I am looking to purchase 4 new tires for my Toyota Matrix XR 4WD.
When I perform a search on Michelin's website, it indicates that my car requires "Luxury Performance Touring" tires. The tire recommended from that category is the Michelin Primacy MXV4.
I am not sure how this vehicle is considered a "Luxury Performance" vehicle. It is merely a hatchback version of the Corolla. I was thinking the Michelin HydroEdge would make more sense for this car but it is part of the "Passenger Car/Minivan" category.
I tried calling my local wholesaler that sells tires (Costco) and they also said this car needs "Luxury Performance" tires.
What is the difference between these categories and what does it mean to my car? My main concern is safety in all weather conditions, and then MPG would be an important factor. Also how long the tire lasts is important. Which tires should I choose?
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The original tires are P205/55R-16 89H. I do not have the original tires as I've already replaced them with Continental tires a while ago. I am now at 92,000 miles on the car.
Does what you said mean that I can fit the car with any tires that meet the size, and I should be more concerned with the specifications than the category? What would your recommendation be for this particular car?
The TireRack configurator is pretty reliable. Tire selection is based on preference: Handling, Comfort, Tread Life. A tire that's good in one category is not necessarily good for another. Luxury passenger tires are tall in sidewall height and bouncy...not great for handling. But, low sidewall height tires are stiff and responsive during cornering and braking. But, not comfortable. Also, soft treads handle better, but wear out faster.
Go through the suggestions at TireRack.com . I've actually used a tire shop that accepts deliveries from them. They ordered the tires that I wanted for the same price as my ordering directly. So, paid the "internet" price and the installer got their margin, plus installation costs. Good for both of us.
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by: aleghartPosted on 2008-08-15 at 17:55:50ID: 22242709
What size are the originals. OEM should be 205/55-16" or 215/50-17".
Go here for some more technical information about your tires:
http://www.tirerack.
Were these your original tires?:
http://www.tirerack
The "Luxury Performance" is not a technical description. You should be concerned with load per tire, weather conditions, speed rating. You'll see those specifications in the tire descriptions.
Employees at any big shop will read what's popping up on their screen. Technically, they won't have any idea what it means. They're only allowed to suggest what their company allows in order to reduce problems, complaints, liability, etc.