Outback XT Tire Choice.

[GPP33]

So if you read my last post you know my factory units went out at 24k, having always owned trucks I'm somewhat new to the car tire world. I've done a bit of research and can't seem to find much substance on the manufactures websites. They all pretty much make every tire out there sound like the greatest thing since sliced bread. I know my best option is to go with a set for winter and a set for summer. I may end up doing that but would like to know what tires people have had good and bad experiences with. I'm looking for something that'll hold its own in the snow (I live in Co) while still giving me the dry weather responsiveness to actually enjoy my turbo in the hills.

 

So far I have checked out

Goodyear – So far the F1 All season looks the best

BFG

Yokohama

Pirelli

Michelin

 

Running the numbers it looks like a 235/50R17 and a 245/45R17 should also fit quite nicely. Anyone run either of these sizes on an OB of my vintage?

[PAezb]

So if you read my last post you know my factory units went out at 24k, having always owned trucks I'm somewhat new to the car tire world. I've done a bit of research and can't seem to find much substance on the manufactures websites. They all pretty much make every tire out there sound like the greatest thing since sliced bread. I know my best option is to go with a set for winter and a set for summer. I may end up doing that but would like to know what tires people have had good and bad experiences with. I'm looking for something that'll hold its own in the snow (I live in Co) while still giving me the dry weather responsiveness to actually enjoy my turbo in the hills.

 

So far I have checked out

Goodyear – So far the F1 All season looks the best

BFG

Yokohama

Pirelli

Michelin

 

Running the numbers it looks like a 235/50R17 and a 245/45R17 should also fit quite nicely. Anyone run either of these sizes on an OB of my vintage?

 

My stock Potenzas were replaced at 25K, just plain run down, and I did notice some rounding on the outside edges. Replaced with Yokohama's Avid H4S, and have been fairly happy with them for 18K. Not the greatest on new fallen snow or on ice, so if you looking for a good high performance that handles snow and ice well (does one really exist?) I'd look elsewhere or consider dedicated snows. I did have an alignment done by a dealer when I had them mounted and balanced and so far seem to be wearing evenly.

 

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=AVID+H4S

 

I would have considered the V4S, but like many of the high speed V-rated/soft rubber offerings, the tread life seemed dismal. My best guest-a-mite is I'll get 35-45K of good treadlife out of these. I would agree with the majority consensus of reviews on TireRack, but I will give a better account of these tires when I have gone though their entire life and have to be replaced.

 

BTW, in regards to your other thread on the alignment, I have the before/after alignment readout the dealer did on mine, but it is in my files in a storage locker which at the moment I can't get too. I'll post it when I can get to it, if you're interested.