Make sure your `new' tire dates are a fresh match

John Mahler

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Q: You recently replied to a reader as follows: "Yes, the average life expectancy of tires in our part of the world is about five years plus or minus."

Why then do tire companies refuse to date match tires to ensure the freshest possible tires are installed on cars?

My friend had four "new" tires installed on his car but one turned out to be two years old. Green and Ross refused to exchange it for a newer one, saying the date on the tire was irrelevant because the warranty started when it was sold. A: There is no law that tire dates must match but a wise consumer should ask before the tires go on the car. Any reputable dealer should and will try to date match a set of tires.

I certainly do not agree that the one two-year-old tire mixed in with three new ones is acceptable. That shop should have changed it as a goodwill gesture.

As for stating that manufacturing date does not matter because the warranty starts at installation, that's baloney. Tire warranties are as close to useless as it gets. Warranties cover only defects in workmanship.

Generally a blown tire is too destroyed to make a conclusive judgment and uneven wear or lack of grip are considered the consumer's problem.

Q: I have a 2007 Mazda CX-7 GT with AWD and mistakenly assumed that with AWD, traction and stability control, and anti-lock brakes, I would not require winter tires.

I have found that when applying power in a corner the vehicle fishtails in slippery conditions, much like a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Tires in the OEM size of 235/60/18 aren't offered by many manufacturers and cost more than similarly sized tires.

Can I use a slightly different-sized tire that is more common and perhaps less expensive?

If I opt for winter rims, what is my best and least expensive combination of rim and tire size without adversely affecting safety and performance?

A: Yes, you need winter tires but it won't be cheap. Here's why: 18-inch tires are expensive, so the logical choice is to go down a size to P235/65R17.

In that size, an excellent winter tire choice would be the Gislaved Nordfrost 3 or the General Ultramax (these are actually the same tire). These cost about $169 each but you need a 17-inch wheel. They cost about $125 each, bringing the cost to $294 per corner.

Now comes the cruncher: your car is equipped with tire pressure monitors.

You will need to purchase another set for your 17-inch wheels. Cost of TPM units for Mazda are just slightly less than $100 each, bringing the cost up to $394 per corner.

If you stick to your OE size, you can choose from some good winter tires like the Yokohama I/T GO72 at $361, the Toyo Open Country G-02 plus at $365, or the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 at $370.

Q: Please tell me what winter tire you would recommend for a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. This vehicle comes with P215/55R16 tires.

A: The new Michelin X-Ice Xi2 would be a perfect match for your HHR. It is as good as it gets for winter tires.

In that size it is XL (extra load) so it also gives a little more weight capability to your vehicle. The X-Ice is a regular heavily siped winter tire.

The X-Ice Xi2 adds little holly tube cavities to allow water to get out from under the tread when the tire is on ice. The result is more ice grip.

Email tire questions to John Mahler at thetireguy_1@hotmail.com. Please include vehicle's make, model and year, tire brand and size, as well as your name, address and phone number. Volume of mail prevents us from answering all queries or providing personal replies.

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