96 Roadmaster Sedan White Wall Tires

[gallydif]

OEM size of 1996 buick roadmaster sedan is 235/70/15.

I have a bad tire on the front driver side and I need a new one. I understand you have to have 2 of the same tires on each axle, therefore, am planning to buy 2 new ones for the front.

I would really like 235/70/15 but the problem is nearly impossible to find especially with white sidewalls. They used to make Hankook Mileage Plus II and Kumho in that size with WSW but it was discontinued about 3 years ago now. Does anyone know where I can get this size with WSW?

To go up a step:
235/75/15 is easily available. I am on a budget and not looking to spend more than $80 per tire, therefore, no Vogue's. I found Hankook H724 in 235/75/15 with white sidewalls for $75 each. It seems this is the most popular route to go but the problem is I've read that 2 other people have experienced the tires rub. Does anyone else have that problem with this size tire?

According to 1010tires.com--States to stay within 3% of the diameter of the original tire.
235/70/15, 235/75/15 comparison:
overall diameter: 27.95in, 28.88in
sidewall height: 6.48in, 6.94in
radius: 13.98in, 14.44in
circumference: 87.82in, 90.72in
The diameter variance is 3.31% which is above there recommended percentage.


225/75/15:
These are also easily available and are oem size for the wagons. The measurements are much close but the tread width is thinner.

235/70/15, 225/75/15 comparison:
overall diameter: 27.95in, 28.29in
sidewall height: 6.48in, 6.64in
radius: 13.98in, 14.44in
circumference: 87.82in, 88.87in
The diameter variance is 1.20% which is within the recommended percentage. The diameter is smaller with the 225's

So if it's not possible to get 235/70/15 tires with WSW, shall I go to 235/75/15 (my original thought) or 225/75/15?

 

[ratmonster]

I'd go with the 225's. I think they will look better matched on the front with the 235/70's still on the rear.

 

[Griswold]

As a wagon owner, I'm perplexed when you say 225-75-15s are easily available. Truck tires in that size are, but passenger car tires are scarce and whitewalls are a unicorn.

I've had rubbing issues with the stock size on both my 96 wagons. On one, the fronts will rub when the steering is turned to full limit. Solution: I avoid turning to full limit. On the other, I couldn't get the rears on using the jack, without letting some of the air out.

Part of the explanation is tire dimensions can vary significantly, even though the size is the same. My winter tires are narrower than the OE Michelins (when stacked on same size rims at specified pressure, stand 4" shorter), and my Goodyear Regatta WWs are in between width wise, but are taller than the Michelins.

 

[86er]

You can also get the Hankook H724 in a (thin) white stripe in the 225.

If you decide to go 235/75 there are more options in white stripe (I hesitate to call them whitewalls because mostly the stripe is 1'' or less).

Toyo makes a white stripe in the 235/75 on their Extensa AS brand.

On the cheaper side you can still get the Cooper Trendsetter SE in WSW.

 

[gallydif]

You can also get the Hankook H724 in a (thin) white stripe in the 225.

If you decide to go 235/75 there are more options in white stripe (I hesitate to call them whitewalls because mostly the stripe is 1'' or less).

Toyo makes a white stripe in the 235/75 on their Extensa AS brand.

On the cheaper side you can still get the Cooper Trendsetter SE in WSW.

Ended up getting 5 tires for $302. Hankook h724 white sidewalls 235/75/15. It was the best price at the time over toyo and cooper. Gave in to the 75's. Hopefully it works out. The diameter is an inch bigger so the speedo will be off a couple mph. My other tires had more than plenty of tread left but had some dry rot from being old. Decided to shell out the money. These should last me 10 years hopefully.

Got a nice deal thru discount tire direct on ebay. They have a special promotion currently going on. $100 off of $400. The 5 tires came out to $390 so had to add valve stems which brought the total to $402 then minus $100= $302. No taxes.

 

[HotZ28]

Discount tire direct, is my preferred supplier of tires delivered to the door with no tax, then have them installed & balanced at the local Discount tire store with lifetime balance & rotation for $25.00 per tire. Free tax, nearly takes care of the install, balance and rotation warranty!

 

[86er]

Ended up getting 5 tires for $302. Hankook h724 white sidewalls 235/75/15. It was the best price at the time over toyo and cooper. Gave in to the 75's. Hopefully it works out.

I have those on my '79 Lincoln Cont. I like them ok.