Date: Tue, 09 May 2006 19:50:10 -0400 From: Fred W <Malt_Houndnospamm-me-not*yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Minimum Tire Load Rating for 2004 9-3 Aero
Shane Almeida wrote: > It's time to replace my Pirelli PZero Rosso tires (225/45-R17 94W XL). > I'd like to get something cheaper and with a better tread-life. I don't > drive hard or even particularly fast, so I don't really need an > "ultra-high performance" tire. > > Tire Rack has a bunch of options in that size, but I'm wondering how much > the load rating matters. I've called three local tire shops: one said I > had to stay at 94 or above and the other two said it didn't matter much. > Tire Rack said to stay above 90 or 91 in order to protect the wheel. I > called Saab USA, got transferred to a local dealer, and the service > department had no clue about load ratings. I get the feeling no one > really knows what the load rating really means. > > Anyone out there know what the minimum recommended load rating for a 2004 > 9-3 Aero (17" wheels) is? Any recommendations for replacement tires? I > live in New England, but have dedicated winter tires and wheels. I'd > appreciate any suggestions. > > Thanks. Shane, Here's what I would (and will) do. Get a set of BFGoodrich g-Force Sports: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=g-Force+Sport&vehicleSearch=true&partnum=245ZR7GFSP&fromCompare1=yes&place=40 They are Z rated summer tires at very reasonable price and I have never yet heard a bad thing about them. The price is low enough (~$100 ea) that even though they may wear out like a z rated tire, you won't feel the pinch of the high buck models. YMMV, -- -Fred W
