fanbanlo

05' TSX comes preloaded with Michelin MXM4 P215/50R17/XL 93V

There are some good tires, same size (P215/50R17), but without XL rating, or rated H (one speed rating lower than V).

Are they fine? Or should I skip them?

• Felkin ZIEX ZE-915: 215/50R17 91V (no XL)
• Kumo Ecsta LX Platinum KU27 215/50R17 91W (no XL)

fanbanlo

Some H-rated tires...

• General Altimax HP (H-rated, no XL)
• Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S (H-rated, no XL)

curls

Going without the XL is fine as long as you are sure to maintain your tire pressures at or slightly above the recommended PSI. Try 34F/32R.

I'd be careful of combining that with a lower speed rating, as the speed rating is basically a heat-tolerance rating, and with more load on an SL tire (than an XL), + higher speeds, there's a greater chance for a blowout on a tire rated standard load AND a speed rating below V.

For handling and safety purposes I'd try as best as possible to stick with a V-rated tire, preferrably XL. That being said, I run General Exclaim UHP's in standard load, but they're ZR speed rated. No problems to speak of. I think they now come in a 215/50-ZR17, XL. Check them out, they're great 3-season tires.