I posted this question in the tire section; no response.

I got two new 195 70 14 Yokohama Avid H4 tires last year. Now I need two more to replace snows. Problem is they dont make the H4 model anymore. They seem to have an H4S model but not in 195 70 14s (65 the largest). So anyone have a recommendation for a good match?

Also, I have been told the 85 300D Turbo needs an H rated tire. True?

Thanks.

Only if your 300D can go over 130 mph.

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1984 300Sd 210k

Former cars:
1984 300D 445k (!!) (Strider) Original (and not rebuilt) engine and transmission. Currently running on V80 ( 80% vegetable oil, 20% petroleum products). Actually not, taking a WVO break.
1993 300d 2.5 275k. Current 120/day commuter
1981 300SD 188k (Hans) Killed by a deer

If the 300D requires H rated tires it would be because of the vehicle weight not the speed it can attain.

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

I was told that speed ratings have more to do with sidewall construction and that affects handling. If you do a lot of highway travel you probably will be better off with an H rated tire. Spec for those cars is probably T. Any tire store should have a selection in that size it is pretty common. Tirerack could probably help you as well.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I spotted 195-70-14 S rated Yokos here:
http://discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?cs=195&pc=43700&rd=14&ar=70
Seems to be a good seller, and someone on the Shopforum recommended these in the past. Note the 620 treadwear rating.
I may buy this tire next time I need tires for a 123, since Pirelli discontinued the P400 H rated tires in 14 in size. Those WERE great tires. Why do the tire companies have to do this all in collaboration with each other? Is it a conspiracy or something?

As for H rating. That is up the user. I liked H rated tires because they have good wear rating. Wear ratings are probably a better factor for buying tires in case you want something for long life. I drifted to V rated tires because I got some on a set of wheels I bought, and discovered they handle very different in rain and/or at high speeds. A tread wear rating of 620 vs a rating of 420 is pretty dramatic, and the difference in the way these tires handle is also pretty noticeable.

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

I like the way the way my V rated summer tires track on the highway, as opposed to my H rated winter tires. The summer tires have slightly smaller side walls to (55 vs 65) so I am sure that helps a bit as well.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Thanks for the input. Well, I have two H-rated on the front; should I definitely replace with H-rated? Or can I go with S-rated or something?

I mean, should I match the two H-rated that I have on the front with two new H-rated tires, or can I go with S or something else?

I would recommend only using tires from the same manufacturer and with the same or very similar type tread styles, rating is more of sidewall thickness thing, and the rubber is softer in some of the performance tires (meaning less life!)
If the front and rear tread style and width to some degree are too different from each other the car will drive sort of squirrely. BTDT.
Save one of the tires presently on the car for the spare and get a full set of new tires is the best thing you can do if you want optimum handling.

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

a dearth of 14" tires is what made me consider it in the first place. I picked up some 15" 126 rims at the junkyard for $30 apiece. It turns out that I like the look and the driving experience as well.

good luck,
Robert

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Cheers,
Robert

Good idea, but right now I just need two 195 70 14s. My girlfriend drives the car alot, and drives it like a grandma. So here's another question: if given the choice between matching my existing pair of Yoko H4 tires with a Yoko S or T series, OR another brand in an H series, would you still go with the Yokos over the matched speed rating?

I have fat 225/65/15 yoko avids on the front and slightly taller and skinnier 215/75/15 goodyears on the back, I like the way it handles, I like a little oversteer and I drive pretty fast so I don't think my tire preferences or opinions would apply to this situation.

but that has never stopped me from opining before soooo... just get the same size and same 'level' tire ie. touring, performance etc. and you'll be good to go. (I'm sure you already checked tirerack.com) If you are really concerned about it, after you have some miles on the new tires, find a big parking lot and do some 'panic situation' type testing. I'm sure she'll handle predictably.

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Cheers,
Robert