How To Choose Tires For Ford Explorer

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: October 20, 2023

You see, tires are a bit like a decent pair of brogues. Skimp on shoes and you're in for a world of blisters and discomfort, a stark reminder with each painful step that you've got it all wrong. 

Similarly, with the Ford Explorer, should you opt for some half-hearted rubber, you'll soon realise your folly. A rather uninspiring drive awaits, coupled with a potentially irritating orchestra of noise - the unsettling vibrations, an occasional drone, and so forth.

And, here's the kicker: poor tires could be, quite literally, a crash waiting to happen. If your braking turns sluggish, if the steering feels more like a suggestion than a command, or if those tires decide they're no longer on speaking terms with the tarmac... well, best not to think about it.

In essence, when considering tires for your Ford Explorer, parting with a few extra quid might just be the wisest move you make. Because, let's be clear, it's all about keeping things upright and shiny side up.

So, without further ado, let's embark on this rubbery journey, exploring the best choices for your Ford Explorer.

Key Takeaways:

• The quality and overall state of the tires are paramount in ensuring your Ford Explorer behaves itself on the open road.
• Things like tire size, speed rating, load index, and type shouldn't be treated lightly - they're pivotal when picking the perfect tire for your Ford Explorer.
• Keeping an eagle eye on tire tread, the manufacturing date, and general state is crucial for gauging when they've had their day.
• If you're pondering the used tire route, be thorough. Check tread depth, any signs of mischief, patches, or just plain old wear and tear.

How to select the right tire for the Ford Explorer

Now, not every tire is cut from the same cloth. Different sizes might be just the ticket for one model year of the Ford Explorer and entirely wrong for another. It's a veritable minefield out there.

Which tire size is chummy with your Ford Explorer?

Each tire comes adorned with its own peculiar hieroglyphics. You might have stared in bemusement at this cryptic code and pondered its meaning. Let's illuminate this murky subject a tad.

For instance, let's decode this seemingly enigmatic sequence: 205/55R18.

The inaugural figure, our friend '205', tells us the tire's width, spanning one sidewall to the other. The ensuing '55' is a mite trickier; it's the tire's aspect ratio, revealing its height as a percentage of its width. Armed with a spot of maths, one deduces the tire height is a modest 112.75 mm.

That standalone 'R' indicates a radial tread design. While you'd be hard-pressed to find other types on modern cars, the older chaps might sport the diagonal ('D') variant.

Concluding our sequence is the number '18', which gives us the wheel's diameter, the rim to be precise. So, remember to pick tires and rims that are cordial with one another in terms of size.

Thankfully, the good folks at Ford have made some recommendations on tire pairings for each Ford Explorer model year. One can delve into the owner's manual for such pearls of wisdom.

Heed their guidance, and you shan't go wrong. And remember, oversized tires might leave you with some awkward moments, not least when they chafe against your car's arches and fenders. To keep things straightforward, go with factory-approved tires.

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Ford Explorer Tire Speed Rating

Now, let's consider this for a moment: Are you the type who enjoys a leisurely drive in the countryside, or do you get a bit of a thrill pushing that accelerator down?

Why does this matter, you ask? Because each tire comes with its very own speed rating. Exceed it, and you could find yourself in a world of trouble—and not just with the local constabulary.

This nifty little rating on the tire's sidewall tells you the maximum speed it can safely handle without throwing a wobbly. It's crucial for matching your tire's capabilities with your Explorer's ambitions. And if you've got a penchant for the sportier side of life, this is especially important.

When you see that tire rating, what you're looking at is its top speed in either km/h or mph. And just for your enlightenment, here's a brief rundown:

• L (120 km/h or 75 mph): passenger car tires intended for sedans, hatchbacks, or minivans.
• M (130 km/h or 81 mph): this rating is also for passenger cars; however, it offers higher speed capability than "L”-rated tires.
• N (140 km/h or 87 mph): tires created for sports sedans and high-performance vehicles.
• P (150 km/h or 93 mph): tires intended for high-performance sedans, coupes, and some sports cars.
• Q (160 km/h or 99 mph):  tires designed for performance-oriented vehicles like sedans and crossovers.
• R (170 km/h or 106 mph): common on light trucks, SUVs, and some passenger cars.
• S (180 km/h or 112 mph): basic tire rating for many family sedans and coupes.
• T (190 km/h or 118 mph): applied to a wide range of passenger and touring tires.
• U (200 km/h or 124 mph): such tires are great for sporty performance vehicles.
• H (210 km/h or 130 mph): suitable for sports cars, luxury sedans, and higher-performance vehicles.
• V (240 km/h or 149 mph): created for high-performance and sports car tires.
• W (270 km/h or 168 mph): high-performance rating, commonly seen on sports and supercars.
• Y (300 km/h or 186 mph): intended for ultra-high-performance and exotic sports cars.
• (Y) or (ZR): for supercars and hypercars with top speeds that exceed 186 mph (usually designated with specific manufacturer approvals).

Ford Explorer Load Index

Now, think about this: How are you using your Ford Explorer? Carrying the kids and the dog? Or perhaps you're more the cargo-carrying type? Whichever it is, your tire choices should reflect that.

Every tire has this thing called a load index, which essentially says, "this is how much I can carry without having a meltdown." Exceed this, and well... you might find things getting a bit pear-shaped.

This index, found on the tire's sidewall, represents the maximum weight a properly inflated tire can handle without losing its rag. It's pivotal to ensuring your Explorer's tires can bear the burden of your vehicle, its occupants, and whatever else you might be hauling about.

The magic number that is the load index can be translated into actual weight with the help of manufacturer's charts. But to make things a smidge easier, here are some common ones:

Load Index	Weight Capacity (kg)	Weight Capacity (lbs)	Vehicle Types
70	335	739	Compact cars and smaller vehicles
80	450	992	Small to midsize sedans and hatchbacks
90	600	1323	Larger sedans, SUVs, and some small trucks
100	800	1764	Larger SUVs, minivans, and light trucks
110	1060	2337	Heavy-duty SUVs, trucks, and vans
120	1400	3086	Larger trucks and commercial vehicles
130	1900	4189	Heavy-duty trucks and vans
140	2240	4938	Commercial trucks and buses

Which Tire for Which Vehicle, Eh?

Now, Tires aren't just round, black things that go on the bottom of your Ford Explorer. They have personalities, you see. On the sidewall of every Tire, you might spot little indices like P, C, and LT. But what in the world do they signify?

• P - That stands for passenger car Tires. Suited for a jaunty drive around town, but certainly not intended to lug around your entire antique collection.
• LT - Aha! Light truck. Now, these are the chaps you want for your beefy pickups. More capable of carrying a load, with sturdy construction and rather assertive treads.
• C - Oh, commercial. These are for the really serious, business-minded vehicles. Built to carry heavy loads, but mind you, not the swiftest bunch. So, no racing in the lorry, okay?

Where Do You Fancy Going?

So where's your favourite haunt? The heart of a bustling city or a remote muddy track somewhere off the beaten path?

The location, my friends, matters a lot. Depending on where you plant to venture, you'll want the right shoes for your Explorer. For those who enjoy a muddy rendezvous, off-road Tires (or mud-terrain if we're being fancy) are your best bet.

However, if you fancy yourself as a city dweller but occasionally like to flirt with the wilderness, then all-terrain Tires strike a splendid balance. Perfect for both your off-road dalliances and city soirees.

And for those of you with a strictly asphalt disposition, well, regular Tires it is then.

Considering The Seasons

Now, winter isn't just for making snowmen. It tends to throw a wrench in the driving conditions. Summer Tires in winter? That's a recipe for a white-knuckle experience, and not in a good way. One false move on an icy patch and you might find yourself and your Ford Explorer taking an unintended detour.

So, when Jack Frost comes knocking, ensure you're kitted out with the proper winter Tires. These fellows are hardy, designed specifically to tackle slick and frosty roads.

If you fancy a quick read on the matter, here's a link on how to choose snow Tires.

Those Spikey Studded Tires

Now, studded winter Tires, they're like having tiny little spiky shoes for your car. These minuscule metal studs dig into icy roads, giving you that much-needed grip. Marvellous on the iciest of days, but rather noisy and a tad unfriendly to tarmac. Use wisely.

The Non-Spikey Studless Ones

These are your studless, or friction, winter Tires. No metal spikes, just good old-fashioned clever engineering. Crafted from a rubber that doesn't turn to plastic in the cold, they offer a surprisingly good grip on the slipperiest of surfaces.

Ultimately, your choice in winter Tire depends on how much winter decides to visit you. If it's postcards of snow where you are, then perhaps stick to your summer Tires. Otherwise, it's a good idea to have both winter and summer sets, or perhaps, if you're feeling pragmatic, a good all-season Tire to bridge the gap.

The Inner Workings of a Tire's Innards

Every Tire needs a good lungful of air. But the riddle here is: where does that air reside?

For those with tubes, the air is cosily ensconced in an airbag nestled in the Tire's core. On the flip side, tubeless Tires embrace a more free-spirited approach, letting the air wander directly within.

Both come with their own merits and pitfalls. The tubed ones are like a double fortress – even if you breach the outer wall, you've got a second line of defense. The tubeless chaps, however, throw in the towel at the first hint of adversity – a wee puncture and they're deflated.

Yet, it's not all rosy. The tubed variety can be a tad hefty, burdening your suspension a touch more.

Now, in the great Tire evolution, manufacturers have taken a shine to the tubeless. The tubed ones are slowly becoming relics of a bygone era. But, if you're keen on identification, here's a trick:

• Tube-clad Tires sport a cheeky “Tube” or “T” on their sidewall.
• The avant-garde tubeless ones flaunt “Tubeless,” “TL,” or “TLess.”

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Deciphering the Mysteries of Tire Ageing on the Ford Explorer

Regrettably, like that old jar of marmalade at the back of your fridge, Tires too have a shelf life. And gallivanting about on ancient rubber? Well, it's a tad ungentlemanly, not to mention dicey for all on the road. Especially on your prized Ford Explorer, old Tires can be a bit like wearing worn-out slippers on a polished floor.

Here are the tell-tale signs that your Ford Explorer's Tires are singing their swan song:

• The tale of the tread. Essential for a good grip, a shabby tread is akin to worn-out soles on shoes – slippery business, especially on wet surfaces. Think of hydroplaning as the ultimate slip and slide, only far less fun.
• A bit wobbly, are we? If your Explorer is acting like it's had one too many at the pub, especially around bends, it might be the Tires losing their grip.
• Wheels that spin a yarn. If your Tires are often spinning tales of lost grip, especially during sudden starts or stops, it's time for a rethink.
• Singing Tires. Weird sounds? Could be your Tire telling you it's feeling a bit under the weather. Or it could just be trying out for the next 'Britain's Got Talent'.
• Rumbling away. If your car's humming a strange tune, it might be your Tires, off-balance and worn unevenly, trying to find their rhythm.
• Steering shakes and jitters. Feel that through the steering wheel? Your Tires might be hinting at an impending retirement party.
• Draggy brakes. If your Explorer's brakes seem to be on a leisurely stroll rather than a brisk walk, your tires might lack the grip they once had, making halting a tad more... elongated.

Choosing Pre-Loved Tires for Your Ford Explorer: A Gentleman’s Guide

Life, much like a good wine, is full of delightful unpredictabilities. Popping down to the local tire shop and buying a fresh set for your Ford Explorer isn't always on the cards. Sometimes, the purse strings are a tad tight, or perhaps you have a penchant for a spot of treasure hunting in the used tire market. But let's not get bogged down in the why's and wherefore's.

However, when you decide to peruse previously adorned rubbers, one must tread with a modicum of caution. It’s akin to buying a second-hand jumper; you don’t want one that’s been stretched out of shape or has holes in uncomfortable places.

Even if our well-meaning vendor regales you with tales of the tire’s previous one careful owner and promises of many miles of smooth driving, always have a sceptical squint at:

The Tire’s Tread Depth

An optimal tread depth of 8–10 mm (that’s about 0.31-0.39 in old money) should be your guiding star. Uneven wear can often hint at a rather adventurous past or some mechanical maladies.

Crisp and Clean? Or Cracked and Mean?

A tire resembling the Grand Canyon isn't going to do your Explorer much good. Cracks and damage may lead to the tire's dramatic and untimely demise.

Unwanted Lumps and Bumps

"Bubbles" or bulges in tires are as unwelcome as they are in wallpaper. Best to avoid.

Evidence of Past Life

Repairs, while commendable in many aspects of life, don't always instil confidence in tires. Keep a sharp eye out for any patches or unusual imprints. Tires with battle scars, while possessing character, might be best left for another brave soul.

When Was This Tire Born?

Like a fine cheese, tires too have an optimal period of enjoyment. A tire’s prime is typically 5-8 years. After that, they become a tad grumpy and less cooperative. And if they've been around for a decade or more? Politely decline and move along.

The Touch, The Feel… of Rubber

A good tire for your Ford Explorer should have a certain youthful spring in its step. Give them a prod, a squeeze, maybe even a gentle caress. If they feel as hard as last year's Christmas pudding, best to pass.

In Conclusion

Your Explorer's relationship with the road, much like my relationship with fine wines and cheeses, is all about the tire. Make the right choice, and you'll have harmony. Make the wrong one, and well... it could be a bumpy ride.

So when delving into the world of used tires, go forth with wisdom, and sometimes, just sometimes, splashing out on a brand new set is indeed the way forward. It's a bit pricier, true, but then again, can one really put a price on smooth motoring and peace of mind?