I am disgusted with that limited tire options with our stock tire size. I have 37k on my car and the SP sport 5000's are already low on tread.

I wish to go with another tire option. I am going to get tires that are 215/55 R16, which is the closest to our stock size, yet has more tire options. The best overall tire I have found is the Hancook Ventus tire. It comes in H and V ratings. Does anyone have these installed on their xD?

Other tire options I have considered in this size are:
BFG Traction T/A
Yokohama Avid TRZ(T rated)

I don't drive my car hard at all. I want a tire with more longevity than the SP sport, along with a better ride. Any other suggestions?

 

Has anyone that has switched to 215 width tires from the stock 195 noticed a decrease in fuel economy? I don't know for sure, but I assume that a wider tire has more surface area, and the increased friction would negatively affect mpg's.

 

The wider width will negatively effect fuel economy and snow traction, though will obviously aid in dry handling. The Michelin Energy Saver in the stock size are a good option if you have the cash, or switching to 205/55R16 is another, as this is the stock size for a host of other vehicles.

 

Thanks for the response. I assumed it would negatively affect fuel economy. I would like to find out ~ how much. If it is <1mpg than I am ok with the change. If the difference is more significant then I am willing to spend more on a 195 series tire because the higher fuel economy will pay for the higher cost in the long run. I want my speedometer to be as accurate as possible as well so I will only consider the stock tire size and 215/55 R16, which is the next closest.

 

The 205/55R16 would be 1.369% too fast which means a car traveling 60mph would read 60.8mph. To me this is an acceptable difference, especially since it would mean you are actually going a bit slower than what the speedometer reads. The 215/55R16's are actually a bit larger than stock and would read 59.7mph.

 

235/50/16 is as close as you can get to the OEM tire size. But if you went that route you would have to use after market rims. What is the warranty on the Hankooks? I know the BFG's have a 70K mile warranty and are excellent tires.

 

There seems to be a much better selection/price in the 205/55/16 size. Plus, I want to increase the width of the tires contact patch as little as possible for snow traction purposes/fuel economy. If my speedometer reads faster than I am actually going that's fine with me.

Someone pointed out to me the idea of switching to a 15" rim. My biggest complaint about my xD is the way it rides. I realize I would be sacrificing some handling, but more tire sidewall to compensate for a smaller rim would help with how the car rides. Also, 15" tires are much cheaper. Has anyone done this? What tire size would I need?

 

I gots the ventus. 215 50 16 .. there not bad.

 

How are they in snow? I have read lots of reviews on this tire and it has high marks for wet/dry but snow is questionable. Are yours H or V rated?

 

Is the ride with the Ventus tire better, worse, or the same?

 

15 inch rims would do well with 195/65R15 tires (0.921% too fast) or 185/70R15 tires (almost a perfect match). The 185/70's would be a great size for a snow tire but your handling would be adversely effected on dry pavement. This wouldn't be very noticable unless you are into spirited driving.

 

havent checked but they are not that bad in snow. and they are better. Better comfort and looks than when ii had 205/45

 

Are your tires the Ventus V4, or the HR II?

 

HRII