Tougher tires for 2003 Legacy Outback wagon

[H.W. Stockman]

I take my Outback on rough roads, with lots of large sharp rocks. I have a
differential protector plate. However, my real concern is that the tires
are not quite tough enough for this use -- I'm especially worried about side
damage, and wonder if one can get tougher tires for this car -- recognizing
that the limited wheel-well space also limits choices.

The car comes with P225/60R16 Bridgestone Potenzas. The right tire loses
pressure much more quickly than the others; I don't see obvious dings on the
rim, but there are some cm^2 areas where the black surface rubber (of the
sidewalls) has been abraded down to the brownish material underneath.

Are there any options for "tougher" (particularly sidewall) tires for this
car? I'd also like snow-rated tires, since I do travel on roads that are
occasionally snow-covered in winter (I live in Las Vegas, NV).

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

I take my Outback on rough roads, with lots of large sharp rocks. I have a
differential protector plate. However, my real concern is that the tires
are not quite tough enough for this use -- I'm especially worried about side
damage, and wonder if one can get tougher tires for this car -- recognizing
that the limited wheel-well space also limits choices.

The car comes with P225/60R16 Bridgestone Potenzas. The right tire loses
pressure much more quickly than the others; I don't see obvious dings on the
rim, but there are some cm^2 areas where the black surface rubber (of the
sidewalls) has been abraded down to the brownish material underneath.

Are there any options for "tougher" (particularly sidewall) tires for this
car? I'd also like snow-rated tires, since I do travel on roads that are
occasionally snow-covered in winter (I live in Las Vegas, NV).

Thanks.

I'd certainly not expect Bridgestone to tough it out. (Firestone !)

A Michelin tire for off road would be a possibility.

 

[H.W. Stockman]

Michelin makes only one tire to fit the wheels of that car:

http://www.michelinman.com/catalog/tires/MichelinEnergyMXV4Plus.html?source=ta

If I changes rims, I may get more options, but I don't know how to get into
that path...

 

[Bonehenge]

A Michelin tire for off road would be a possibility.

BF Goodrich makes outstanding offroad tires.

Can you find a T/A Radial KO in a size to fit your car? They have a
huge Jeep & 4x4 truck following.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Michelin makes only one tire to fit the wheels of that car:

http://www.michelinman.com/catalog/tires/MichelinEnergyMXV4Plus.html?source=ta

If I changes rims, I may get more options, but I don't know how to get into
that path...


have a

to investigate wheel/tire combos for your car check;
www.tirerack.com

I know there is a 'gravel spec' michelin available - but maybe not in
the states. try asking some of the Rallycross folks at www.nasioc.com or
just ask in the tire/wheel forum. There are also some off-road, rock
crawler type folks at www.usmb.net

Be careful about running with a low tire or different sized tires,
especially on pavement (offroad less critical). you might toast the
center diff.

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

[H.W. Stockman]

Michelin makes only one tire to fit the wheels of that car:

http://www.michelinman.com/catalog/tires/MichelinEnergyMXV4Plus.html?source=ta

If I changes rims, I may get more options, but I don't know how to get into
that path...

[...]
to investigate wheel/tire combos for your car check;
www.tirerack.com

I called tirerack today, after trying to navigate through the curious
website. I spelled out my problems specifically for the slae/tech person,
and he seemed to understand. Ultimately, he recommended either

Yokahama Geolander 35 or
Firestone Wilderness

.... as having somewhat beefier sidewalls, and retaining some snow
capability. I have yet to find the Y 35s on that site, at least for my car.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

H.W. Stockman wrote:


http://www.michelinman.com/catalog/tires/MichelinEnergyMXV4Plus.html?source=ta

into

have a

differential protector plate. However, my real concern is that the

[...]

to investigate wheel/tire combos for your car check;
www.tirerack.com

I called tirerack today, after trying to navigate through the curious
website. I spelled out my problems specifically for the slae/tech person,
and he seemed to understand. Ultimately, he recommended either

Yokahama Geolander 35 or
Firestone Wilderness

... as having somewhat beefier sidewalls, and retaining some snow
capability. I have yet to find the Y 35s on that site, at least for my car.

bottom of this page;
http://tinyurl.com/9lymc

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

 

[H.W. Stockman]

H.W. Stockman wrote: [...]
bottom of this page;
http://tinyurl.com/9lymc

Carl
1 Lucky Texan

Thanks! Now I understand the nomenclature...