Posted by Chris L on October 03, 1998 at 00:04:24:
In Reply to: Van tire upgrade- is wider better? posted by Mark on September 30, 1998 at 20:18:01:
Hmm, first I've never heard of that tire size, are you sure you have it right? If so here's what would probably occur. If the correct size rim is used the handling will be improved for dry weather only, in wet conditions a wider tire is actually worse. As far as softening the ride, this will only occur if you have sidewall rollover and this will be due to too small of a rim being used and would diminish any improvement in handling you would normally see with this tire. The tires won't wear any quicker, but remember the fullsize vans are very hard on tires, as well as front suspension components. Have them rotated and balanced every 5,000 miles. This should prevent cupping which I see daily on big vans. Driving conditions will not become a burden at all for you, but they may for your power steering pump it has to turn a heavier tire, and also more of a contact patch on the road creates more friction. ABS should not be a problem, as the loaded tire diameter should remain the same if the size you mentioned is accurate. Additionally Uniroyal tires are nothing to write home about, there are many better brands for the same price. Sorry about the book, but you had alot of questions.