Goodyear Assurance TripleTred tire selection

[FalconEddy]

Hello.

I was told by a tire technician/store manager that they're only allowed to put on the same size tire (with the same speed rating) as recommended by the information in their automotive register manuals (IE: 'the book').

Although I attempted to explain the handling differences between the 'V' rated tire (currently on the vehicle), and the 'T' rated tire I want to purchase; he was completely unflexible to make the change.

I also wanted to go from the 215/60/16 factory tire to a 225/60/16 replacement tire. I thought he was going to have some type of seizure over this nearly insignificant change.

"You CAN'T do that!" he says. . ."The book clearly states. . ."

"If 'the book' doesn't say it, we can't do it!"

I then attempted to explain that the only differences in these tires were less than a 5/16" additional sidewall width and 5/16" additional tread width. The recommended rim sizes and tire rim width are identical. The ONLY reason for my requested change was because I could order this size online and have it shipped directly to them. The factory size was not listed online and would require having me drive to their location 40 minutes away so they could special order it. He was unwilling to take my credit card information over the phone.

Unfortunately, he just couldn't grasp the concept since 'the book' didn't tell him about it.

I'm an engineer and probably have an unfair advantage over this person in regards to basic engineering principles about tire size, aspect ratios, and how a given tire reacts in an inertia test or even under real world driving conditions; but, isn't he being a bit ridiculous???

Or, is there some new law (or rigid guidelines) I'm not aware of that dictate tires MUST be matched to the factory recommendations?

. . Falcon

[CapriRacer]

There are 2 aspects I think you forgot.

1) There are legal implications every time something "non-standard" is applied to a vehicle. The guy you were talking to was aware of these implications and no amount of technical information was going to change the his interpretation of that implication.

2) If you went to a store that is part of a chain, then it is probably company policy to "follow the book". Again, nothing is going to change "company policy".

Aside from the non-technical items, there are some good technical reasons to stick with the original tire size and speed rating.

a) You are guraranteed that the size will fit. There is some variation is the actual dimensions of tires and there is some possibility that going to a larger size may cause some rubbing problems.
b) Higher speed ratings give more "safety" - using less of a tire's capability is always good. (FYI, there are some situations where the actual speed capability of a tire is reduced well below the "published value".)

Hope this helps.

[Grant@Tirerack]

We are at a bit of a disadvantage not knowing what type of car you have. Having said that, if you car has a V rated tire on it from the factory, I too would pass on a sale of a T rated tire. There would be a significant loss of stability in emergency situations using that soft of a tire. Speed ratings have little if anything to do with how fast you are going to drive the car. They have everything to do with how the internal construction of the tire is matched to your vehicle and its suspension. A T rated tire is going to feel like marshmallows under your car. Steering response will be sluggish at best and there will be significantly more flexing in the sidewall of the T rated tires. That's not something I would want to be driving behind on the highway if a deer or another car veers out in front of your vehicle. The stability and safety of the vehicle will be greatly diminished. I think this is another case where the tire company may be doing too good of a job advertising a tire. The Assurance is a very nice tire but is not a tire that will work safely on every vehicle and in every size. That does not sound like a fitment we would sell either.

[FalconEddy]

Thank you for the feedback.

PS. The tires are for a 2004 Toyota Camry with VSC and TRAC traction control options, for a seasoned driver with non-aggressive driving habits.

Although the 'T' rating is normally a significant jump from the 'V' rating (in terms of general handling and emergency manuvering), many people can quickly become accustomed and easily adjust to the differences once they get behind the wheel.

Liability is most likely the reason, as opposed to an actual safety factor.

After all, the ratings can plummet many times from V to Q when people pull their summer tires and have winter tires installed. Especially here in New England.

But, I appreciate taking the time in giving me a second and third set of educated opinions and facts.

. . Falcon

[drdisque]

if you want the tires so bad, then buy them online, then take them somewhere to be mounted, most small places will do it.

[FalconEddy]

drdisque,

Thanks.

Actually, I brought the Camry to a local Goodyear service center, and had a conversation with the seasoned manager there.

Based on the type of car, the suspension, the VSC and TRAC control features, and the aspect ratio of the tires (60R), he had absolutely no issues with changing the factory 'V' rated tires to the TripleTred 'T' rated tires.

Plus, he matched the Discount Tire online pricing as well as the lifetime balance/rotation and road hazard pro-rated warranty, and we still got the $50 free gas card too!

It actually cost LESS than the big tire chain store that said 'No Way!'

The tires have had three days of testing through snow (about 4"), slush, ice, HEAVY water filled backroads and intertate highways (95, 93, 495), as well as emergency manuvering and braking procedures in snow, slush, and ice filled parking lots. Obviously, not the same as actual emergency conditions, but handling should be similar (with extra adrenaline unleashed by the 'startle' factor)

I really had to floor the accelerator on this V6 in order to get them to break and spin. Even though I could get the back end to break away in heavy slush, I couldn't get it to come all the way around (most likely due to the VSC).

We've only had really wet, snowy, and icy conditions here in New England; so driving on dry pavement should be a breeze.

. . Falcon