Tire Question

[JohnBurns]

I am in the market for tires. Here is my problem:

I have a 2000 Lincoln LS V8, (Not Sports Package) with Firestone Firehawk 215/60R16 original equipment tires presently on the car. (94V Service Description)

I am wanting to go to a tire with a quieter, smoother ride and have found a Michelin tire - the X One with high ratings in everything. It comes in my size tire and would seem to be a proper replacement tire for me - except for the Service Description which is 94T.

It seems, according to Michelin, that the X One is speed rated only to 118 mph and the tire is "not suited for my car's suspension system". I am a 67year old driver who does NOT exceed the legal speed limit of 75 mph (on Oklahoma Turnpikes) and NEVER takes corners at high rates of speed. I do not race the car and am a pretty conservative driver.

My question - is there really a legimate reason for not putting the X-One on my Lincoln LS? Would there be any real hazards in view of the circumstances stated above? Seems like a man should be able to put a tire on his car which best suits his preferences - am I wrong?

I will appreciate and really consider any input provided. Thanks

[marzo7]

The X-Ones match the original tire's load rating, so I don't see any problems there. As long as you observe the X-One's speed rating, you shouldn't encounter any problems.

In the case of winter tires, people replace V and Z-rated OEM's with H and even Q-rated tires all the time. Handling suffers of course, but as long as you keep the speed down, there's no real danger.

[JohnBurns]

Thanks - appreciate your input. I assure you I do not drive 118 mph - or even near that speed.

[Cy@tirerack]

Ditto, keep in mind that when you first get the tires they may feel "mushy" compared to old tires so you want familarize how the new tires drive during the first week or so you use them.

[JohnBurns]

Thanx - appreciate your replies.