I am in the hunt for new set of all-season, preferably low resistance tires for my 2001. I live near New York City where ice and snow are common.
I value a quiet ride and precise handling but am not overly worried about treadwear since annual mileage amounts to single digits a year.
The car has 16 inch wheels and has Pirelli P6000s on it now but the previous owner let them wear unevenly and I hear a whoop-whoop at speeds like 30 mph which I dearly want to eliminate.
I have recommendations for P6 all-weather plus, Michelin Primacy MXV4s but am interested in the view of Jag owners.
What tires do you like for these conditions? What speed rating for this size of car is best? I realize all weather tires present tradeoffs in wet/dry handling.
All thoughts welcome.
Thank you.

Len

Submitted by vogelbp@gmail.com on Tue, 09/27/2011 - 09:42

Len,

I agree with Steven that you are not one who needs Z-rated tires. Let's face it, for the way most people drive these cars Z-rated tires are not necessary. It used to be that speed rating was the only way you could "kinda" judge load rating, but now that load ratings are separated out that's not necessary. If you're driving in the U.S. and obey the speed limits (or even if you don't, but aren't driving for long periods well above 100 MPH) virtually any speed rating will do. I like to have a load rating of 95 or above for an XJ.

I have Kumho Solus KR21s on my 1999 XJ8L and love them. They are generally good in light snow and slush, but don't do well with deep, wet snow [we've had a couple of freak storms here in VA with sudden deep, wet snow, so I know this from experience]. I have yet to get stuck when driving with these tires, but I have had an occasion or two where I had to back down a very snowy grade and make a second shot at taking a run up that grade. When roads have been plowed and/or treated I've never had winter weather driving difficulty at all.

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Sun, 09/18/2011 - 12:33

Hi Len,

In general I think you will be happier with S, T, or H rated tires. You are not one who really needs Z rated. For years I have been a fan of the Bridgestone Turansa line of tires. I have them on an all-wheel drive Volvo, they are the winter tires for my XJR and I had a set on a prior '93 XJ6. Love the way they ride, wear and get around in the winter slush. Bridgesone has moved on from the tire model I have, but the Turanza Serenity is the current tire I would use if I ever replace those I have. These are rated quite highly by users, just behind the Michelin Primacy MXV4's. So, I think either one would work well for you.

Cheers,