Mike_TX

My '06 TL has the Michelin Pilot HX MXM4's, and oddly enough so does my wife's '06 Caddy STS.

So I'm putting tire dressing on both cars today and I notice that my tires have a lip that sticks out just above the rim. I like these lips because of course they help protect against accidental curb rash.

But my wife's MXM4's DON'T have this lip!

Now, the tires are slightly different sizes (hers - 255/45-17 V and mine 235/45-17 W), so I'm guessing the load rating must be the difference. Or maybe Acura just specified a lip on the OEM's they sourced for the TL.

Any ideas on this? I'm just curious!

XjoEnX

iTrader: (2)

your tire size (255) is much wider than a 235 sized tire. that explains the extra lip protection you're talking about

frenchnew

Michelin like many other tire manufacturers will make tire to car manufacurers requirements.

I had this explained to me several years ago by their technical sales representative in Canada after I complained about how bad their tires were in the rain on a Ford Crown Vic with Michelin XGT tires. The rep told me that they had about 15 different variation of that tire to meet the car manufacurers requirements.

So if you judge a particular tire that came with the car, do not bet heavily that you will get the same results when you buy the same brand and model from a Tire Dealer.

Best regards

frenchnew

Mike_TX

Thanks, French. I had read something along these lines somewhere, but it continues to surprise me.