Another Snow Tire Question

[wa-loaf]

So the standard tire size for my Outback is 225/60R 16. Tire Rack has as an alternate size 215/60R 16, which is cool as slightly narrower is good for snows (they'd go on 16" steel rims). I also called around a little for quotes and was told if I want to go with 215's I should get 215/65R tires to keep the same height ratio.

Can any of you tell me what would be correct?

 

[Marc]

Well, 60% of 225 is 135, 65% of 215 is 139.75 and 60% of 215 is 129. So you'd be a little bit closer to the stock overall diameter at 215/65. But if you went with 215/60 your indicated speed will be slightly higher than your actual speed and your indicated mileage will be slightly higher than your actual mileage.

To be honest, I don't think the Outback really needs 215. With its ground clearance and AWD, you'd do just fine with 225.

 

[Geoff]

Google on "tire calculator".

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Says, "Speedometer reading with non-stock tires is 1.4% too slow. When your speedo reads 60 mph, you are actually traveling at 60.8 mph"

On most cars, the speedo reads a little low anyways so you are just fine going a little narrower. The tires are probably slightly cheaper. You float less on slush. The speedo difference is inconsequential.

 

[bvibert]

So the standard tire size for my Outback is 225/60R 16. Tire Rack has as an alternate size 215/60R 16, which is cool as slightly narrower is good for snows (they'd go on 16" steel rims). I also called around a little for quotes and was told if I want to go with 215's I should get 215/65R tires to keep the same height ratio.

Can any of you tell me what would be correct?

I wouldn't worry about it, buy which ever is cheaper.

 

[wa-loaf]

Yeah, I only went down this road because they didn't have one of the tires I was interested in at the stock size and noticed the 215's were a little cheaper.

 

[Puck it]

No a big of enough difference to worry about. Go with the cheaper ones.

 

[wa-loaf]

One more Question. Those of you who've got a mounted wheelset from TireRack, what's the usual going rate for putting them on the car and is an alignment always necessary?

 

[bvibert]

I have no idea what the going rate is, since I do it myself. An alignment should never be necessary when just changing tires. The only time I'd ever get an alignment is after changing suspension components that would affect the alignment.

 

[Sky]

One more Question. Those of you who've got a mounted wheelset from TireRack, what's the usual going rate for putting them on the car and is an alignment always necessary?

First off...I should keep my pie-hole shut. With that in mind. :>

No input on cost to have someone else do it.

Alignment...I'd recommend one if you haven't had one. It would be a shame to burn through nice new snows because of an alignment issue. As for "need"...I don't think so.

 

[Puck it]

I have no idea what the going rate is, since I do it myself. An alignment should never be necessary when just changing tires. The only time I'd ever get an alignment is after changing suspension components that would affect the alignment.

$25 per tire is the going rate thru Tirerack installers. Yes get an alignment if it has not been done in a while.

 

[bvibert]

Why get an alignment if it hasn't been done in a while? If a suspension component has worn out enough to affect the alignment then it should be replaced, then get the alignment.

 

[wa-loaf]

Last alignment was done in the Spring. Car tracks fine, no wobbles on the highway.

 

[billski]

$25 per tire is the going rate thru Tirerack installers. Yes get an alignment if it has not been done in a while.

Let me play with Puckit's comments to explain why I do it myself. I know you didn't ask....

It takes me one hour per car using the tire jack that comes with the car. I can also put the tire on when I want to. I'd probably be waiting around an hour to get the tires mounted.

I've got 3 cars to do now!

Remember, you'll have to take them off in the spring, so it's a $200 full season cost. I'll use that on lift tickets, gas, tolls.

If money is no object, go for it. I doubt you'll save any time, but you won't have grease and grit on your hands!

 

[Sky]

Why get an alignment if it hasn't been done in a while? If a suspension component has worn out enough to affect the alignment then it should be replaced, then get the alignment.

Pot holes, curb hits, unknown suspension wear. Don't know until it's checked.

 

[mondeo]

$25 per tire is the going rate thru Tirerack installers. Yes get an alignment if it has not been done in a while.

$25 per is closer to what I'm paying for mounting and balancing. $7 per corner for changing wheels.

 

[Puck it]

$25 per is closer to what I'm paying for mounting and balancing. $7 per corner for changing wheels.

Are they mounted all ready? I did not see that.

 

[Puck it]

Last alignment was done in the Spring. Car tracks fine, no wobbles on the highway.

Should be fine. Always get an alignment with new shoes if over a year. There are 2 or 3 adjustments per wheel.

 

[bvibert]

Are they mounted all ready? I did not see that.

Yes mounted already:

Those of you who've got a mounted wheelset from TireRack, what's the usual going rate for putting them on the car

 

[wa-loaf]

Prices aren't too far off, but I think TireRack is going to win this one. Wish I could just pick them up somewhere for the TireRack price and not pay the $80 shipping.

 

[WWF-VT]

I get my tires done at DirectTire in the Boston area. When you buy snow tires the mounting and balancing is included with the price of the tires. You also get no cost changeover.