Need Advice about Getting Replacement Tires for 2003 Explorer XLT

[froglady99]

I need to get new tires for my car. The tires I have right now are Bridgestone Dueler H/T 689, and the tire size is P245/65 R17 105S. I've been really happy with these tires--I've had them for 7-9 years, I think. Unfortunately, it seems like this particular tire isn't made anymore, but I'd like to get replacement tires that are as similar as possible. Last time I bought tires, I just got tires with the same speed rating as the ones that were on the car, but the tires I'm most interested in now have a higher load index and speed rating. Some things I've read say that a different load index and speed rating are OK as long as they're higher than what you already have, but others say to look on the placard on the car or in the owner's manual. But the placard on my car doesn't list a load index or speed rating, and the owner's manual just says to put on tires that have the same load index and speed rating as what came on the car. Since I bought it used, I really don't know for sure if the tires on it were the ones that came on it or not. So I have two questions:
1. Is it OK to get tires with a higher load index/speed rating (such as 111H instead of 105S)?
2. Based on your experience, what tires would you recommend? I need something that will be good on ice and snow and can handle extreme cold (I live in Alaska), but that will be fine on dry or wet roads in the summer.

 

[Caustic]

I live in Michigan and while it's not Alaska I do travel to Northern Michigan during the winter and they get plenty of snow and cold.

I have Firestone Destination LE2's on mine and have been happy with them during the winter months. I got a 5 for a little under 700 bucks while they where on sale.

Rain and snow they have been fantastic tires IMO.

 

[TechGuru]

I need to get new tires for my car. The tires I have right now are Bridgestone Dueler H/T 689, and the tire size is P245/65 R17 105S. I've been really happy with these tires--I've had them for 7-9 years, I think. Unfortunately, it seems like this particular tire isn't made anymore, but I'd like to get replacement tires that are as similar as possible. Last time I bought tires, I just got tires with the same speed rating as the ones that were on the car, but the tires I'm most interested in now have a higher load index and speed rating. Some things I've read say that a different load index and speed rating are OK as long as they're higher than what you already have, but others say to look on the placard on the car or in the owner's manual. But the placard on my car doesn't list a load index or speed rating, and the owner's manual just says to put on tires that have the same load index and speed rating as what came on the car. Since I bought it used, I really don't know for sure if the tires on it were the ones that came on it or not. So I have two questions:
1. Is it OK to get tires with a higher load index/speed rating (such as 111H instead of 105S)?
2. Based on your experience, what tires would you recommend? I need something that will be good on ice and snow and can handle extreme cold (I live in Alaska), but that will be fine on dry or wet roads in the summer.

I assume you don't have a Discount Tire Co there in AK so you'll have to order though their website and have someone local put them on the rims.

I would go with these:

BRIDGESTONE
BLIZZAK DMV2
245 /65 R17 107S SL BSW
$156.02/ea

https://www.discounttiredirect.com/buy-tires/bridgestone-blizzak-dmv2/p/31368

 

[Number4]

Don’t waste any money on an H rated tire.
The speed rating isn’t for a straight line speed, it’s speed while turning.

I’ve always ran Michelin tires. Till lately when I’ve been buying new take-offs. Had some Goodyear’s and they were junk. Now have some Bridgestone’s and they seem decent.

Look at the max air pressure the tire can handle. Get a tire that can do at least ~44psi.
And make sure it’s an LT tire and not a P tire.

You can always go higher on the tire ratings.
Most shops will not sell you a lesser rated tire due to law suits.