Hey folks, I’m a noob and I’m hoping someone can help me out. I need to get 2 tires for my 2006 TC and I’m a bit confused. I am running everything stock and my current tires are Yokohama 215/45Z R17’s. I started calling around to a few different tire stores today and when I tell them that the tires I have now are “Z’s”, everyone tells me they have nothing in stock and I’m going to have to pay over $200.00 per tire when they order them for me. From what I understand (I have pretty much zero mechanical knowledge), the “Z” rating refers to the speed the tire will handle. Well, I have no need for a high performance tire or anything special. When I asked if I could just get 4 new tires in a “lower” rating, I was told that I have to stick with the Z since that’s what the manufacturer put on the car.

I guess my questions are, are these guys giving me the business or are they being straight with me? Also, about how much should I be paying for 2 regular all season tires and what’s a good place in the Central MD area to get some decent tires?

I appreciate any help anyone can lend. I’m currently driving around with 1 spare and another tire a bit on the unsafe side so I’d like to get this taken care of ASAP.

Thanks in advance.
-Chris

 

just go to discount tire and tell them you need some new tires. you're looking for 215/45/17. I recommend the Kumho Ecsta ASX which are around 90 bucks a piece

 

I know you're in MD, but this place is great! discounttiredirect.com
You can also use that as guide when you call around local. Be aware that the prices will be higher than the internet prices posted.
Lastly, check out their "Info Center". It will answer a lot of questions you may have about tires.

 

So I don't need to worry about the "Z" speed rating at all then? I'll be OK running the 2 Z's on the front and 2 whatevers on the back?

Thanks for the response.

 

If you do have a Discount Tire or America's Tire in your neck of the woods, print out the tire you want and they will match the price on the 'net. I got my Kumhos that were $112 ea. at the store for $85 ea. because that's what they were on the 'net.

It is wise to run all 4 tires with the same speed rating. If you can afford 4 new tires, do it. Your tC will handle A LOT better with good tires.

 

Cool, the info you provided as well as the stuff on Discount Tire's site has been very useful. It looks like I should definitely stay with Z's. If I do that, I guess I can prolly get away with only buying 2, right?

 

erm... lets just say... if anything happens no one will be responsible but u.... and yes u wont have to get z rated tires but its suggested.... =) wait for sales... i got michelin z rated tires for 140 each on sale at costco =)

 

Yeah, I can dig that. I'm not trying to sacrifice safety in an effort to save a few bucks. I'm just trying to get the facts, and you guys have definitely provided me that.

I wish I could wait for a sale. As I said, I'm riding the donut now with the other tire in bad shape so I'm hoping to get this taken care of pretty quick.

I don't have a Discount Tire or America's tire around me, but someone else referred me to tirerack.com. Searching around that site, I'm sorta leaning towards the Goodyear Eagle ResponsEdge. Not sure yet though.

Thanks again.
-Chris

 

i have the same tires, you won't be dissapointed. they last forever

 

I just bought 2 Kumho Ecsta ASX's off of tirerack.com for $89.00 each. Looking forward to getting them..........


Thanks again for the input.

 

Kumho ftw!

 

i would also recommend not just getting 2 tires, but replacing them all...it'll probably cost u around 500 total with all the disposal fees and what not, but it's a lot better than having 2 new and 2 old tires...just my 2 cents

 

I know sometimes we all do not have money to replace all four tires at once sometimes. Depending on how your tires are now, if you can get away with replacing two then it's no problem. You can have two different brand tires on your car as long as they are on the same axel. You also should keep the same speed rating. Then once the other two wear out, you replace them with the same ones and your done. People do it all the time and there is not a problem with that. But if all four tires are trashed, I suggest you switch all four of them for your safety.

 

Thanks man, that's exactly what I was hoping. Since 2 of my existing tires still have a bunch of life in them, I'm only replacing the bad 2 for now. Hopefully my new Kumhos will arrive sometime today and I'll be all set.

Thanks again!
-Chris

 

Anytime.