Altimax vs. Tiger Paws (Also posted in the Replacement Tire Thread)

[LifeRacer]

So I have a question for everybody/anybody:

General Altimax RT43 or Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring? (them Walmart links for y'all)

No really, I'm confused. I know a lot of people post about them but I'm at a stalemate. They both seem to get good reviews, but the Altimax always seem to be rated higher. I do like the look of the Tiger Paws though... and the rating discrepancy is always minimal at best. Are there better tires for under $65-$75 (Cooper, Continental, etc.)? I want traction and control, but also a smooth ride and not a lot of noise.

I have a 2014 Sonic LS Sedan with P195/65 R15 tires with an H speed rating. Should I go bigger? wider/narrower?

This is my first time buying new tires and I'm definitely not a tire guy so be a bit more descriptive in your answers... I don't even know what any of the numbers above mean besides "tire size I put into tire searches".

I know it's a lot to ask but i've been lurking for months and I finally broke down and asked. Thank you so much!


Edit: Forgot to say I live in Los Angeles so snow/real weather/seasons isn't or aren't a problem. I may spend a couple years in Nashville in the future but even then it's just rain and like one day of snow that I won't go out on.

 

[shibbs]

You can really put on anything that's a 195/65/15 tire. The 91H is the speed and load rating. So 91 is the minimum load rating (stay above 91 which is 1356 lbs per tire) and H (130 MPH) is the speed rating (H,V,W,Y,Z all okay)

So that being said, Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum (tirerack has them) is my recommendation, and it checks all your boxes - price, noise, longevity, comfort... It's not the best in the snow, but that's not important to you, it seems. It's a V-rated tire, so it'll handle 150 mph. (not that you'll be there often, I'm sure)

In all 100% honesty, you're shopping for tires in a size and performance sector where not much really differentiates one tire from another.

 

[Natesriv]

I have Tigerpaws... love them Uniroyals are good tires!

 

[LifeRacer]

Tiger Paw MPG Problems?

Okay this has given me a lot to think about... Sadly Shibbs those Kumhos are not available by Walmart; I need the tires received and installed ASAP and Walmart can have tires delivered to them and put on in like 2 days.

Tiger Paws already have a point right now, and they seem pretty good. Natesriv, have you seen an mpg decrease since you put the tires on? I've heard that some people have and my Sonic's gas already doesn't go as far as advertised. I am switching from the stock Hankook Optimo H426s so maybe I'll get an increase?

Thanks for the replies, guys. Your input helps way more than all of my research.

Edit: If anybody has reviews for the Altimaxs or Tiger Paws i'm still looking!

 

[Jamgot]

I have had Altima RT43s on my Sonic for about 6 months (5k miles) now and I can't recommend them more. They made the ride much quieter and a lot smoother over the bumps. They are amazing in rain and some of the best all season tires I have used in the snow. My last 2 sets have both been Michelin (Harmony and Hydroedge) and I am glad I listened to my tire dealer and didn't buy Michelin again. Great tires at an amazing price.

 

[Natesriv]

I have aftermarket wheels, so I'm about 1" wider than OEM. But I still get 35-40 mpg consistently.

The key, keep your PSI at 35 or so.

 

[SuperSonic15]

Okay this has given me a lot to think about... Sadly Shibbs those Kumhos are not available by Walmart; I need the tires received and installed ASAP and Walmart can have tires delivered to them and put on in like 2 days.

Tiger Paws already have a point right now, and they seem pretty good. Natesriv, have you seen an mpg decrease since you put the tires on? I've heard that some people have and my Sonic's gas already doesn't go as far as advertised. I am switching from the stock Hankook Optimo H426s so maybe I'll get an increase?

Thanks for the replies, guys. Your input helps way more than all of my research.

Edit: If anybody has reviews for the Altimaxs or Tiger Paws i'm still looking!

I purchased these 17" tires over the memorial day weekend. They are lightweight, handle well, and grip the road in wet conditions. A Goodyear brand economically priced. Sold at Walmart. Sidewall looks good, as well. I'm biased, of course.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Kelly-Ed...70303&wl11=online&wl12=46722565&wl13=&veh=sem

 

[gnonne]

Sam's Club??

Sam's always has a deal running on Pirelli tires. $80 off 4, almost a free tire in 195/65/15 size.

I searched and searched and ended up buying 8 of the Pirelli P4 all seasons for two of my Sonics. MPG slightly lower - the stock tires are very lightweight and very hard. Ride/noise much better with the Pirelli tires. But since you are in CA, traction probably isn't an issue. Also, most people with LS models probably don't spend the extra money for 70k H-rated (or 90k T-rated) mile tires.

 

[Pow]

Check out American tire depot they price match everyone and there is a 20 coupon for purchase of 4 tires and another 20 coupon for alignment and if you get road hazard and something happens to it they do not prorate go in.you get another tire it's covered by them.. I think they're the only ones that do that since then that's the only place I buy my tires

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[FrameCity]

These are 215/60/15 Tiger Paws. I've had them for a little over three weeks now, and they're a major improvement over the Hankooks.

 

[RMinNJ]

These are 215/60/15 Tiger Paws. I've had them for a little over three weeks now, and they're a major improvement over the Hankooks.

I like the plus size 215 you did..

 

[K-Bob]

I've had both the Altimax and the Tiger Paw Touring on my Prizm.

The Tiger Paw looks more aggressive. And it feels sportier to drive, with more feedback, etc.

The Altimax has a smoother ride and is absolutely superb in the rain.

Ultimate dry grip is about the same I think.

 

[K-Bob]

@FrameCity

I also am thinking of going to 215/60-15 from the stock size.

What made you decide on that over 205/60-15?

 

[l0rd_v8r]

So I just realized the stealership where I bought my sonic at only replaced the front tires - not the rears. Which means I have 225/50/17 on the front and 205/50/17 on the rear [emoji35] does anyone know if 225/60/17 will fit on the ltz rims without issue?


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[carsNskis]

If you meant 225/50 17, yes they're fine. I run this size for my winter tires for extra width and sidewall. If 60 was correct it's 2.5 inches bigger in tire diameter so your speedo will register slower than actual speed.

[emoji593][emoji809][emoji472]

 

[l0rd_v8r]

If you meant 225/50 17, yes they're fine. I run this size for my winter tires for extra width and sidewall. If 60 was correct it's 2.5 inches bigger in tire diameter so your speedo will register slower than actual speed.

[emoji593][emoji809][emoji472]

What app is that?! Love it lol. Yea I meant 60 was just curious. I have 225/50 on the front already. Dealership left factory 205/50 on the rear.


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[carsNskis]

Tiresize.com is the site

I like willtheyfit.com for wheel and tire combo visualizing too

[emoji593][emoji809][emoji472]