Tire recommendations

[Chip]

My 2021 Connect is ready for new shoes. I love that the original Continentals 215/55 R16 still have some tread life after 73K miles. The van is noisy, and I think the noise comes mostly from the road. I’m wondering if there are tires that are quieter, and long-lasting?

 

I suppose if I replace with the same tires I’d only have to buy 3 while using the original spare as the fourth tire. 

 

Regardless, it’s been a few years since previous threads on tire recommendations, so I wanted to ask if anybody has recommendations. Anybody?

[windguy]

73K miles on tires is pretty decent. 

I never even come close to getting that since most of my mileage is on twisty windy canyon roads that eats up tires like crazy.

What tire pressure do you use?  I use 44/48.

 

I would agree that the van noise is mostly road and not tires.

I'm guessing that all these passenger car tires are equal when it comes to tire noise.

You being in the Northeast, traction for snow and rain would be a primary consideration along with tread life since you drive a lot.

 

I replaced the original Conti's on my 2015 cargo with Pirelli Cinturato Strada AS, which are now Cinturato P7 AS. 

Size 215/55 R16 97H 

70,000 miles warranty 

Treadwear = 700, Traction=A, Temperature=A

I didn't notice any change in noise.

 

Not sure I'd use that spare tire. You might want to check into doing that. 

The rubber does age, dry out and not sure it's worth saving the money.

Does the spare have a TPMS sensor on it? That's another consideration. 

 

Side note, we get tires for our cars at America's Tire (Discount Tire outside CA). They have a shop in town and I like their service.

They will price match to Costco so you can save money by doing that if it's an option for you. 

 

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 21, 2025 by windguy
corrected tire size

[Chip]

Noise comes from the road, but the road doesn’t make the noise—it’s the tires slapping the road and deforming that makes the noise.

 

I use the pressures specified on the label inside the driver’s door: 41/42. But you know how tire pressure is. Once the temperature changes the pressure is affected, and only rarely am I cruising with the specified pressure. Why do you run your tires 44/48?

 

Thanks for the Pirelli recommendation. I’ll look at those when I replace my tires.

[windguy]

The door jam placard on my 2015 Cargo must be different than yours.