SolaraGuy.com

I'm looking to buy 4 new tires for my 04 Solara SE. I am considering the Michelin Primacy MXV4 215/55R-17 94H RRBL, which has a speed rating of H. The current tires are V rated.

I was told by a guy (trying to sell me another brand, with a speed rating of V) that the lower H-rated tires will not handle as well as V-rated tires, and that they will wear more on the outside edges.

Is this sales talk or credible?

Thanks for your help.

You should base tire handling in terms of the different kinds of tires available, not based on speed ratings.


The original tires that came with my Solara were Bridgestone Potenza RE92 V rated tires, and the current ones I have are Goodyear Assurance Fuelmax H rated tires.

I noticed that the car's dry traction is better with the Potenzas but the Fuelmax did better in the wet traction.

The sales guy didn't include wet traction or dry traction when he said what he said to you.

You should check out the Falken Ziex 912 V rated, its wet traction is as good as its dry traction; plus they were very cheap from Sears (I bought a set of 4 for my brother's Accord at $240).

The Falken Ziex 912 V rated owned Goodyear Assurance Fuelmax H rated in wet and dry traction.

V rated tires generally have little stiffer sidewalls than H rated. Depending upon the tire, V rated will handle better, but H will have a slightly softer ride.