Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Small Car recommendations...

You're signing your own death warrant if you mix / match tires and do any sort of rallying in that car. You want equal grip at all four corners. Sometimes you can get away with swapping out new rear's or fronts, but only if they are the same make / model. Don't mix Tom, and I don't care if anyone disagrees, they are full of crap.

As far as ambient temp, that applies to Z rated tires more than what you'll need for that Benz. When you get into Z tires, things get complicated, and down right expensive.

I have always liked Michelin tires, you might want to hop on over to Tirerack.com and see what is available in your tire size. Nito makes a very good tire at generally, a lower price point than Michelin. I'm beginning to think Goodyear has forgotten how to make a good tire.

Craig -

Yes, unfortunately, I have to go with run flats when I burn through the Nito's on the car now. Shouldn't be long at the rate I'm going.... 50 miles is better than nothing. It might just get me into cell phone range in nothing else. Plugging a tire on this car will be extremely challenging if it's on the car. There's no way to actually lift it to change a tire without a low profile floor jack. I have four inches of clearance in the front too. I do have a can of fix a flat in the car, but sure hope I never have to use it. The stuff is about impossible to get off the rim/tire and sensers.

Thanks, Craig. I appreciate the advice.

I'll probably just stick with the all-seasons, most likely the DWS.

I've already got mismatched tires - Michelin Pilots on the front and some kind of Toyo on the rear.

I'm not a very demanding driver most of the time, and the car is fun whether I'm pushing the envelope or not.

The fronts/rears obviously wear at different rates and are different sizes, so getting all four of them at the same time is only a temporary solution, especially if they stop making a particular model of tire. I'm not going to get too worked up about it.

Sorry, Mike - I was typing my reply to Craig and did not see your post.

I think I actually DO have to get Z rated tires.

I've always had good luck with Michelins, too. But they are spendy.

What are the tire sizes? And how much are you willing to spend for a set of four? Dicount Tire has pretty good prices. The sell Nitto too. The Nitto Invo is well regarded for all around performance in various conditions.

Hey Mike,

Thanks, buddy. I can use help here, obviously.

225/45-17 (Front)
245/40-17 (Rear)

Looks like I can get the Nitto Invos for a little less than the Continental DWS.

I'm less interested in "performance" than I am in:
- safety in wet/cool
- quiet
- durability

Based on the reviews, I am a little concerned that I'll wear the Nitto's out too quickly for my liking.

I used Toyo tires on my last pickup, excellent tire, I noticed a modest increase in economy from the Firestones they replaced.

Tom, I'd suggest the DWSs for your situation. TireRack prices both sizes at $134.

Hard to beat Tire Rack's pricing.

You done bought a Mercedes. The tires are going to be expensive! We've got a Volvo 850 Turbo that calls for Z rated tires. They're pricey... I have no brand advice for you, but personally I prefer to stick with brands I recognize: Bridgestone, Michelin, Pirelli. Had good luck with Pirelli P Zero Mud and Snow last time around. This time I had to buy cheapo tires in Oregon since there was snow and my FIL swore that our Pirellis were bald.

Personally, I don't really like Michelins. Always thought they were overpriced compared to most other brands, probably to support their racing program, and no better quality.