Threading the use needle on new tires

[medhat]

Well, it's that time. My kid's Badlands will need new tires this spring, and as dad I get that responsibility (I'm not paying, but get to choose). Currently on the Scorpions, which have been fine, but always thinking, "is there something better for the usage?" For work commute it's ~ 20 miles each way (highway), but the Sport (thankfully) gets occasional mild off-road use, and at times definitely has to handle snow. Kid would not take the time and effort for dedicated winter tires, so I need a single best solution. I put Michelin CrossClimate 2's on my wife's bigger SUV and they're legit outstanding, but mentally I have a hard time picturing that they would look good on the BS (please talk me out of this if you disagree). I read decent things about the Falken Wildpeak, the only concern being if the day-to-day of highway driving noise might be too much an offset. Or maybe simply replace with Scorps, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Welcome your collective thoughts. Thanks!

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[Dude]

Well, it's that time. My kid's Badlands will need new tires this spring, and as dad I get that responsibility (I'm not paying, but get to choose). Currently on the Scorpions, which have been fine, but always thinking, "is there something better for the usage?" For work commute it's ~ 20 miles each way (highway), but the Sport (thankfully) gets occasional mild off-road use, and at times definitely has to handle snow. Kid would not take the time and effort for dedicated winter tires, so I need a single best solution. I put Michelin CrossClimate 2's on my wife's bigger SUV and they're legit outstanding, but mentally I have a hard time picturing that they would look good on the BS (please talk me out of this if you disagree). I read decent things about the Falken Wildpeak, the only concern being if the day-to-day of highway driving noise might be too much an offset. Or maybe simply replace with Scorps, it wouldn't be the end of the world. Welcome your collective thoughts. Thanks!

OEM tires that come with the bronco sport (and many new vehicles) are often not as good as replacement tires even for the same exact replacement tire as long as you don’t buy another set of the OEM tires. So you might be just fine buying replacement (not OEM version) Pirelli Scorpion ATR 225/65R17 102H.

Have alook at the info in this post:
https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/members/falken-qa.5987/

 

[Glamdring70]

There are 2 different but identical looking Falken tires. There are "real" A/T Falken Wildpeaks and there are the ones the Ford OEM puts on. The difference is the sidewall layers which affects weight and mileage a bit. I don't know about the regular A/T line but the OEM Wildpeak are really, really good about road noise IMO and really essential if you want to use the Sport in Sand or Mud at all. You can check prices at a few places and there are a few people on the Forum to help like @Discount Tire . Check their post history and you will find tire discussions with more info.

 

[medhat]

Thanks for the quick and outstanding feedback, I didn't know that there was a diff between the OEM and aftermarket tires from same manufacturer. Makes me more comfortable if I end up (still undecided) with replacement Scorps (not via Ford, although by and large they've been solid for service).

 

[RSH]

There is a difference between all season tires (Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the like) and all terrain tires.
All season tires are mainly for different weather/road conditions, all terrain is self explanatory, though you do want them to have decent highway performance as that's where they will most likely spend most of their time.

All terrain tires are not necessarily more noisy than any other tire, most manufacturers have done a good job with that.

People pick tires for all different reasons, it can be performance, longevity, looks, price, reputation or any combination thereof.

I personally have Falken Rubitrek tires on my Badlands. I have larger than the stock size tires, 245 65r 17's.
I have almost 20k miles on them, they perform decently, look good, and are wearing well.

I'm sure you will find something that you and your son will be happy with.

 

[Mark S.]

I've been running the OEM Falken Wildpeaks for +10K miles now. While it's true they won't be as durable off-road as their heavier brethren, they were never intended to be so. Some have denigrated Ford/Falken for "hampering" a tire with the Wildpeak name, and there might some basis for such criticism. But based on your use criteria they sound exactly like what you're looking for: quiet, competent road manners with better off-road chops than your typical all-season, and excellent in the snow. Maybe Ford's market research is on to something!

 

[Glamdring70]

All this tire talk got me wondering about mine. I have 15,000 miles of driving. The offroading miles are on sand, packed and/or soft, which should be harsh to treadwear. I have rotated the tires one time, which is probably a little less than recommended for an A/T tire. This pic is the rear, which measures about 10/32 remaining. The front is slightly less at 9/32. This makes sense because the rotation is due and the combination of steering and FWD bias on the vehicle makes the front wear harder. Original tread depth is 13/32 and we assume minimum is 4/32 means the tires are about 1/3 used up or assumedly good until 45,000 miles; slightly under the 55,000 mile warranty. I would buy this same tire again though that might mean having to go through Ford to do it so I will have to see prices when that happens.

Not bad for OEM even though they're a tad overpriced as a built-option. $500 option means you only got about $300 in "credit" for the regular tires. I mean, you show me where to get $60 tires!

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