Date: Tue, 28 Dec 1999 12:41:07 -0800 From: "John R. Weiss" <jrweissnopsamet*nospam*.com> Subject: Re: V rated tires really necessary ?
You're comparing apples and oranges (and peaches) here! First, an "M rated" tire is likely an all-season "Mud & Snow" rated tire. It could have an S, T, H, or any other speed rating (though likely not a V rating). Trying to compare an all-season tire to a performance tire is not a fair comparison. You already noted that the V-rated tire would not work well in snow... Second, you can buy some tires in an H or V speed rating in the same brand, model, and series. That is where one would be able to do a legitimate comparison between the performance of the H- and V-rated tire with all other things being equal (though, admittedly, it would be expensive). I suspect there would be much less difference than you think. In fact, it is possible the H-rated tire would perform better on wet roads or in other conditions due to the different tread compound. Third, aspect ratio has as much influence on cornering ability as the tread. If you went from a 50- to a 60-series or 60- to a 65-series, V-rated tire, you would notice a distinct performance difference despite the identical speed rating. Finally, there may be a distinct performance difference between 2 V-rated tires by different manufacturers, or in 2 different series by the same manufacturer. The speed rating is not a performance/handling rating -- it is only an indication of the tire's resistance to tread separation at high speeds. ----------------- John Weiss Seattle, WA remove *nospam* from e-mail address for reply B <Bnopsamm> wrote in message news:848h67$9uh$2nopsam.pconline.com... > I own a 1996 CSE and recently purchased Michelin's MXV+ (M-rated) as > recommended by my friends at the SAAB service department in my town. My > reasons are similar to yours. Those darned V-rated tires cost a fortune!! > Also, I live in a snow prone climate 6 months out of the year and with the > V's the snow might just as well be grease! I have snow tires, but find it > burdensome and expensive to be switching back and forth twice a year. > > My point is this: I find my M-rated tires to perform adequately, but I can > definitely tell they are not V-rated tires. I miss the excellent performance > of the V's (cornering, stability, road grip). If I had the chance to do it > all over again, I'd buy the V's. > > I made the same decision you probably will by going with a less expensive, > yet longer lasting tire, and sacrifice the optimum performance capabilities > our SAAB's are truly designed for. > > Are they really necessary?? NO, but beware that when you're in the midst of > a split-second maneuvering decision, you'll thank those V-rated tires. > > Brian
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