I'm looking for new tires and pretty much settled on the ExtremeContact DWS, but noticed even though TireRack has them, they don't show up when I search by my vehicle (2010 G37S Sedan 6MT). I chatted with a sales guy and he said it's because the different OE tire sizes have different speed ratings, W for the front and Y for the rear. They don't recommend mixing the speed rating because they say the different sidewall strength will affect handling.

Is this something that I should be concerned about? Could it be a serious issue or just an insignificant difference?

Other sites I've browsed at seem to let me choose the combination without any trouble.

Thanks.

 

It's been done without much trouble but might shoot a PM to Neal@tirerack for specifics, he's our go-to guy for those questions.

 

Mixing speed ratings is not a big deal. It basically just means that you default to the lower speed rating of the two pairs. Very unlikely that means anything to you since you probably don't plan on driving those speeds, especially on the DWS.

I have the DWS, and have had several sets, they are a great tire. Good choice!

 

Thank you, both, for your input. I'll check with Neal.

 

Due to the internal construction differences between those ratings, we don't recommend mixing them. Although similar, handling can differ from front/back enough we've seen people have issues. Best to find a tire made in matched set all around.

 

Thanks for the info, Neal. Would you say the difference in handling for this setup would be greater than having tires of different brands on the front and rear but the same speed rating?

 

It would be better than mixing two differ brands on the same car, but that's not to say you still wont notice a difference.

 

The DWS is a great tire. Have you considered not staggering the tires and buying the same size for all 4 corners? If I am correct, your rear tire size is 245/45R18. This size tire will easily fit on both the front and rear wheels of your car and the difference in appearance would be negligable. This would allow you to avoid this speed rating issue and not have anything to worry about.

 

Neal, any thoughts on Ryne's suggestion or any other solutions for these tires with my staggered wheels?

Thanks

 

Wouldn't be any issue running the 245's all around. Would help in reducing under steer, but may take a tad away from snow/wet traction with a wider front tire. Still better than mixing the ratings.