Which type of tires, Z rated or V rated?

[slvrbullet]

I need to buy 4 new tires. All 4 are shot and I need new ones. The tires I have are the original Good Year Eagle P245/50ZR16 (Z rated tires). I talked to a guy at a tire place and he insisted that I put on "V" rated tires instead of "Z" rated tires. He said that they handle the same, give the same performance, but the V rated is better for the snow and rain and will also wear for 40,000 miles instead of 25,000. The brand is BFGoodrich. What do you think of these tires before I go and buy them. I've heard that you should never go down in speed rating from what the manuafacturer gave you, but 2 places told me to go with the V rating since I'll never come close to driving the 189 MPH consistently that the Z rated are meant for. I need help and advice. Is there really not that much of a difference, or should I go with the Z rated tires?

[Unknown]

Z rated tires will be fine.

[slvrbullet]

Is it ok to put the V rated tires on instead of the Z rated?

[sgtrat]

Originally Posted by slvrbullet

Is it ok to put the V rated tires on instead of the Z rated?

I'm sure it is ok, but, like you, I've heard you shouldn't mount a lower speed rated tire from what the manufacturer installed. Basically, I think it's that our cars suspension is set up to be used with a certain performance level tire.

Personally, I'd look for a decent deal on some z-rated tires. I'm currently running Michellin Pilot Sports, but, I've had Toyo Proxies on inthe past as well. I think I got 30,000 out of the Toyos. Do some internet searches and look for tire deals. You can probably save money by buying the tires online, having them shipped to you and just paying a local gas station to mount them.

[zguy00]

if you want, look at tirerack.com for tires. they seem to be the cheapest and deliver right to your door. of course, someone has to put them on for ya, but i have used them for all 3 of my vehicles and they are great. i'm running kumos on mine, 245. but the deals are great. if anyone knows any other cheaper places, let me know.

[theCHEVYkid]

the speed rating shouldnt affect the cars handleing, if u dont plan on going rrreal fast then jst get the V rated cause ther are very few Z rated ones that r good in the snow plus it costs more to get Z rated tires mounted. I dont plan on driving my z in the snow but i wanted a tire that wouldnt land me in a ditch if i had too and i found these avon tech m550 a/s z rated tires w/ a AA traction off of tirerack.com wich had the highest snow traction for z rated tires and r pretty cheap @ $96ea and i love how they perform. ive had bfg's b4 and dont think too much of them really cept for ther DR's

[MasterZ]

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...996&vid=000324

This link maybe helpful, there are a few pages that explain the ratings on tires.

Also if you order online (which I recomend) make sure they dont have a store in your state. Then you dont have to pay taxes I prefer to use www.tires.com

[drews94z-28]

yeah www.tirerack.com is where i also get my tires from, they are helpful if you need any and have quick delivery time

[Xaphanz]

i think mine are W rated...might be Z rated..not too sure, but i know i won't be breaking 160mph and thats what they are rated to so i'm kewl with what i got. i tried out a set of the fusion zri which is made by firestone. prior to these tires i had on some pep boys no namers and i hated them. the fusions were inexpensive, but the quality is great. huge bang for the buck! i think i paid $440 after tax and mounting for all 4!! can't beat that with a bat! i bought them directly from firestone. i called up asking if they could mount them and told them i was ordering from online and he said he could try to match the price from tirerack or where and they did. it was sweet!

[SOMSS]

If your car came with Z rated tires, replace them with the same or better speed rating. You certainly can put a lower speed rated tire on your car but your insurance company will then have the right to deny claims based on inappropriate equiptment used on your car.

[Phantompooper]

The only time an insurance company would deny a claim based on the rating of your tires is when the use of said tires exceeded the manufacturer's specifications. If a V rated tire is hypothetically good from 120mph to 130mph, and an accident occcured at 130+mph, they could deny the claim. However, if an accident occured at 130+mph, that would actually constitute negligent driving and the claim would be denyed for that reason, not because of the tire rating.

[96blackz28]

i just bought a set og bfg g-force kdw i got all 4 for $500. but the resone i got them so cheap is i work for a tire company. got them for 118 they usaly cost 180. imputting them on tomarrow ill tell you home good i think they are.

[HMFDZ28]

BF goodrich KDW's are deff the tire to go for, just about the only way I can hook without runnin a drag radial. They also last alot longer then nitto's

[slvrbullet]

Thanks for the info. guys. I ordered the V rated tires. I called 6 different tire stores and 3 chevy dealerships and they all told me the same thing - The V rated tires are the way to go. They said they will wear a little more than twice as long, better for the rain and snow, and that Z rated is unnecessary unless you drive in Europe. So, the tires I ordered are BF goodrich KDW's 245/50VR16. I will post later to let you guys know how they are in relation to the original tires that the car came with.

[slvrbullet]

Phantom- I'm definitely ok insurance wise when talking about denying claims, right. That was a good point that was brought up that I didn't think about.