New Tires

[scoobytuff]

Has anyone else put new tires on their Caliber? What is your experience with getting away from the stock tires?

[escort0526]

Well, I just found your post and it's a couple of months old but I'll reply anyway.

The Firestone Affinity tires that were on my car completely quit holding the road at 43k. I hydroplaned in the rain, The braking distance increased on dry and generally they were crappy factory tires. I'd never go back to Firestone again after that experience.

I bought Michelin X-Ice tires since it was winter and I LOVE THOSE TIRES!! they hold the road in any condition. I have never been able to break them loose, and though the ride and sound quality weren't what I expected from a Michelin tire the sure-footedness they have, and the confidence they give me in bad conditions are worth the trade-off.

I have an appt next week to take off the X-Ices before it gets too hot and replace them with Michelin Hydroedge tires. If they perform as well I'll never buy anything else.

[scoobytuff]

I replaced my tires with with Nexus 215/55-17's. They are almost an inch shorter and nearly an inch wider. I paid $334 for a set of 4, which was about $200 less than the Firestone Affinity.

So far the Nexus tires are wearing great (which is good because I was kinda scared of a cheaper tire). To me, this is the tire that should have been put on the car (size wise), just because it looks more aggressive. It's not too short and the extra width helps tremendously. The slightly stiffer sidewall helps alot in the corners too. This is the first mod people who own Calibers should make.