Tire confusion

[boarderyogi]

Hi,
I have a 2001 toyota sienna minivan. I'm getting some snow tires but the place I tried only have SUV snowtires that match my current tire size. Are SUV tires ok on minivans?
My minivan handbook says I can choose between the following sizes:

205 x 70 x15 (which is the size of the SUV tires they have and my current ones)

or

215 x 65 x 15 (which is the size of the none SUV tires I would have choosen)

Any advise would be most appreciated.

Mak

[MagicRat]

Ideally, a bit more information would be helpful. What is the exact specification for the SUV tire, and why is your tire shop calling it an SUV tire?

There is nothing specifically rated as an SUV tire. But there is a Light Truck tire, designated by the prefix LT, which are used on most SUV's. Chances are the "SUV tire" is actually a LT205/70R15.

Virtually all cars and most minivans use a "passenger" tire, designated with the prefix "P", such as P205/70R15. I expect this is what your Sienna uses.

A Light Truck (LT) tire tends to have somewhat more load carrying capacity (when inflated properly) and is more durable under rough conditions, than a Passenger tire.

But LT tires do this with a thicker, stronger 'carcass" or tire body. This means they are a bit less flexible. They provide a slightly rougher ride, and tend to run a bit hotter at high speeds. They might have slightly higher rolling resistance and get slightly worse fuel economy.

You can use an LT tire on your minivan. But overall, I would go to another tire shop and get a tire that is rated EXACTLY the same as your existing tire, or that which is recommended as proper replacement equipment by Toyota. Chances are this is a passenger snow tire, P205/70R15

[boarderyogi]

Thanks for the info.
Yeah the one's I have on the sienna at the moment do have the 'P' prefix.
It's walmart where I went for the tires. These are the tires:

http://www.walmartcanada.ca/details?...&assetId=59493

It does state under specifications that it is P/LT so this might mean that it should be ok for the minivan?

These are the ones I would have preferred:

http://www.walmartcanada.ca/details?...&assetId=59885

But i've just had look at the specs on this one and it says the same P/LT

[CapriRacer]

It is odd that the specifications listed in your links show "P/LT" for every tire on both lists - even though some of the sizes listed only come one way and not the other. Makes me believe whoever made up the list does not understand tire sizing.

The good news is that your sizes CAN NOT be LT type tires.

But relative to the "SUV" in the tire name. It is also odd that a 205/70R15 is using that name when most vehicles that use that size are passenger cars. I strongly suspect another case of someone not knowing the tire business very well.

Best guess: The "SUV" is a branding thing and has nothing to do with its suitability for a particular vehicle type.

[Scrapper]

remember to run air pressure that your car calls for not the pressure it sais on the tire. this is for wear and gas milage.

[jdmccright]

I suspect that the salesperson is trying to sell a truck (LT) tire under the guise that it is a more "winter-season" tire, since most do have a more aggessive tread. And because of their beefier construction, they cost more, too.

As mentioned, stick with the tire type recommended. A grest resource is Tire Rack's reviews, rankings, and tests. Very easy to compare tires for the type of driving and conditions you expect. I like to pick 2-3 models and then call around to compare prices (don't forget to include mounting, balancing, and other fees in the total price). Sometimes having Tire Rack deliver and install them at your favorite store is cheaper, sometimes not.

Hope this helps!

[boarderyogi]

Thanks for the help and advice guys, much appreciated

I'm going to go with it and get the 'SUV' ones from walmart. They are the right size for my wheels even if my vehicle isn't a SUV you've given me the peace of mind that I should be ok as they come under the 'P' class.

Thanks again!

[jdmccright]

One last bit of info...be aware that real snow tires (they are marked with a mountain/snowflake symbol on the sidewall) are meant for use in winter only. Their softer rubber will not last long when driven on dry pavement...one to two seasons max.

Thus, most people who opt for dedicated snow tires buy them in addition to an all-season or summer set of tires. Some will even buy a second set of rims to make swapping them out easy in the garage.

Just be forewarned before plopping down big bucks for tires that may not give you the life span you are expecting.