Ford Explorer is an SUV model built to flexibly meet the driver’s needs, whether on complex terrain or highways. The versatility lies in the number of tire models to suit each need is highly diverse. This can be an advantage, yet it may also be a limitation. However, you don’t need to worry too much. Which tire model is best will most likely depend on: your driving style, the type of road you typically encounter, and how much of a budget you have for replacements. But if you’re an adventurous Ford Explorer owner, the selection may require a little more investment.
Through our experience and a series of comparisons and reviews, we will help you answer all the questions about tires for your Ford Explorer.
How To Choose Tires For Ford Explorer?
Technically, there are three essential suggestions:
Tire Type For Ford Explorer
Most Ford Explorer owners choose touring tires. This tire is built to maximize the versatility and performance of a Ford crossover, giving you relatively good grip and cornering. Your overall driving experience on asphalt roads will be smooth and comfortable. However, you will need a different tire should the weather goes south or the terrain gets more challenging.
Ford Explorer For Weather Condition
Not all rubber compounds are engineered to handle all different temperatures. A flexible rubber compound will provide better traction if your resident area has cold winters. Conversely, hotter weather areas should be approached using tires made with a rubber compound that is hard, brittle, and not too tight. As the name suggests, most four-season tires will provide more flexible handling in different weather conditions. However, if the winters you live in are particularly harsh, you will need to consider specialized winter tires.
Driving Habits
Besides climate issues, driving habits will be a factor you need to consider to choose the tire type that provides the best experience. If you love the challenge of off-road driving, you’ll need to look for durable tires and a unique tread design to handle rocky roads. On the contrary, highway tires will be more suitable if you aim for a driving experience with high grip and smoothness.
Size For Ford Explorer
New-generation Ford Explorer models are currently equipped with several factory tire sizes:
- The base Explorer model has 18-inch wheels, and the factory tires are Hankook Kinergy GT P255 / 65R18 size.
- The upgraded Explorer model is fitted with 20-inch P255 / 55R20 wheels. The factory tire for this model is the Michelin Primacy A/S Self-seal.
- Alternatively, the Explorer can also be equipped with 21-inch 275/56R21 wheels with the original Pirelli Scorpion Zero All-Season tires.
Read more at: Optimal Ford Explorer Tires
How Do You Read Tire size?
You can refer to the following example. A 21-inch wheel model is noted as 275/45R21 113W:
- 275 – means this tire is 275mm wide.
- 45 – this means this tire has a width of 45% of the height. The tire’s height will be 123.75mm = 275 x 45%.
- R – stands for radial, denoting the tire construction. This refers to how the tread is designed with radial lines running through the sidewalls and underneath the print, helping to limit rotational forces and the weight placed on the tires as they roll. This is the design of the tread grooves of most modern tires.
- 21 – indicates a wheel diameter of 21 inches.
- 113 – load rating of the tire. The number 113 signifies the load range is 2,535 pounds at this tire’s 44 psi maximum pressure. You can refer to the industry standard weight chart to better understand this metric.
- W – is the speed rating of the tire. The further back the letter is, the higher the pace the tire can withstand.
Related Post: The Risk of Putting the Wrong Size Tires on Vehicles
How Much Should 4 New Tires Cost?
According to recent studies, regular car owners pay an average of $637 to change four tires, with market prices ranging from $525 to $725.
Specifically, one standard all-season tire typically costs between $50 and $200. Budget tires may cost between $50 and $100 a piece, and mid-range tires can be around $100 – $300 per piece. Above is the general reference price for buying tires only. Note that this price is based on the US market. Other countries may have more attractive or expensive offers.
In addition, the tire installation fee will likely range from $20 to $35 per tire. However, this depends on the purchase outlets. Most stores can also install tires purchased from them for free if you’ve spent money on good sets of tires. Unless the tire and wheel combination or other factors present a certain degree of complexity, a nominal fee of $5 to $50 may be charged per tire.
Are Walmart Tires Cheaper Quality?
Tires at Walmart can be a bit cheaper than on the market. The price is quite competitive, but there’s more to it when it comes to buying new parts. Remember that many brands Walmart offers are of lesser-known categories, so buyers will likely need to research to see which will work best for their vehicle and daily usage.
Walmart is big enough to have its custom tires. Big names like Goodyear and Michelin produce these tires with unique tread designs. So the quality can still be trusted. However, these tires can only be warranted at Walmart, and they don’t always have high-level engineers to support you.
Conclusion
The choices for finding the tires for the Ford Explorer are quite varied. We hope you have had the knowledge to choose from depending on the requirements and budget you have from the content in the above article.
Note that price may not come with impressive performance and safety, mainly when used in challenging environments. Please carefully consider the guidelines above for the criteria and selection we recommend for the best driving experience. Have a great trip!
