I live in a moderately urban area (not like NYC, but sort of halfway between urban and suburban) where speed limits are 50 mph and below. I don't do too much highway driving. According to it's owner manual, my 2007 Ion 2 uses tire size 195 60 15. Has anyone had better experience with one tire brand over others? Thanks.

 

Toyo, Yokohama, even Roadlux. I buy exclusively online these days and the tires I've used from China, Thailand, Japan, Canada have always given good service with full knowledge that the cheapest tires are not going to give the highest mileage. As far as immunity from factory defects, I rarely worry about that these days. There are all sorts of tire regulations (still so far...haven't read about the NTSB relaxing them yet) that tend to keep bad tire manufacturers at bay.

 

Thank you, Jim! Much appreciated.

 

Just watch the tire ratings to ensure you get what you think you're getting. A 200 AB is a performance tire that you better not drive in rain.

An 800 AA sticks to the road try and wet. And drowns out any attempt to use your stereo system due to the road noise. But they last for 170,000 mi.

The above statements are exaggerations. Just pointing out that you probably want to consider that as part of your purchase criteria as it will affect somewhat the ride as well as telling you what to expect traction wise.

It's strange that the manufacturers assign some of the properties listed. Makes the whole thing non-universal but it is what it is. Their compounds are all slightly different.

 

That's GREAT information, Derf. Thank you! I'm now wondering what the rating on my current tires is; I've become very leery of driving on wet pavement for several years. The car seems to slide much too easily. Many thanks again.

 

It's printed on the sidewall with all the other information

 

You'll be looking at the 'Traction Rating' which as mentioned is usually molded on the sidewall. It's also printed on the sticker on the tire if you're looking at tires in a shop.

Traction rating scale

• AA: The highest traction rating, indicating the tire can stop in the shortest distance
• A: The second highest traction rating
• B: The third highest traction rating
• C: The lowest traction rating

 

Thanks again for the great info, guys!

 

I should have just posted this the first time. Read up. Has everything you need

UTQC Tire rating system

 

Thanks, Derf!