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I replaced the original skinny looking Bridgestone H/L 33 tires with Continental Pure Contacts on my NX F Sport. My main reason for doing this is that even though they are the same size tire, (235/55/18) the Continentals have a 1.3 inch wider contact patch or tread width than the Bridgestones (7.3 vs. 8.6). The Continentals look much wider and cooler and give the vehicle a more sporty appearance. In addition, each tire weighs 5 pounds less than the OE Duelers reducing unsprung weight, they ride much smoother, quieter and the vehicle handles much better around corners. I highly recommend you make the switch.
I'm not sure what your H/L 300's are but mine came with the H/L 33s.
According to Tire Rack, the H/L 33s have a section width (bulge to bulge) of 9.6" and the PureContacts have a section width of 9.6" also.
This won't make the tires actually wider, but they may look wider to the eye...you WILL have more tire touching the road surface, for sure. Where this is good when cornering, keep in mind it will sacrifice MPG slightly.
The difference is subtle but if you park my NX to one with the Dueler 33 tires, you will definitely see that the Continentals are wider. I noticed the difference right away when the tire dealer put them on. It gives the vehicle a "beefier" look.
Ok, but as with most situations, when you go wider, and the sidewall does not become shorter, you now get sidewall roll and your handling has gone to crap...
Ok, but as with most situations, when you go wider, and the sidewall does not become shorter, you now get sidewall roll and your handling has gone to crap...
So, do you feel sidewall roll now?
Um, no. It handles much better...quieter too. No difference in fuel economy either.
09-21-15, 07:31 AM
Replaced OE Tires
