Dear all,

This past weekend, some low life slashed one of my front tires.

I now have to reorder one, however, the one currently available is with the "W 97" speed rating. I currently run "V 97".

Dealer is insisting that I change both fronts, since this difference in speed rating will damage the AWD system.

I prefer avoiding the extra cost...is the dealer right? Or this really does not make a difference?

My current stats are: CTS 4 3.6, 700km (yes brand new so other tires are barely used) and i run the Michelins hx mxm4 on 18 rims.

Any fast input would be greatly appreciated.

Any input? Please before, I bow down to a unnecessary purchase?

That is a tough call. Normally, the difference in speed rating has to do with a the stiffness of the carcass - they are trying to minimize heat build up at high speeds. So, it's concievable that the tire could be slightly stiffer. I suspect it's not enough to be an issue, but that is the only thing I can think of.

Just curious - why can't you find one that is the same as what came on the car - what are they telling you?

Good luck!

Thanks a lot for your response!

Yeah basically its not "available"...I have tried website here in Europe and Switzerland where I live and they all carry only the "W" rating - which is higher that the "V" I have on the other 3 wheels....

If anyone knows if this would effect the AWD system and my balancing and etc, please let me know...

Thanks.

What ever you do dont use a lower speed rating than came on the vehicle. In your case the "V" is 149 mph & the "W" is 168 mph, just have them order the one tire in the "V" speed rating and save time & money. Your car is speed limited to 150mph and you dont need a 168 mph tire.

I agree "dont use a lower speed rating than came on the vehicle", however, the "W" rated tires should be less cheesy at over 100mph then the "V" rated tires but it will be harder little bit...

Guys thanks a lot for all your input...

But i think my question has been misunderstood...

Basically what i want to know is whether or not it would be possible to use a "W" rated tire along with 3 "V" rated tires. would this harm or create problems?

Guys thanks a lot for all your input...

But i think my question has been misunderstood...

Basically what i want to know is whether or not it would be possible to use a "W" rated tire along with 3 "V" rated tires. would this harm or create problems?

1st, You didnt give us the whole story, The fact you didnt tell us where you are located we assumed the OEM tire could be bought.
2nd, Like brakes,shocks you always replace them on the same axle, so no you must replace the two tires (save to good tire incase of a blow out or another knife job.

I mentioned on my third post in this thread that i live in switzerland, that was WAY before you kindly responded.

Ive had my car for 2 weeks...my tires are practically new as i originally mentioned...

My question AGAIN is not whether or not i should change both, rather is it OK to use a "W" rated tired instead of the "V" that my other 3 tires have.

I really dont know how to ask any more clearer.

I mentioned on my third post in this thread that i live in switzerland, that was WAY before you kindly responded.

Ive had my car for 2 weeks...my tires are practically new as i originally mentioned...

My question AGAIN is not whether or not i should change both, rather is it OK to use a "W" rated tired instead of the "V" that my other 3 tires have.

I really dont know how to ask any more clearer.

In the original post there was no location,sorry.
As for the tires,NO you must replace both tires that are the same on an axle. If you could get 1 OEM tire you could just replace it since its the exact replacement.

Thanks a lot for your response...

This is financially difficult for me to do...two tires would be 700 dollars for me...just too much a waste after all the money Ive spent on getting the car...its been only two weeks...what would be the consequence if i replace the tire with a "W" instead of changing them both to "W"?

You would want the rolling circumference of the two tires to be virtually identical to avoid excessive wear to the front differential and also steering issues but that should not be a problem to find a matching tire height. Does your insurance policy offer any help with this cost?

You would want the rolling circumference of the two tires to be virtually identical to avoid excessive wear to the front differential and also steering issues but that should not be a problem to find a matching tire height. Does your insurance policy offer any help with this cost?


Thanks! How can i find out the rolling circumference? Both tires are the same Michelin Hx MXM4 235/50/r18 except one tire is "97w" and the other 3 are "97v"

Thanks a lot for your response...

This is financially difficult for me to do...two tires would be 700 dollars for me...just too much a waste after all the money Ive spent on getting the car...its been only two weeks...what would be the consequence if i replace the tire with a "W" instead of changing them both to "W"?

Let me get this straight, you bought a premium luxury car that costs around $50K and cant afford $700 in tires?
Have you tried the dealership? they may have info on a tire of at least can order just one. Since they sell parts the tire would be available to them.

Not only can i afford another 50k car, this is my 4th car in my garage in addition to the other 3 100k + cars i own. I bought the CTS just for the looks. I usually dont talk like this but you asked so I answered.

Moving on:

I dont want to pay for two new tires when the ones already on the car have less that 700kms on them, that is like 300-400 miles...

And no i am not stingy.

The first place I went to was the dealer and "V" rated tires are not available here (SWITZERLAND/FRANCE) at least at the moment. Ive checked online tire shops local shops and etc. Maybe its not even available in Europe as a whole given that no one has said they have it-instead they all have "w".

I just prefer changing one tire instead of two. Dealer made a whole story about how this would harm the car and etc. I'm just making sure that its not a big deal as the dealer said it would be.

Ive been reading up about tires and v rated goes up to 149mph while W goes up to 169...not a big difference in my book...could much different could the difference be? but thats just me talking without much knowledge...Hence my posting of this thread.

Thanks! How can i find out the rolling circumference? Both tires are the same Michelin Hx MXM4 235/50/r18 except one tire is "97w" and the other 3 are "97v"

You can find the details on Michelin's website: http://www.michelinman.com/tires/luxury-performance-touring/pilot-mxm4/04049/

and look under tire details/info on the various models.

Good luck!

hmm seems one has more revolutions per a mile @ 45mph...

I guess this is what the dealer is referring to...

An update on this issue, I finally managed to find the same model Michelin however they were ZP (Run flats).

I changed both front to this tire.

I shouldn't be expecting any problems as discussed here correct?

I wouldn't expect any problem with the run flats. Of course I don't think you would have had any problem mixing the W and Y tires either.