High mileage tires or cheap tires?

[OilPatch197]

Which is more economical, investing in a set of four high milage tires, or the cheapest set you get get?


I drive mostly on paved road, with a 1/2 mile of gravel road, my Grandpa only drives on paved roads and almost got 100,000 miles out of his 1988 Uniroyal's.

So how hard is gravel on tires, and can I max out the life of the high milage tire? I would like to get 90,000 on a set w/ proper rotation.

It's a 1987 Ranger and I check my air pressure weekly.

 

[CJREX]

It's not just the miles, it's the driving experience.

I just put my first set of BFG All Terrains on and I'm always thinking my truck is broken because it's so quiet now.

Where my radio used to sit on a volume setting of 55-65, now I find it at 42. The truck also handles light years better.

If these tires last only as long as the cheapos I've run before, they're still worth the extra coin. (though I hear the BFGs can go 50k+)

Get GOOD tires. I know I will from now on.

 

[dranger21]

100,000 on one set of tires? i know ive heard of plenty of people get 80,000+ but i cant ever come close to that.. i usually get 35,000-45,000 before they are shot..rotate my tires every other oil change..i just wish i could get that kind of mileage

 

[metalmacguyver]

Quality tires, used. less than half price usually for tires at 90% tread.

 

[wahlstrom1]

^^Exactly^^ I have yet to buy a set of tires new, and I don't think I ever will. Check out site's like kijiji, or craigslist and find a good set of used tires there.

-andrew

 

[MikeInIdaho]

If you're thinking about getting used tires anyways, why not get some "new' used tires like the ones here: www.treadwright.com ? I've heard good things about them.

I agree that spending a little extra on good tires is well worth it in the long run.

 

[sbsumerix]

i bought my set of 235/75r 15 goodyear wrangler radials off ebay for $300 but i worked at a shop and was able to put them on for free. but like im not investing into good tires as i know even if there the longest lasting tire out there im still going to go hard on it and spin my tires half the time so i get the cheepos so i dont feel so bad about wasting half there life

 

[fastpakr]

Quality tires, used. less than half price usually for tires at 90% tread.

Another vote for used tires here. Been running them for maybe five years now on different vehicles. As long as you can takea look at what you're getting before they're mounted, it's a great way to go. I can usually get practically new tires mounted and balanced for around $125 a set.

 

[Shran]

Used, since you're on gravel you will tear up tires fast. Trust me I lived down a 3 mile gravel road for 18 years. A set of tires that is supposed to last 50k on paved roads will last 20k on gravel especially if the speed limit is fairly high.

 

[dburton07]

Shit, $73/ea for retread a/t's...I know where I'm buying my next set of tires....Hell I might even go with the MT's. What does ultra grip mean?

 

[wrecking-crew]

whatever you do do not EVER buy goodyear wrangler st tires(unless you just drive on highway where its always dry). they be the worst ever in wet weather or loose dirt but they are decent in mud somehow.

 

[MikeInIdaho]

"ultra grip II" is some kind of addition to the tread compound that increases traction off-road and on wet/slick surfaces. I think they use nut shells or some-such, I'm not 100% sure. I guess the little pieces "rise" up out of the tread as the tire wears and don't thrash the pavement like studs. Take a look on their website, there's a much better explanation there.

I'm contemplating selling my barely-used Firestone AT's and getting a set of the 235/75r15 Mud Terrains for next Winter.

 

[Psychopete]

I've used "used" tires for years, but I only drive in the city. Even had one go flat on me over night 3 days after they were mounted, the place replaced a bad valve stem for free. Can't beat $25 a pop w/ a warantee, sometimes less if you get the right tech on the right day. And like what others have said, some do actually have a lot of tread left, but some are not so good.

Pete

 

[OilPatch197]

100,000 on one set of tires? i know ive heard of plenty of people get 80,000+ but i cant ever come close to that.. i usually get 35,000-45,000 before they are shot..rotate my tires every other oil change..i just wish i could get that kind of mileage

Yep, with plenty of tread left! My Grandpa bought this car back in '88 it's a 1988 Oldsmobile with Uniroyal tiger paws.... My Grandpa goes golfing at several courses weekly.

It actually wasn't 100,000 miles, it was like 99,975. One tire went flat and the sidewalls was starting to crack... so they got replaced.

...and for you guys recomending USED tires, that is what my Dad used to do when we were broke, bought plenty of "ten dollar" tires from the shop, and they probably were very close to being worn out. I am weary of used tires, don't really like flats.

 

[wahlstrom1]

I don't mean used like worn out, just prevously owned. I bought my Krawlers 'used' with 20/32 tread depth....I bought my BFG AT's used with 90% tread. There's a lot of deals to be had out there, so ya just have to do a little searching.

-andrew