On Thu, 06 Nov 2003 16:08:48 GMT, Caliban <caliban03nospam@earthlink.net> wrote:
> "Gordon McGrew" <gRmEcMgOrVeEw@mindspring.com> wrote
>> <caliban03nospam@earthlink.net> wrote:
> snip but comments noted
>> I would consider the manufacturer's recommendation to be the lower
>> limit and the tire's maximum to be the upper limit. Anything in that
>> range is a matter of personal preference. You seem to be aiming for
>> maximum tread life which is fine.
>
> Pretty much. The previous tires were Firestone Affinitys, and I didn't get close
> to their rated tread life. Raw age and foul weather driving likely contributed
> (lots of little cracks could be seen), but I'm also wondering if keeping them at
> 26 psi was yet another factor. Given how my car is usually loaded, maybe this
> pressure is a bit low. I also paid a lot more for the Firestones in 1996 (around
> $270 altogether, rated at 70k or 80k miles) than the Wal-Mart Goodyears I bought
> Tuesday ($205 altogether, Viva 2 brand, something Goodyear makes just for
> Wal-mart, rated at 60k miles I think). Dunno if that's Firestone mischief or
> Wal-Mart's discounting or what. I do have the impression Goodyears are generally
> superior to any Firestone brand, from general reading in the last few years.

firestone tires are crap. You're lucky if you get more than a season
out of a set.