>If you are not able or willing to do the service on your car, then you
>should get the extended warranty.[/color]

Howdy,

Perhaps I am misinterpreting what you have written, but...

If I do not do the regular service, would I not void the
extended warranty?

All the best,
--
Kenneth

If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."

Kenneth <usenet@SPAMLESSsoleassociates.com> wrote:
[color=blue]
>On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 08:41:03 -0700, "J Strickland"
><spam@nospam.net> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>[color=darkred]
>>> (e) Is it worth to get an extended warranty for the car?
>>>[/color]
>>
>>If you are not able or willing to do the service on your car, then you
>>should get the extended warranty.[/color]
>
>Howdy,
>
>Perhaps I am misinterpreting what you have written, but...
>
>If I do not do the regular service, would I not void the
>extended warranty?
>
>All the best,[/color]

I'll bet Jeff meant 'repairs'
--

-Gord.
(use gordon in email)

"Kenneth" <usenet@SPAMLESSsoleassociates.com> wrote in message
news:lph1g151fj8fqbnfn0984iam87buvbqpj2@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 08:41:03 -0700, "J Strickland"
> <spam@nospam.net> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>[color=darkred]
>>> (e) Is it worth to get an extended warranty for the car?
>>>[/color]
>>
>>If you are not able or willing to do the service on your car, then you
>>should get the extended warranty.[/color]
>
> Howdy,
>
> Perhaps I am misinterpreting what you have written, but...
>
> If I do not do the regular service, would I not void the
> extended warranty?
>[/color]


Sorry, I should have said repairs, not service. Yes, if you do not get
regular service, you'll void the warranty. If you can do the repairs, then
the extended warranty is a waste. Frankly, if you are worried that you need
the extended warranty, you should think of a different car. I have never
owned a car that I was worried was going to fall apart.

On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 13:15:44 -0700, J Strickland wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> "Kenneth" <usenet@SPAMLESSsoleassociates.com> wrote in message
> news:lph1g151fj8fqbnfn0984iam87buvbqpj2@4ax.com...[color=green]
>> On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 08:41:03 -0700, "J Strickland"
>> <spam@nospam.net> wrote:
>>[color=darkred]
>>>
>>>> (e) Is it worth to get an extended warranty for the car?
>>>>
>>>
>>>If you are not able or willing to do the service on your car, then you
>>>should get the extended warranty.[/color]
>>
>> Howdy,
>>
>> Perhaps I am misinterpreting what you have written, but...
>>
>> If I do not do the regular service, would I not void the
>> extended warranty?
>>[/color]
>
>
> Sorry, I should have said repairs, not service. Yes, if you do not get
> regular service, you'll void the warranty. If you can do the repairs, then
> the extended warranty is a waste. Frankly, if you are worried that you need
> the extended warranty, you should think of a different car. I have never
> owned a car that I was worried was going to fall apart.[/color]


Hmmmm...never owned a Chrysler, eh?

On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 17:43:22 -0400, Kenneth wrote:
[color=blue]
> On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 13:15:44 -0700, "J Strickland"
> <spam@nospam.net> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>
>>"Kenneth" <usenet@SPAMLESSsoleassociates.com> wrote in message
>>news:lph1g151fj8fqbnfn0984iam87buvbqpj2@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>> On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 08:41:03 -0700, "J Strickland"
>>> <spam@nospam.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>> (e) Is it worth to get an extended warranty for the car?
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>If you are not able or willing to do the service on your car, then you
>>>>should get the extended warranty.
>>>
>>> Howdy,
>>>
>>> Perhaps I am misinterpreting what you have written, but...
>>>
>>> If I do not do the regular service, would I not void the
>>> extended warranty?
>>>[/color]
>>
>>
>>Sorry, I should have said repairs, not service. Yes, if you do not get
>>regular service, you'll void the warranty. If you can do the repairs, then
>>the extended warranty is a waste. Frankly, if you are worried that you need
>>the extended warranty, you should think of a different car. I have never
>>owned a car that I was worried was going to fall apart.
>>
>>
>>[/color]
> Hello again,
>
> I am not the OP, but I will mention my understanding that on
> most things, the "extended warranty" is the highest profit
> item available for sale.
>
> All the best,[/color]


Depends on the dealer. I made $250 per extended warranty, some dealers
made $600!!!

Kenneth <usenet@SPAMLESSsoleassociates.com> wrote:
snip[color=blue]
>I am not the OP, but I will mention my understanding that on
>most things, the "extended warranty" is the highest profit
>item available for sale.
>
>All the best,[/color]

Highest profit for whom Ken? (I'm serious)
--

-Gord.
(use gordon in email)

"Gord Beaman" <gord@islandtelecom.com> wrote in message
news:5hk2g1d42e4nmmu0qh9203l0lg1hktr9jb@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> Kenneth <usenet@SPAMLESSsoleassociates.com> wrote:
> snip[color=green]
>>I am not the OP, but I will mention my understanding that on
>>most things, the "extended warranty" is the highest profit
>>item available for sale.
>>
>>All the best,[/color]
>
> Highest profit for whom Ken? (I'm serious)
> --
>
> -Gord.
> (use gordon in email)[/color]

Hands raised...
I know, I know!
--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply

On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 02:42:13 GMT, Gord Beaman
<gord@islandtelecom.com> wrote:
[color=blue]
>Kenneth <usenet@SPAMLESSsoleassociates.com> wrote:
> snip[color=green]
>>I am not the OP, but I will mention my understanding that on
>>most things, the "extended warranty" is the highest profit
>>item available for sale.
>>
>>All the best,[/color]
>
>Highest profit for whom Ken? (I'm serious)[/color]

Hello again,

(No expert I, but...) I meant the dealer.

All the best,
--
Kenneth

If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."

"Kenneth" <usenet@SPAMLESSsoleassociates.com> wrote in message
news:fdh3g1l1gtf9lt4smjgvfs6t66hk7tooqk@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> On Tue, 16 Aug 2005 02:42:13 GMT, Gord Beaman
> <gord@islandtelecom.com> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>Kenneth <usenet@SPAMLESSsoleassociates.com> wrote:
>> snip[color=darkred]
>>>I am not the OP, but I will mention my understanding that on
>>>most things, the "extended warranty" is the highest profit
>>>item available for sale.
>>>
>>>All the best,[/color]
>>
>>Highest profit for whom Ken? (I'm serious)[/color]
>
> Hello again,
>
> (No expert I, but...) I meant the dealer.
>
> All the best,
> --
> Kenneth
>
> If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."[/color]

Whoever issues the extended service contract is the one who makes the
highest profit.
--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply

[color=blue]
>
> Whoever issues the extended service contract is the one who makes the
> highest profit.
> --[/color]

While I don't normally purchase extended warranties, I might for certain
purchases where I feel there is perceived potential benefit.

I have the AWD 2005 Sienna and chose to get the Toyota Extended 7/100
Premium Warranty. The AWD is a complicated piece of machinery, especially
where the ABS, VSC, AWD, front/rear A/C, etc. are concerned. However, I did
do my homework and got the Toyota warranty at (basically) cost (<$800) where
the selling dealer wanted >$1900. I tend to keep my vehicles until they have[color=blue]
>200K miles on them.[/color]

One member of the siennaclub.org forums is complaining right now because the
ABS went out on his pre-2004 model w/60K miles and toyota wants more than
$2000 to repair it (and of course it is out of warranty and he did not have
the extended warranty).

Later.

"Kenneth" <usenet@SPAMLESSsoleassociates.com> wrote in message
news:5232g115vm8ekmrl3b5cr0qmvirqsi0pli@4ax.com...[color=blue]
> On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 13:15:44 -0700, "J Strickland"
> <spam@nospam.net> wrote:
>[color=green]
>>
>>"Kenneth" <usenet@SPAMLESSsoleassociates.com> wrote in message
>>news:lph1g151fj8fqbnfn0984iam87buvbqpj2@4ax.com...[color=darkred]
>>> On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 08:41:03 -0700, "J Strickland"
>>> <spam@nospam.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>> (e) Is it worth to get an extended warranty for the car?
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>If you are not able or willing to do the service on your car, then you
>>>>should get the extended warranty.
>>>
>>> Howdy,
>>>
>>> Perhaps I am misinterpreting what you have written, but...
>>>
>>> If I do not do the regular service, would I not void the
>>> extended warranty?
>>>[/color]
>>
>>
>>Sorry, I should have said repairs, not service. Yes, if you do not get
>>regular service, you'll void the warranty. If you can do the repairs, then
>>the extended warranty is a waste. Frankly, if you are worried that you
>>need
>>the extended warranty, you should think of a different car. I have never
>>owned a car that I was worried was going to fall apart.
>>
>>
>>[/color]
> Hello again,
>
> I am not the OP, but I will mention my understanding that on
> most things, the "extended warranty" is the highest profit
> item available for sale.[/color]


Of course it is. They sell a hundred of these for a 1,000 bucks, then pay a
claim on one for 1500. That's huge money for nuthin, which is why I don't
buy them. I'll gamble that the 1500 repair won't come and save the 1000 in
case it does.