I own a 98 Forester S, which is in need of new tires. I'm considering the Michelin Hydro Edge 215/60R16 which will replace the original Yokohama tires of the same size. The only concern that I have is that the Michelin tires have a T speed rating which is step down from the original H rating of the Yokohamas which were installed on the Forester when new. My question is whether the lower speed rated tires will create a problem? Two tire shops say that it won't be a problem but a third won't install a lower speed rated tire.

I am aware of the fact that the 98 Subaru model L came with 205/70R15 tires with an S speed rating and I'm not aware that the suspension on the two models differed. I would appreciate your opinion.

 

Dave

I own a 98 Forester S, which is in need of new tires. I'm considering the Michelin Hydro Edge 215/60R16 which will replace the original Yokohama tires of the same size. The only concern that I have is that the Michelin tires have a T speed rating which is step down from the original H rating of the Yokohamas which were installed on the Forester when new. My question is whether the lower speed rated tires will create a problem? Two tire shops say that it won't be a problem but a third won't install a lower speed rated tire.

I am aware of the fact that the 98 Subaru model L came with 205/70R15 tires with an S speed rating and I'm not aware that the suspension on the two models differed. I would appreciate your opinion.

 

Dave

Do you plan on driving over 118 mph?

 

N 87 mph 140 km/h Temporary Spare Tires

P 93 mph 150 km/h

Q 99 mph 160 km/h Studless & Studdable Winter Tires

R 106 mph 170 km/h H.D. Light Truck Tires

S 112 mph 180 km/h Family Sedans & Vans

T 118 mph 190 km/h Family Sedans & Vans

U 124 mph 200 km/h

H 130 mph 210 km/h Sport Sedans & Coupes

V 149 mph 240 km/h Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars

No I don't think so.... however, as I understand it, the speed rating isn't just for maximum speed. It also has a lot to do with the handling of the car due to the flex of the sidewall of the tire. This can have a bearing on the overall handling of the car, and potentially loss of control under severe driving conditions. But, I don't think of the Forester as being a high performance car. Higher speed rated tires are normally associated with the performance cars.

 

 

Do you plan on driving over 118 mph?

 

N 87 mph 140 km/h Temporary Spare Tires

P 93 mph 150 km/h

Q 99 mph 160 km/h Studless & Studdable Winter Tires

R 106 mph 170 km/h H.D. Light Truck Tires

S 112 mph 180 km/h Family Sedans & Vans

T 118 mph 190 km/h Family Sedans & Vans

U 124 mph 200 km/h

H 130 mph 210 km/h Sport Sedans & Coupes

V 149 mph 240 km/h Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars

I own a 98 Forester S, which is in need of new tires. I'm considering the Michelin Hydro Edge 215/60R16 which will replace the original Yokohama tires of the same size. The only concern that I have is that the Michelin tires have a T speed rating which is step down from the original H rating of the Yokohamas which were installed on the Forester when new. My question is whether the lower speed rated tires will create a problem? Two tire shops say that it won't be a problem but a third won't install a lower speed rated tire.

I am aware of the fact that the 98 Subaru model L came with 205/70R15 tires with an S speed rating and I'm not aware that the suspension on the two models differed. I would appreciate your opinion.

 

Dave

 

Check out this thread:

 

 

Forester Tires

 

~Howard

Dave, you're only a Google search away from more technical information on tires than you could ever want. Do a few minutes research, and see for yourself. BTW, "speed rating" means just what it says, nothing more, nothing less.