Optional Tire Question

What am I gaining, or losing, by switching to the optional tire(225 50
17) from the standard (205 55 17) on my Sonata? I can get a better
deal on the options. And would it be crazy to have two standard and 2
options on the car? Just wondering. Thanks.

 

JR, I think the standard size is 215 55 17 on the newer Sonata's. I
have a 2006 with the 225 50 17's which was standard for that year and
plan on going to the higher profile the next time I need new tires.
It's my understanding that Hyundai went to the higher profile to try
to get a smoother ride.

 

215 55 17 is the standard tire on my 07. My understanding is that
there might be a slight variation in RPM and/or MPH readings if I go
with the optionals. However, I wonder if there is any real difference
in performance, handling,etc.,? Maybe smoother ride with the 215/55
17? I did notice that some highly rated tires are not offered in the
both sizes.

 

You're going to get a wider track with better dry traction and
cornering capabilities. Perhaps less traction in deep water or snow.
Diameter and circumference are close enough to the same to be
inconsequential, so I doubt you'd have an issue with one size on the
front and the other on the rear. Worst case scenario, the TCS system
thinks there's a problem with the wheel speed senors, turning on the
error lamp and turning off the TCS and ABS. Considering the
difference is 0.1%, I cannot readily imagine this would happen.

 

..
Seems like you would want to be very careful when rotating the different
size tires to just switch them side to side and not front to back...?

 

So you put the larger on the left or the right side?

I think you mean you keep the same size on the same axle. If you swap both
front to back is OK, but don't mix on either axle.

 

..
Yes, that's what I meant - thanks!

 

Thanks for the info.
Now a tire question. Michelin Energy MXVS S8 are the original tires.
However, I haven't read many good reviews about them (expensive and
significant wear by 30-40K). Although I have reservations regarding
Sam's Club, they have a good deal on Michilen Primacy MXVS tires.
According to them, it is one of their "Best Sellers." Reviews, from
several sources, seem favorable too. Any suggestions or comments would
be appreciated. B.T.W. we live in Minnesota and average 10K yearly,
but driving in deep snow and/or ice would not be a paramount concern.
Average traction would be fine.

 

Now a tire question. Michelin Energy MXVS S8 are the original tires.
However, I haven't read many good reviews about them (expensive and
significant wear by 30-40K). Although I have reservations regarding
Sam's Club, they have a good deal on Michilen Primacy MXVS tires.
According to them, it is one of their "Best Sellers." Reviews, from
several sources, seem favorable too.

If Sam's has a good deal, I'd not hesitate. My original Michelin lasted 45K
on the front, at 61k on the rear they will probably last another 40k, maybe
more.

 

The Primacy is Michelin's replacement for the Energy, which they no
longer manufacture. It hasn't been around long enough for me to get a
good idea about wear. Tread pattern is similar but not exactly the
same. My suspicion is that wear will be similar. If you think the
originals are wearing too soon, you may wish to investigate a tire
with a better treadwear rating. As far as purchasing at Sam's Club,
probably the worst thing that will happen is that the wheels may not
get balanced correctly if the installer isn't properly trained or
competent. Haven't seen the equipment or personnel, so I don't have
much reason to believe it'll be any different than your typical tire
store.