Tire advice needed

[LA dreamer]

One of my tires has a slow leak. I took it to a tire shop today and they told me it has a hole in it that is unrepairable. The bottom line is that I need one new tire and am not sure what to get. Should I try to find the same exact kind that came with the car (Dunlop P195/50 R 16 83V M+S Sport 5000m) or try to find another/cheaper alternative? I called around the tire shops today and they said the tire was back ordered, so they suggested other alternatives (a Goodyear MCT3 and a Pirelli model I don't remember). My car only has 7,200 miles on it so I don't need a whole new set yet, plus I am bummed that this happened so soon. Any suggestions?

 

[alexlitov]

LA dreamer,

yes you need another identical tire (Dunlop P195/50 R 16 83V M+S Sport 5000m). You can't just use another brand tire. Your car will spin out if you have 3 of the same tieres and one is different.

You can thou replace 2 tiers. Say put the new once on the back and keep the original on the front.

Hope this helps
Alex.

 

[LA dreamer]

It helps a little, but where do I find that exact kind of tire (sooner rather than later) if it is back ordered? Does anyone have one they could sell me? Anyone in the Los Angeles area have an extra or know a place that has them in stock?

I'm not keen on getting TWO new tires, but I will if I have too. I don't want to spin out and die.

 

[alexlitov]

try calling all the tire stores in your area. I bet someone will be able to order one for you. I had the same problem with my nissan, but it took me only a few hours to locate the tire and thena day to get it. Also don't drive over 55 on your donut if you are using one.

 

[Jim Frye]

Any suggestions?

This may be heresy, but does your dealer have any? Jim

 

[LA dreamer]

My local dealer has held me back with a long arm on this one. I've taken the car in and even called them on the phone a couple of times, but their position has been the same every time...they have nothing to do with tires!

I will call around some more, however, when I keep hearing that the tire is back ordered and no one can get it, etc., it gets a bit discouraging.

 

[Jim Frye]

I called my dealer..

My local dealer has held me back with a long arm on this one. I've taken the car in and even called them on the phone a couple of times, but their position has been the same every time...they have nothing to do with tires!

The Service Manger told me they don't stock tires, but will be more than happy to get a replacement and mount it if one is needed. They would be capable of patching/plugging a tire if that was all that was required. If I were in your shoes, I'd go find a Dunlop tire dealer and have the replacement done there.

I once needed to replace two tires on a '95 Miata and this same dealer ordered the OEM Bridgestones in to do the work. These tires were kinda hard to find and it took two days for the dealer's service department to get them.

Once again, dealer service levels vary from dealer to dealer.

 

[KYMP5]

Try calling S & S tires performance center in Lexington, Ky. They are one of the east largest tire distributors and may be able to get you your dunlop quicker because of thier pull. explain your situation to them and then email me and tell me what they said.
thier # is 859-255-6602

 

[Don]

You can mail order one here.

Don

 

[LA dreamer]

Don

I don't know much about tires, but on the link you gave me I noticed that there is a V in front of the R (50 VR 16 instead of just 50 R 16). Is that the same exact tire or is it slightly different?

 

[Don]

I think it IS slightly different - Not unusual for a manufacturer to use a tire not available to the general public, and the OEM tires seem to be so - My '94 Miata came with Bridgestone SF-325's which were not available anywhere but from a Mazda dealership.

Still, the Dunlop from Tire Rack will do you much better than the Goodyear or the Pirelli you mentioned.

Don