Import Tyres from USA

[mazda3mps]

I have choosing to look at USA with the high AU$ for a good high performance tyre.
Which has a good wet & dry performance,a high treadwear number(340),top ride comfort and a low road noise tyre.
Tire Rack web site had loads of info,tyre reviews and tyres tests.
The Continental Extreme Contact DW look like the best tyres for me.



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[TD]

Email them to get a freight quote to Australia. There are some good deals to be had on some tyres from Tire Rack, some tyres with the added freight will make it cost just as much local options.

Here's a quote I got last year (November) for 4 x Kumho KU36 to be shipped to Brisbane.

Order # 1
Qty Item Number Description/Comment Price
4 245WR8EXSXL 225/45R18 KU ECSTA XS XL $158.00 Ea.

Mds Total $632.00 Plus shipping - select one below:

FED EXPRESS 1-3 DAYS @ $468.40
FED ECONOMY 3-5 DAYS @ $326.05

So all up for 3-5 days shipping was $958 (extra for quicker), then you have to pay extra to get them fitted and balanced, as well as dispose of your old tyres (allow $25-30 per tyre for this, say up to an extra $120).

Which means that overall it would have cost around $1078, which was about the same price as they were available locally (fitted and balanced) if you shopped around.

Something for you to think about...

[heath_303]

i find it much better value to get high end tires

you can get my tires AD08 in 235/40/18 for 208 US each + shipping

in australia 425 each fitted and balanced...

[mazda3mps]

Correct high end tires are better value from the states

[zippymps3]

I have been told that the standards for tyres made for US, are much lower than that of Australian Standards tyre requirements.

This was a tyre company, not a tyre dealer, don't know how true it is.

[TD]

Australian Standards and US DOT standards are pretty much the same, there's an international tyre standard agreement amongst certain countries, AUS and US are part of that with our respective regulatory agencies. TUV approved is another one you'll hear of, that's the German standard.

Have a look at your tyre sidewall, you'll see the US DOT codes (link) and the Uniform Tyre Quality Codes (Treadwear, Traction etc) on them, and they're pretty much on all Australian market tyres as we get our tyres from the same places the US does generally (Japan, South Korea, Germany etc). US domestic manufacturers like BF Goodrich may be different however, but they still have to meet the DOT standard.

If you're looking at the sort of high-end rubber you would want to fit to a MPS you will be fine, they will all meet the required standards.

Edit: Forgot to add. There may be slight compound differences in the same tyre sold between here and the US, mainly due to our climate.

[timhodges]

My order from Tire Rack got here within 4 business days (economy rate) - very happy!
Wanted the The Continental Extreme Contact DW's but wasn't prepared to wait 3 months on backorder!

Went for a combination of longevity and reasonable performance.

Came in under $1000AU for 6 tyres!! $15 to fit/balance each tyre at my local... bargs.

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[projectrracing]

Shame Tire Rack don't do credit cards or PayPal, would triple their international business overnight.

[3 MPS fan]

It's only worth it for high end tyres. I got my Yokie Advan's in 5 days...way cheaper than buying in Adelaide. The international transfer was a minor pain in the ass but no biggie in the big picture of things.

Oh and the tyres are glorious! first time ive ever had full traction in 1st and 2nd.

Tirerack ftw!

[raymondato]

i have also bought AD08's from tirerack. they arrived in about 5 days too, and the wire transfer is a piece of piss, i just use (commonwealth) netbank - takes 5 minutes.