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Discussion: Choosing tires > V-RATED TIRES

From:Marvin_Shabus
To:All
Nov-7

1 of 7

I have '08 Lexus ES350 with O.E. M. Michelin Energy S-8 215/55/17 that are shot at 17,000. I can get a much better tire Michelin Primacy etc. in an H rated. I never drive in snow & spend most of year in Florida. Do I have to replace with V? Also never drive over 70 MPH as I am a senior citizen

2 of 7

My personal opinion (eg, not that of CR), go for it. The difference between H and V rated tires is not that great. As you can see from their recent tire testing, many quality H rated tires (like the Michelin Primacy MXV4) would hang right up there with many of the good V rated tires. Both H and V rated tires score an "A" for temperature, which is one of the key differences between those speed ratings and lower ones (such as S and T).

The only snag you may run across is some tire stores will not install tires with a lower speed rating than what came with the car. Some will; you may have to do your homework to find one. If you already have one scouted out, and they'll do the install for you, I'd be all over it. With most driving, an H rating is plenty of insurance against tire failure (again, only in my personal opinion).

3 of 7

I have the original option of going with the PRIMACY 215/55/17 H-RATED or should I go up to the

PRIMACY MXV4 VR V-rated

225/55R17 PRIMACY MXV4
will I be gaining in handling or losing or should I jiust stay with the H? Need to order them before the $70 promotion
ends on 11-15

From:David_Lim
To:Marvin_Shabus
Nov-9

4 of 7

With bigger size tires, you're going to get slower acceleration, just a little bit. With wider size tires, there might be a small loss in steering feel. But, the differences should be very small since you're going only from 215 to 225.

Personally, I don't think you're going to find much difference between the H and V, just like what Jason said. But, that is NOT the CR or the official position of manufacturers. It is quite common to see same car coming in with different speed rating of one increment.