Jeff The Pianist

My 06 has about 30,000 miles on it. The stock tires look ok, but I'm just getting a head start by doing some research.

I've decided to go with the Yokohama's V4s. Now the dilemmas come...
1) Size: 215/50/17 or 225/50/17.
TireRack only offers the 215 while Discount/America's tire offers the 225. However, the 225/50/17 is 94V instead of the 215's 93V.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fin...d=008419&ar=50

After some research I found on Yoko's site that the 225/50/17 is offered in 94H, not V. Will the lower speed rating be a problem on my TSX?

http://www.yokohamatire.com/TireSizes.asp?TireID=48

2) Installation: Wal-Mart or America's Tire?
Wal-Mart: I would get the tires from Tire Rack (assuming I'm going with the 215s) and take them to Wal-Mart. I believe that Wal-Mart charges around $50 for installation and life-time balance. Total Cost: under $600.

America's Tire: Order the tires online (225s?) and install at their local shop with life-time rotation and balance. Total Cost: under $700.

Suggestions? Anyone ever experienced Wal-mart's tire service?

BackToStock

Wal-Marts prices are obviously going to be better. But, I dont know if i would trust Wal-Mart as much as I would trust a place that actually has 'Tire....' in their name. Its like getting a salad from mcdonalds, as compared to Souper Salad..you know it will be cheaper, but you wont get the quality. I would personally go with America's Tire.

My friend got his 19" Nismo rims installed at walmart (retailed for $2100 for rims and tires). And they did scratch one of the rims, denied it, then my friend had to show them the pictures he took of the rims...which were taken right when we brought them in to be installed, in their OWN garage..lol. they then 'guess' they did it, and replaced that wheel. I would steer away..but, thats just me.

TheMirror

Here's most of the info you need, in regards to load ratings and speed ratings.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=35

Don't worry about H vs. V unless you bang along above 130mph all day.

225 size will have a 1.5" greater circumference than a 215, probably not enough to notice during acceleration.

Cheers,
-Mirror

Simba91102

The 225's might be a bit wide for the OE 7" wheel. Plus, assuming you're stock height, the taller tire will give the car even more of the "4x4" look. I'd stick with the 215's, check Tire Rack's installer database for a local shop, and go that route. I'd assume having tire work done at Wal-Mart is luck of the draw; might get a good tech one day, sh*tbag the next.

LukeaTron

Where ever you end up going make sure you tell them not to use the impact wrench to put the lugs on. You want them to hand torque them with an actual torque wrench. Alloy wheels are very stiff and an impact wrench can cause rotor warpage as a result.

Personally, I'd be worth $100 to me to keep the, eh, fine gentlemen of WalMart away from my car.

Jeff The Pianist

hmm..who uses only hand torque? I always see them use those gun thing that spins at 800 million RPM! haha. From what I've seen, they always use the machine, and then they will use the torque wrench at the end.