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"B" Temperature Rating on Dunlop SP10, Okay?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by cb474, Oct 10, 2010.

  1. cb474

    cb474 Junior Member

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    I'm just reading up about replacement tires for a 2003 Prius. Not wanting to get into fussing with tire pressure with non-standard tires, I basically choosing between the two OEM tires, the Bridgestone Potenza RE92 and the Dunlop SP10.

    I noticed the Dunlops get a "B" temperature rating, compared to an "A" for the Bridgestones. Should I be concerned about this? I am in an area that gets a fair amount of hot (over 90 degree) weather. Could the lower temperature rating be an issue for driving on the freeway on hot days?

    That aside, I also read in another couple year old thread someone saying the Dunlops have been discontinued, although I still see them for sale at Tire Rack. Should I assume any Dunlops for sale have been sitting on the shelf for a long time?

    Thanks for any help.
     
    #1 cb474, Oct 10, 2010
  2. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    I have had a personal policy for many years of ONLY buying tires with an "A" temperature rating. Anything lower is (IMHO) unsafe at highway speeds in hot weather.

    JeffD
     
    #2 jdenenberg, Oct 10, 2010
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Dunlop SP10 is still shown on the Dunlop website so I assume it remains in production:
    Dunlop Tires - Find The Right Tire - Tire Specifications=

    Temperature rating A is better than B. However tires with temp ratings of C can be sold. I used SP10 tires in the past when I owned my 2001. They are about the same as the RE92 tires in terms of handling and tread life.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Oct 10, 2010
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