2002 explorer xls 4wd needs tires. Which are the best for hwy use? Thanks.

 

I put Michelin LTX on our '02 last fall, I love them. Quiet ride along with great traction both rain and snow. If you go to tirerack.com you compare multiple brands and models of tires, it also rates the tires under multiple conditions.

 

Another vote for Michelin LTX M/S. Good all around tire - highway, snow, and light off road. Also, they last forever if you keep them balanced and rotated. If you are truly looking for a highway only tire then a passenger car tire may be best.

Mason

 

Michelin or Perreli are good tires. I have use both on all my Explorers and both have lasted over 60-80,000 highway miles. Firestone and Goodyear do not last nearly as long. I buy at Sears and get the warrenty, as should you need a tire replaced there is always a Sears around open 7 days a week.

 

I put Bridgestone Dueler A/T REVO on my explorer and there great. I when up to the great white north and played in the snow and rain had NO problems at all. They have the highest tire rating 9.5 out of 10 points, I have found under 200 bucks each for snow and rain. Look at www.bridgestone.com

 

RTH1: Go to the website for TireRack.com and follow the directions regarding your make/model/year and the like. They list what is available as well as invaluable ratings by owners of the various brands and types. Look at how each tire is rated and when you happen onto the rated #1 of --- tires, you should be very safe. If you are still not absolutely convinced of your decision, call and talk to them.

Last time around for my Ranger Emily suggested the Destination LE over the Firehawk Indy 500 because of the way that I use my truck. No unhappiness here. I also purchase tires from them for work - mostly Kumho which do extremely well for the relatively small cost.

Even if you purchase your tires locally, the review information at this website is priceless.

Good Luck

Russ

 

Another vote for Michelins LTX M/S. We have them on 4/5 vehicles and have absolutely no complaints at all. A great tire.

 

I put the Continentals from Wal-Mart on mine. I travel alot and wanted good hwy. tires. The Mich. from the factory were great and so are the Cont. I have put about 20k on the Cont. and have found they are just as good as the Mich. They have a great ride and they are 80k mile tires. For the money in my book, for hwy driving, you can't beat them. I have kept them rotated and balanced and can see absolutely NO wear. I think mine were about $450 for the set with the protection plan that includes lifetime rotation and balancing.

 

The Bridgestones that Dogman refers to are great tires, IMO. I have had them on my '00 Explorer work truck & they're outstanding in all conditions. I had a set of Kelly Safari SUVs on my old Expedition and they were about the best part of that truck. Quite a bit cheaper than either the Michelins or Bridgestones & I got 45k out of them.

 

I have Michelin LTX A/T's on my '99 explorer, with 80k on them thus far. They are great. I bought them @ BJ's wholesale, & I get them rotated there every 5k miles or so. Just give them the keys when we go shopping, & it's done when we come out.

The rotations are free for Michelins, but that may not be the case for other brands. I bought a set of dunlops for my wife's Accord at a tire center (Mavis), rotations not included.

 

Dunlop AT Radial Rover Tires 235 70R16 on 2002 xls 4x4 4.0. I have no comlaints. I have no issues in the snow. Can be a little noise at high speeds if pressure is too high. It's a Highway All-Season tire.

 

I'd go with the Michelin LTX tires... My 2002 came with Michelins, but they were a "special" SUV tire... rather poor wet road handling characteristics, etc... wore our kinda quick too.. the LTX tires grip so good, I can't "boil the tires" in most wet conditions anymore, and the tread seems to be more aggressive, and they seem like they aren't going to wear out as fast.

 

I put Firestone Destinations on mine that I bought at tirerack.com for like $75 apiece. They are good tires imho.

 

I have used Michelin LTX M/S on both my 92 explorer and 96 5.0 explorer and they are great. The 92 got over 90,000 miles with them. Good snow, rain and mud traction and a quiet highway ride.

 

I purchaed the Bridgestone Dueler H/L instead of the A/T Revo. Both are great tires and highly rated at Tirerack and on other threads. If, like me, you are looking at mostly highway drive time, the H/Ls be smoother on the road because of their softer sidewalls. I have had mine on for a year and, after one winter season and now a wet spring, I have absolutely no regrets.

Best of luck.