Upgrading tires to something larger?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: WA
Upgrading tires to something larger?
I don't have the Michelins, I have the Bridgestone's. They really have been quite fine for me.
I have the PVD chrome wheels en route...
My question is... Anyone put on something larger than a 265/60? What fits/clears on the stock rim?
Not looking for anything crazy, and would still like to preserve the quiet ride. Maybe a 275/65? A little wider, a little taller?
Ideas?
I have the PVD chrome wheels en route...
My question is... Anyone put on something larger than a 265/60? What fits/clears on the stock rim?
Not looking for anything crazy, and would still like to preserve the quiet ride. Maybe a 275/65? A little wider, a little taller?
Ideas?
I don't have the Michelins, I have the Bridgestone's. They really have been quite fine for me.
I have the PVD chrome wheels en route...
My question is... Anyone put on something larger than a 265/60? What fits/clears on the stock rim?
Not looking for anything crazy, and would still like to preserve the quiet ride. Maybe a 275/65? A little wider, a little taller?
Ideas?
I have the PVD chrome wheels en route...
My question is... Anyone put on something larger than a 265/60? What fits/clears on the stock rim?
Not looking for anything crazy, and would still like to preserve the quiet ride. Maybe a 275/65? A little wider, a little taller?
Ideas?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: WA
I got the PVD chrome wheels in today. man, they are SWEET!
I also decided to change the tires out... I went with a Toyo Open Country A/T. It's ALOT beefier of a tire. 285/60/18.
It's about an inch taller, and an inch wider. definitely a more aggressive tread.
Clearance isn't an issue. I put the suspension on low, and turned the wheels both directions - had at least 1-2 inches of additional clearance all the way around.
I have 30 days to try them out. I'm going to evaluate any additional road noise as well as mileage change. I drive a fairly normal route every day, and I know what I have been getting.
But - These definitely feel more 'sure footed'. Won't be an issue in the snow, mud, dirt, etc -- where I do actually use the GX 4wd systems.
I also decided to change the tires out... I went with a Toyo Open Country A/T. It's ALOT beefier of a tire. 285/60/18.
It's about an inch taller, and an inch wider. definitely a more aggressive tread.
Clearance isn't an issue. I put the suspension on low, and turned the wheels both directions - had at least 1-2 inches of additional clearance all the way around.
I have 30 days to try them out. I'm going to evaluate any additional road noise as well as mileage change. I drive a fairly normal route every day, and I know what I have been getting.
But - These definitely feel more 'sure footed'. Won't be an issue in the snow, mud, dirt, etc -- where I do actually use the GX 4wd systems.
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 452
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From: NC
Can you post a pic?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: WA
Will post up some pics when it's light out (probably tomorrow sometime.)
No need to adjust alignment. It's tracking appropriately, and the change per tire is actually less than an inch (according to specs of each tire online). I've been doing wheels and tires on my vehicles for 20 years, and with such a small change, an alignment would not help me much. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'll risk it.
But, the look has changed significantly. I'm quite pleased as long as I don't get highway howling and a significant drop in gas mileage.
No need to adjust alignment. It's tracking appropriately, and the change per tire is actually less than an inch (according to specs of each tire online). I've been doing wheels and tires on my vehicles for 20 years, and with such a small change, an alignment would not help me much. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'll risk it.
But, the look has changed significantly. I'm quite pleased as long as I don't get highway howling and a significant drop in gas mileage.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 28
From: Utah
Will post up some pics when it's light out (probably tomorrow sometime.)
No need to adjust alignment. It's tracking appropriately, and the change per tire is actually less than an inch (according to specs of each tire online). I've been doing wheels and tires on my vehicles for 20 years, and with such a small change, an alignment would not help me much. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'll risk it.
But, the look has changed significantly. I'm quite pleased as long as I don't get highway howling and a significant drop in gas mileage.
No need to adjust alignment. It's tracking appropriately, and the change per tire is actually less than an inch (according to specs of each tire online). I've been doing wheels and tires on my vehicles for 20 years, and with such a small change, an alignment would not help me much. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'll risk it.
But, the look has changed significantly. I'm quite pleased as long as I don't get highway howling and a significant drop in gas mileage.
Koz
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Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 85
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From: WA
so what is your point?
My tires are 13 pounds heavier, so I'm going to lose 30% of my mileage?
I average about 17-18 right now. I'll give back .5 if need be.
My tires are 13 pounds heavier, so I'm going to lose 30% of my mileage?
I average about 17-18 right now. I'll give back .5 if need be.
Last edited by JsGX460; Oct 26, 2010 at 09:57 PM.
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Moderator
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Utah
so what is your point?
My tires are 13 pounds heavier, so I'm going to lose 30% of my mileage?
I average about 17-18 right now. I'll give back .5 if need be.
I don't know about you - but it won't break the bank. You don't buy a 65k SUV if you worry about that. c'mon man.
The stock bridgestone's won't handle what I need them to. They'll suck in the snow. They'll be less than great when I am 'off pavement'.
I went bigger because the stockers look small. I get form and function. At a cost of .5 mpg? I'll take it. It won't hurt my wallet that much. if it hurts any of yours, you should go back to the Kia Sportage.
My tires are 13 pounds heavier, so I'm going to lose 30% of my mileage?
I average about 17-18 right now. I'll give back .5 if need be.
I don't know about you - but it won't break the bank. You don't buy a 65k SUV if you worry about that. c'mon man.
The stock bridgestone's won't handle what I need them to. They'll suck in the snow. They'll be less than great when I am 'off pavement'.
I went bigger because the stockers look small. I get form and function. At a cost of .5 mpg? I'll take it. It won't hurt my wallet that much. if it hurts any of yours, you should go back to the Kia Sportage.
Koz
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Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: WA
Yeah, I thought I took your comment a little too seriously - which is why I edited my response. Thanks for quoting it though.
If it's any consolation - I still feel that if people who buy a 65k car are worried about a .5-1mpg impact in going to a larger wheel for city driving (I expect highway mileage to increase) -- then the Kia Sportage is a great car for the worry wort to consider.
If it's any consolation - I still feel that if people who buy a 65k car are worried about a .5-1mpg impact in going to a larger wheel for city driving (I expect highway mileage to increase) -- then the Kia Sportage is a great car for the worry wort to consider.
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From: Utah
There are only a few A/T tires that are decent in the snow (Revo2 and Wrangler SA). There is not allot of info on the Toyo. They may not be any better than the HPs that you took off. You have to remember the Toyos are a low mileage tire (they do not have a treadwear warranty) and traction will fall off pretty quick (probably last as long as the HPs). I would think you will get 30K useable miles out of them.
Koz
Koz
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From: WA
Put 40 miles on during the morning commute. A mix of highway and city driving.
The ride... definitely a bit heavier, but it seems to help that 'surge' feel if you aren't sure footed on the brakes.
Roads were wet, so obviously some added friction there.
There isn't much additional road noise compared to the other tires. A bit, but not enough to worry about.
Gas mileage didn't increase. Slight decrease as expected for the route I took and traffic.
And of course, pictures.
The ride... definitely a bit heavier, but it seems to help that 'surge' feel if you aren't sure footed on the brakes.
Roads were wet, so obviously some added friction there.
There isn't much additional road noise compared to the other tires. A bit, but not enough to worry about.
Gas mileage didn't increase. Slight decrease as expected for the route I took and traffic.
And of course, pictures.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 85
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From: WA
Here's a better picture that shows the added width and how much this tire fills in the wheel well.
After about 100 miles of driving, I'm showing about 17-17.1 mpg. more city than highway. I feel like I would have gotten about 17.8-18 with the previous tires. So yes, there is an impact.
Good news, I listed the bridgestones on Craigslist for 250 bucks... sold in 12 hours. Did I not ask enough?
After about 100 miles of driving, I'm showing about 17-17.1 mpg. more city than highway. I feel like I would have gotten about 17.8-18 with the previous tires. So yes, there is an impact.
Good news, I listed the bridgestones on Craigslist for 250 bucks... sold in 12 hours. Did I not ask enough?