Question about tires...

[HTWingNut]

My minivan has about 45k miles on it. I've rotated the tires regularly and the tires are actually still in pretty good shape. Well, except that I had a valve stem crack. I thought it'd be a $10 repair, well with the damn pressure sensor it cost me $50.

They quoted me ~ $650 for some Good Year all season radials. Well for one, I don't have the money yet for it, but my tires also aren't ready to be replaced... yet. However, I will probably want to consider it sometime this summer.

Just so I can keep an eye out for deals and sales, what are some decent tire brands and models to consider? I have a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. So I just want some all season general tire. Also, will I be able to move the pressure sensor from the one I just got replaced to the new tires when I buy them?

[Kuroi-Tsubasa]

This might be of interest.

[MidnightSun]

Also, will I be able to move the pressure sensor from the one I just got replaced to the new tires when I buy them?

Yes, with my dad's MDX, I believe they were able to do so.

[HTWingNut]

Thanks guys. All in all I think I've done pretty well getting 45000 miles out of factory tires. I just want something before this fall before the snow hits. If I can get 50000 miles I'll be happy. Not sure if rotating tires every other oil change really mattered though, or maybe they would have been toast after 30k? I dunno. Makes me wonder if it's worth the money or not.

[JOSEA]

I have an 05 forester - came with Yokohama - I replaced them last year with the same brand just for safety concerns (only had 25,000) and they appeard to have plenty of tread life left.
From this article (and a few others) http://forums.automotive.com/70/8232...res/index.html it seems you should at least apply a service pack for the stems.

[houstoned]

Thanks guys. All in all I think I've done pretty well getting 45000 miles out of factory tires. I just want something before this fall before the snow hits. If I can get 50000 miles I'll be happy. Not sure if rotating tires every other oil change really mattered though, or maybe they would have been toast after 30k? I dunno. Makes me wonder if it's worth the money or not.

just use the coin or penny test as a rule of thumb to know when your tread is getting too low.

what rotating your tires does is make sure all 4 of your tires have even tread wear. for example: if your front left wheel had a small camber issue, and u didn't rotate your tires. your front left wheel will have alot more tread wear in a certain area, depending on how off your alignment is. if u get your tires from a place like Discount Tire, u get free lifetime balancing and tire rotations.

as far as "best" tires...there's no such thing. just stick with a major brand and u'll be fine. screw OEM Michelins. they are completely overpriced crap. my tire of choice is: Toyo Proxes T1R

[Tsunade_Hime]

Toyo Proxes are nice, but they are $$$, I wouldn't put them on a minivan...my friend's 240 sports a pair, very nice came with his Cobra R wheels.

[visiom88]

Sorry to hijack the thread, but has anyone had an experience using tirerack.com? They seem to be competitively priced.

[Double 0]

Goodyear RS-A's.. best money could buy.. I have them on my SRX

[houstoned]

Toyo Proxes are nice, but they are $$$, I wouldn't put them on a minivan...my friend's 240 sports a pair, very nice came with his Cobra R wheels.

of course not for the minivan! lol. i only wrap my rims in Toyo T1R's now. they offer spectacular wet and dry performance, but the thing that i love the most is how quiet they are for a low profile tire. i have 20x11 inch rims in the back, so i have to run a 30-series tire.

Sorry to hijack the thread, but has anyone had an experience using tirerack.com? They seem to be competitively priced.

tirerack.com is one of the biggest tire sellers in the world. they even have alot of info on their site to help educate u on tires and stuff. definitely a great choice if u want to stick to a "big company".