Michelin Defenders for '12 3.8 Tech

[rminor]

I had an Azera several years ago that I installed Michelin Hydrocurves on. Great tires and very long lasting. They no longer make them so I was looking at the Defenders, rated tops on CR. Closest size to my 235R50/18 is 225R55/18. Any problem with that? My Energy Saver tires have a load limit of 1463lb, dia of 27.3". Defender load limit 1653lb, dia 27.8"

 

[Mark_888]

I had an Azera several years ago that I installed Michelin Hydrocurves on. Great tires and very long lasting. They no longer make them so I was looking at the Defenders, rated tops on CR. Closest size to my 235R50/18 is 225R55/18. Any problem with that? My Energy Saver tires have a load limit of 1463lb, dia of 27.3". Defender load limit 1653lb, dia 27.8"

I would NOT switch tire size or aspect ratio. How about the Primacy MXM4 instead? I would recommend Costco or Discount Tire as places to get them. Costco requires a membership.

Right now, Costco is offering $70 off a set of four Bridgestone tires. The offer expires 08/30/2015. Usually they rotate the discounts between Bridgestone and Michelin, so the Michelins may go on sale at Costco starting Sept 1 (but not sure).

To get the best reviews on tires, try www.tirerack.com. Forget about Consumer Reports unless you need a washer, dryer, or fridge.

 

[zielritter]

I switched tire size and aspect ratios a few years back to get a lower profile tire on the 18" wheel when I had a '12 V6. I discussed with Tire Rack beforehand and they said I would be fine as long as I kept all 4 tires at 35psi. Currently running 235/45R18's without issue. Initially 225/55R17's were installed on the V6.

 

[Mark_888]

I switched tire size and aspect ratios a few years back to get a lower profile tire on the 18" wheel when I had a '12 V6. I discussed with Tire Rack beforehand and they said I would be fine as long as I kept all 4 tires at 35psi. Currently running 235/45R18's without issue. Initially 225/55R17's were installed on the V6.

You went form higher profile to lower profile tires, and it looks like you increased wheel size. OP wants to got from lower profile to higher profile with same size wheel.

 

[zielritter]

You went form higher profile to lower profile tires, and it looks like you increased wheel size. OP wants to got from lower profile to higher profile with same size wheel.

Ah, ok. I didn't know if your concern was the aesthetics or safety. Yeah, you might have clearance issues and not to mention it would most likely look a bit odd.

 

[Mark_888]

Ah, ok. I didn't know if your concern was the aesthetics or safety. Yeah, you might have clearance issues and not to mention it would most likely look a bit odd.

He may be able to keep same tire diameter with less tread width, but that will mean less handling grip. If someone really wanted less tread width, that may be OK, but I think he can find a Michelin tire (or some other tire) that will be same as OEM size.

 

[zielritter]

He may be able to keep same tire diameter with less tread width, but that will mean less handling grip. If someone really wanted less tread width, that may be OK, but I think he can find a Michelin tire (or some other tire) that will be same as OEM size.

The 225's are not ideal on a car this large. I had grip issues with mine especially during the winter. I think 235 is the narrowest this car should have.