Cheap tire dilemma

[RJolly87]

I have often said it before, and I will say it again, today, and forever. Here in New Mexico, the dryrot is so bad, it will claim a set of tires within 5 years.

My case is no exception.

5 years ago, I bought these tires (el cheapos), and put them on the Park Avenue:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Douglas-Xtra- ... T/36276795

Admittedly, they weren't the quietest of tires, but I have no regrets. They still have around 50% tread left, however dryrot has begun to claim them, and they look like they are starting to take a turn for the worse. My commute consists of 50% 65+mph interstate, however traffic has been known to demand more (sometimes MUCH more) on occasion. With winter coming in (such as it is), wet traction already being sketchy, and dryrot coming for me, it is unwise not to put tires on.

I have considered going for the exact same tires again as there was really nothing wrong with them, and they are cheap. I am not sure how much longer I will have this car around so a tire investment is a low priority. I do also see this tire however:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/16913806 The exact same tire, in a 215/65R15.

So, is it worth the extra $40 to go from a 205/70r15 to a 215/65r15? Any other dirt cheap tire suggestions?

[SuperHbody]

You get what you pay for. I can understand since your selling the car but how soon? If it's not within the year, why get rid of the tire as it sits right now?

[RJolly87]

I am not sure on the future just yet. The issue is that there is some serious cracking mid sidewall on the left front that is the main driver. I have considered having them rotated but I would be putting off the inevitable. Plus an E-Brake maneuver chewed up the RR more than I was hoping that it would a few months back.

Like I was saying before too, there isn't anything wrong with these tires listed, and I don't plan on getting the full service life out of this next set, but the next 1-2 years would be a reasonable guestimation. New tires also gives me better handling in adverse conditions over about 90% of the population around here. It's more preventative than anything.

[SuperHbody]

That's long enough that I'd recommend getting a quality tire man, don't scrape the barrel. Try asking around for Kelly Navigator Gold all seasons. Excellent, quiet and responsive. Paid $490 total for a set a few years back when I had my Impala.

[RJolly87]

While I am in no position to disagree with your viewpoint, I don't feel that the result justifies the means in this situation. I can't justify spending almost double what I could spend on tires on a car that has no front suspension left, with not much left of the rear. If anything, cheap tires are safer because it is less likely to try and swap ends when I slam the front bumper to the pavement stopping for the clueless wonder.

I don't mean to be difficult or anything, but I have my viewpoint locked on this one, but I do thank you for trying to keep me safe.

[haro1225]

Check out some used tire places, sometimes they have some really good matching sets.

[nos4blood70]

Craigslist found me a lot of used tire options, not half bad at all either.

[RJolly87]

Craigslist found me a lot of used tire options, not half bad at all either.

Fair point. Local craigslist was a complete strike out. The closest I would even consider is an hour away with about the same tread I already have, and that was the only set I could even find.

I don't have much confidence on the used tire shop front either. Most everyone around here fits a stereotype I would feel better off avoiding all together. That's not even counting how rare it seems that 15's are these days anymore.

[BonneMe]

I have often said it before, and I will say it again, today, and forever. Here in New Mexico, the dryrot is so bad, it will claim a set of tires within 5 years.

My case is no exception.

5 years ago, I bought these tires (el cheapos), and put them on the Park Avenue:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Douglas-Xtra- ... T/36276795

Buy cheap tires, get bad results... Not surprised?

Have you considered changing something? Maybe switch to using 303 Aerospace as a tire dressing to make them last longer? It's a UV protectant and actually conditions rubber, not just coats it with silicone like most tire dressings.

If you don't plan on keeping the car longer than a year or two, then go cheaper.

[spoiledred94]

Used JY tires. One of them may have what you're looking for. IDK but a tire store may have a set they have taken off.

[repinS]

If anything, cheap tires are safer because it is less likely to try and swap ends when I slam the front bumper to the pavement stopping for the clueless wonder.

I don't follow. How is a better tire with better traction and grip characteristics going to be more likely to have the ass end come around?

I would take the $40 and do a better 205/70/15 rather than a cheaper 215/65/15.

[J Wikoff]

Does Walmart's price include install? Looking at the link, it says $12 a tire. Will they charge the same if you bring a set of tires in? Tirerack has General RT's on closeout, $264 shipped after main-in rebate.

Or Tirebuyer will deliver a set of RT43's for $230 (after rebate) to a local installer. They list 27 around Las Cruces. Cheapest install shows at around $64.

I've been very happy with Generals. They usually have decent reviews, and are priced closer to the budget end of the spectrum.

[CMNTMXR57]

is the dry rot just cosmetic? Michelin uses a UV coating for example, that after age/mileage will show dry rot. However, it's not structural dry rot. It's just a cosmetic thing. So is this the same situation? Or is it structural dry rot?

A 215/65/15 will be 1.1% too fast vs. the original size. A 225/65/15 will be 0.8% too slow. A 235/60/15 will be 0.7% too fast.

I'm not much one for changing sizes, unless you're going for a certain "look" and/or performance increase in handling. Even though overall profile of the tires amongst all sizes I've mentioned haven't changed much (they're about the same in total heighth of profile), a wider tire with a lower profile will always result in ride quality penalties, which on a Buick Park Avenue, I wouldn't be willing to trade off.

I'm with Jerry, if you're willing to spend the additional $40/tire, I'd rather spend it on a better 205/70/15...

[xcbullet]

Sumitomo tires I got two 15 inch tires at belle pretty happy with. 215$ installed for 80,000 mile tire. This is what the manager but on his moms car, he thought was best deal. I kinda wanted the general tire too but they had to be ordered & he thought these where better.

[Arrowhead]

I don't even want to admit what four Mich. Pilot Sport AS/3 in 235/50/18 just set me back for a GXP ! They are a HUGE improvement over the Goodyear Eagle GTs that were on there before ! I always liked the commercial that said "a lot is riding on your tires".

[CMNTMXR57]

Michelins ARE expensive, but they also have one of the better warranties vs. other tires (which is where part of the cost is). Many are 80,000 mile tires.

[Arrowhead]

Yeah, but probably not these so much. They're kinda' soft/sticky with a Y speed rating and only a 45,000 mi. warranty. According to actual owners, 30,000 - 35,000 is about their actual useful lifespan. They DO hold the road well though ! There's currently a $70 off on 4 promotion that helped a little.

[RJolly87]

I wanted to go ahead and throw the final decision in here.

I opted for these:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Douglas-Xtra- ... T/36276793

P215/70r15's. They were actually $1/tire cheaper than the 205's, and by the time I was out the door, I had just barely cracked $300. In hindsight, I probably could have done a deal for entry level Goodyear at another shop and maybe have ended up in the same ballpark, but I jumped pretty quick on them.

I am not sure if it is the new tires talking, or the new size, but these do not feel like they are looking for an excuse to roll over on the sidewalls, compared to the old set which I couldn't stay off of, especially on those protected right turn and highway on ramps.

The bigger tires have no rub anywhere, and you really can't tell a difference in the looks, although some times the 205's did look small. You can never go wrong with more rubber on the road though.

[Keepin'her_going]

What's wrong with the Douglas brand tires? From what I understand, they are the cheapest American made tires. They last a good while, and are safe to drive on. They aren't the cheapest tires out there though, there are cheaper chinese made tires available. Now those I wouldn't put on my car, but many people roll douglas tires and are content, Myself included!

[Jrs3800]

I wanted to go ahead and throw the final decision in here.

I opted for these:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Douglas-Xtra- ... T/36276793

P215/70r15's. They were actually $1/tire cheaper than the 205's, and by the time I was out the door, I had just barely cracked $300. In hindsight, I probably could have done a deal for entry level Goodyear at another shop and maybe have ended up in the same ballpark, but I jumped pretty quick on them.

I am not sure if it is the new tires talking, or the new size, but these do not feel like they are looking for an excuse to roll over on the sidewalls, compared to the old set which I couldn't stay off of, especially on those protected right turn and highway on ramps.

The bigger tires have no rub anywhere, and you really can't tell a difference in the looks, although some times the 205's did look small. You can never go wrong with more rubber on the road though.

Makes that buick feel like a bit of a different car doesn't it?