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New Tires on 98 GT...

V

vicf23

New member
Hi all,

I recently purchased a 98 Grand Prix GT, and went to replace the 2 front tires today. However, the salesman had the wrong information and the tires that were installed at T rated (Sumitomo Touring LST). I brought this to his attention and he offered to replace them, but at that point I was already late for work. I went in with the intention of getting H-rated Falken ZE-329, but again I was told by the salesman (who seems real bright :th_confused:) that the tread wear on them is horrible and I could really only expect to see 40,000 miles.

Is there a big difference in the handling from an H to T tire? I've only driven about 2 miles on them since they were installed, but if that Falkens are good or there is another comparable H-rated tire I'll just go right back. I'd be willing to sacrifice some tread life for handling.

Thanks!
 


Thanks boosting, I called around to some other tire shops and apparently this is the only guy around who thinks these are bad tires. I'll be stopping back to get the Falkens put on in the morning.
 
vicf23 said:
Is there a big difference in the handling from an H to T tire? I've only driven about 2 miles on them since they were installed, but if that Falkens are good or there is another comparable H-rated tire I'll just go right back. I'd be willing to sacrifice some tread life for handling.
Click to expand...

The rating has nothing to do with handling. It's a speed rating. It tells you what the tires maximum sustained speed is so it doesn't overheat. Beyond that and you risk failure.

T rated is up to 118MPH sustained
H rated is up to 130MPH sustained
 
From what I understand the stiffer sidewall affects the handling of the car, a S tire would be a softer ride but less responsive than an H, but an H will have more noise and a harsher ride while providing better handling if the car is made for it.

Not planning on driving anywhere close to those speeds anytime soon heh.
 
vicf23 said:
From what I understand the stiffer sidewall affects the handling of the car, a S tire would be a softer ride but less responsive than an H, but an H will have more noise and a harsher ride while providing better handling if the car is made for it.

Not planning on driving anywhere close to those speeds anytime soon heh.
Click to expand...

Sidewall stiffness also has nothing to do with speed ratings. You're reading way too much into it. It only says what the max sustainable speed is for the tire. Certain tread patterns create more heat at higher speeds.

The other characteristics you're talking about come from rubber compound used, tread depth and pattern, side wall stiffness, and even tire size.
 


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