Questions and Answers
Online Tire Buying
Q. Hi Vince, I have a question about tire replacement. I have a 1999 Ford Windstar van, with 37,000 miles. I want to replace the tires. I started with the governments web site, that has an excellent explanation about the national tire grading system, called the UTQG.
The UTQG code is comprised of three parts: Number indicating tread wear. The higher the number the better. Letter indicating traction A is best, B is second best, C worst. Letter indicating temperature resistance:again, A, B or C.
Then, I searched through a couple discount tire suppliers on the web.
I found one brand of tire come up high on rating, and low on price. The Yokohama AVID touring came up with a UTQG:620AB, for $49.00, + $7 shipping.
Other, more expensive models of Yokohama's have a lower UTQG grade, and other tire manufacturers with higher prices have lower grades.
Should I trust the UTQG rating on the tire as the best guide to purchase?
A second question. I can't find a Yokohama supplier in my area. But, the discount web site states they've contracted with local tire installers, and one is by me. So, if I buy these tires, they will send them to the installation house (which is a tire dealer), and the tire dealer will install the tires for $20 a piece. So, the full cost of the deal comes to $49 + $7 + $20 = $76 tire, fully installed, which is roughly $300.00.
Does this sound like a good option, to order the tires and have them delivered? Or, do you think shopping within my local area would work out better?
Thanks,
BobA. Well Bob, you have certainly done your homework. Yokohama makes a good tire and they have a good reputation in the industry.
The UTQG rating is very reliable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does this rating to help people make an informed decision because buying tires can be extremely confusing. Probably the most confusing thing you'll ever buy for your car. Must tire decisions are based on "My Dad used them for years" and "The guy down the street says they're good tires." Not a good way to base a decision.
The price that you found is very good. I called my supplier and that tire lists for $109.95 plus mounting and balancing. So with the extra $20.00 per tire it's a good deal.
It sounds like a good option to me, I would say go for it.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
