Tom Faust

I notice the Tire Rack gets $45-47 for Sumotomo 205-60-15. I also notice that Sears sells Sumotomo. When I was there the sales people were spiritually dead, so I didn't bother them about a price. Does anyone have a handle on it?

TPW

Are the tires' performance rating "V", "H", or "T"? I personally would not run less than an "H" on my quatro when I like to take higher speed corners.

Tom Faust

This is a "speed rating" which is the continuous speed that they are rated for "H" is about 130. Probably has little to do with cornering. That would be a tread design and stability issue.

SteveAngry

The Tirerack has the better prices initially on Sumitomo's. I've noticed that at work when we get all the new Sears inserts in. The price difference shrinks when you factor in the shipping from Tirerack. It may be best to just get them at your local Sears then...

I assume you are looking at the Sumi HTZ 2 OR HTR+? I've driven on the HTZ 2'S and they are great tires IMHO...

I put the HTR200's on my 5000S for the summer and I like them. A good quiet, stable, well wearing summer tire. Nothing fancy.

Steve
Michigan

AudiSport4000

Not sure if I should say anything in the "open" about it. Given that info, you should know what to do.

luvmyquattro

To the contrary... The "speed" rating has little to do with speed in this country, and everything to do with cornering/handling. The "speed" rating is based on the construction of the tires side wall. A stiffer side wall equals better handling and cornering.

To validate my point, I offer you the Chrysler Omni GLH Shelby Turbo of the late eighties. This vehicle came with V or Z rated tires, despite the top speed of the car was only in the 120-130 mph range. H rated tires would have been fine, right? Why the tires good for 150+? For the increased handling and cornering benefits.

Hope this clarifies the issue a little. Oh, sorry for the Dodge reference, but it was the first to come to mind. There have been several cars with over rated tires.

L8R
Rob