Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R Tire Review (Pros and Cons)
The Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R helps make your car look good while minimizing the road noises caused by vibrations. The traction and strong tire structure are excellent for various weather conditions, but you may notice it can’t handle extreme winter weather well. Other drawbacks are that these tires may not be ideal for drag racing your muscle car because they’re more for commutes and small road trips. In this article, we outline the various features of these tires, including ways to help you save money when purchasing new tires.
You can often find special deals online and get tires much cheaper than in a retail store. Discount Tire, for instance, offers a low price guarantee and installs tires for you at a nationwide network of shops. Of course, buying online isn’t for everyone. Ask local tire shops about deals they’re running if this is more your speed. It’s pretty common to see a buy 3, get 1 free deal.
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R Tire Review
Established in 1963, the Mickey Thompson brand takes pride in building its products with innovation. There are a few tire categories you can purchase from this brand — truck, drag, and street tires. While consumers like this brand, especially those with muscle cars, Mickey Thompson has had 11 recalls in the last five years. When comparing their 11 recalls to the average number of recalls per tire brand in the past five years, which is an average of 9.3, their reliability becomes slightly questionable. (Based on data from recallinfo.ustires.org.)
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R tires can be more expensive, depending on the size you choose. Generally, the brand designed these tires for cruising your muscle car down the road or showing off your vehicle at car shows. You can find these wheels at various tire vendors near you. If they don’t have them in stock, you can request they order them. There have been no recalls made on this tire model.
While these tires look great and can provide a smooth ride with great handling, they might not be best for those on a budget. The Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R tires can be much more expensive than other tires. So, if you’re looking for tires to get you to and from work or for the occasional road trip but you aren’t driving a muscle car you want to show off, you might want to pass on these.
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R Tires Pros and Cons
| + Pros | + Cons |
| Street safe tires | Not for drag racing with muscle cars |
| Good traction in wet and dry conditions | Not ideal for driving in very icy and snowy conditions |
| Provides a balanced and quiet ride | Quite expensive when comparing to touring tires |
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R Tire Specs
The Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R tires offer the following:
| Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG): | Rating: | NHTSA Says: |
| Treadwear Rating: | Not listed on NHTSA website as of Feb. 27, 2023. | The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down(…) Of current tires: 15% are rated below 200 25% are rated 201 – 300 32% are rated 301 – 400 20% are rated 401 – 500 6% are rated 501 – 600 2% are rated above 600 |
| Traction Rating: | Not listed on NHTSA website as of Feb. 27, 2023. | Traction grades are an indication of a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tire should allow a car to stop on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as “AA”, “A”, “B”, and “C”. Of current tires: 15% are rated “AA” 77% are rated “A” 7% are rated “B” Only 4 lines of tires are rated “C” |
| Temperature Rating: | Not listed on NHTSA website as of Feb. 27, 2023. | Temperature grades are an indication of a tire’s resistance to heat. Sustained high temperature (for example, driving long distances in hot weather), can cause a tire to deteriorate, leading to blowouts and tread separation. From highest to lowest, a tire’s resistance to heat is graded as “A”, “B”, or “C”. Of current tires: 62% are rated “A” 34% are rated “B” 4% are rated “C” |
| Specifications: | ||
| Limited Treadwear Warranty: | N/A | Have standard coverage during the first 2/32″ of the tread. |
| Speed Rating: | H | Speed Ratings are ranked (lowest to highest) L-Z. |
| Top Speed: | 130 mph | Based on a Speed Rating of H. |
| Tire Load Index: | 79 – 98 | See Max Load below. |
| Max Load: | 963 – 1653 lbs | Based on a load index of 79 and 98. |
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R Tire Sizes Available
There are a few tire sizes available for this brand that you can choose from based on your car. You can get 15-inch, 17-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch tires. Generally, consumers choose these tires for their muscle cars or street rods because the rear tires are extra wide with the front tires being skinny. These tires fit best on vehicles such as the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, Buick GSX Stage 1, Ford Boss 429 Mustang, Oldsmobile 442 W-30, and Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air IV.
| Tire Sizes Available: |
| Check Tire Sizes On Mickeythompsontires.com |
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R Performance
The Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R tires are all-season tires for muscle cars and street rods. They perform best in dry conditions but not in heavy snow and ice . The tire’s tread pattern makes it maintain good traction in wet road conditions.
These tires feature an impressive tread pattern made from a flexible rubber compound. This element allows the tires to maintain excellent grip while the car is moving. Additionally, the traction helps minimize the chances of hydroplaning and remove excessive slush from the tires. These tires also reduce the vibrations you feel from the road when you’re inside the car’s cabin, making it a more pleasant drive.
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R Warranty
If your tires wear before reaching the limited treadwear warranty, you can likely get new ones at no extra cost. The standard Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R’s warranty explains that the person who bought the tires may be eligible for the warranty if they got the tires new and they’re still on the vehicle they were originally installed on. You also can’t have moved the tires to a different car and have rotated them at least every 6,000 miles with a record of the rotation.
Additionally, the tires must be the same or greater load index as the vehicles’ manufacturer. You can get the tires replaced for free if they are unserviceable during the first 2/32″ of the tread wear. If your tires exceed that amount, the company may replace them on a prorated basis.
To file a claim, contact the Mickey Thompson dealer where you had the tires installed. This is where you can have your tires initially inspected. If the tires pass the inspection, you can get the tires replaced with the provided warranty. However, if the dealer doesn’t sell the same tires, you may contact Mickey Thompson’s technical support department by emailing or calling them. They can help get you new tires. You must be the original owner of the tires and bring proof of purchase.
Should You Buy Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R Tires?
There are several reasons to consider buying Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R tires. One reason you might want to purchase these tires is if you have an American muscle car and you want the classic hot rod tire style. These wheels are great for handling two-door coupes with powerful engines. Another reason why these tires are beneficial to drivers is that they make for a smooth ride and provide great mileage that you can enjoy on long road trips or your commute to work. These tires have a great reaction, which makes driving in wet and dry conditions easier to handle. However, when choosing a set please ensure that the tires will support the weight of your vehicle, as the front tires are skinny and the rear tires are wider.
While there are exceptional features and elements to these tires, there are a few drawbacks that may discourage you from purchasing them. You may want to buy different tires if you live in a very snowy and icy climate because, although these tires perform well in wet weather, they aren’t the best for heavy snow. If you’re looking for snow tires for a muscle car, consider purchasing high-performance snow or winter tires. Additionally, if you want to drag race with your muscle car, these aren’t the right tires. Mickey Thompson has various drag racing tires available for you to choose from according to your car’s needs. If you’re feeling unsure on whether this is the right tire for you, click on the linked article as your location and driving style are important to consider.
Where To Purchase Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R
Buying a new set of tires is a big investment you’ll want to take seriously to ensure you get the right tires for your vehicle at the right price.
You might think buying tires online sounds like a hassle, but it can actually save you time and money. Online retailers offer a wide selection of brands, including Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R, at low prices. They also make it easy to find tires that fit your vehicle. Simply enter your make and model to find the right size tires and start comparing pricing from various online sellers. Don’t forget to calculate installation into your cost, which generally ranges from $15 to $45 per tire depending on the shop you choose.
If you want even less hassle and more savings, Discount Tire is the nation’s leading online tire retailer and it has a huge selection. Its Low Price Guarantee promises you the best deal. Discount Tire will also install your new tires at one of its many store locations. All you have to do is purchase online and set up an appointment for installation — no shipping fees or heavy boxes. Discount Tires’ tire installation typically costs $20 to $27 per tire. This allows you to enjoy the savings of online tire shopping while receiving customer service in-store, all from one company.
Of course, buying tires online isn’t for everyone. If you’re more comfortable buying from your local shop, do your research online so you have a good idea of the tire you want, then ask your local tire or repair shop about current promotions. It’s fairly common to find buy 3, get 1 free deals. Keep in mind, however, that local stores may not have your size or the particular tire make and model you want in stock.
If you simply want the cheapest tires and are less concerned about longevity, check your local area for used tire retailers. Just keep in mind that these tires won’t come with the same warranties as a brand-new set of tires. It’s also advised to replace at least two tires at the same time with a matching set for even wear.
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R Tire Customer Reviews
Overall, many customers enjoy these tires because of the nice tire grip and exceptional handling while driving. Consumers also like how the tires come in multiple sizes, allowing them to fit well with various vehicles. These tires are a good choice if you have a retro or classic car because of the proper fit. Additionally, users mention they enjoy how they hear minimal road noise .
It’s important to choose the right tires for your vehicle. Different tires are designed using varying technologies that lead to unique traction and handling abilities. Tires are also designed to fit vehicles’ specific makes, models, and trim levels. Once you find the best tire for your vehicle and driving needs, it’s also crucial to keep up with routine maintenance, including tire rotations.
The FIXD scanner and app help you track your vehicle’s most important maintenance and upkeep needs, including tire life. Purchase the sensor and download the app to keep your vehicle and its tires in their best working condition.
For more tire article reviews, you can visit our review directory page.
FAQs:
Do I Need New Tires?
Tires generally need to be replaced when they fall under 3 mm of tread. Tread depth can be easily tested with a penny. If you have the FIXD app, after measuring the tread depth, the app will be sure to remind you when an upcoming tire replacement may be necessary.
How Do I Pick The Right Tires for My Vehicle?
There is more to picking tires than just a brand name. You should take into consideration how you use the tires, what conditions you’ll be driving in, what your budget is, and what tires fit your vehicle. If you’d like an in-depth guide, check out our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Car Tires (2023), and if you’d like a bit more information on how to find your tire size, check out our article on How to Find Your Tire Size.
Where Should I Buy Tires to Save Money on My Purchase?
Many consumers purchase tires at a local shop or online. Purchasing online can help you get the most bang for your buck. Although the process can seem confusing, in reality, purchasing tires online is no more difficult than purchasing locally. Purchasing online means you’ll also get the tires you’re wanting rather than just what the local shop has in stock.
When purchasing online you can have the tires shipped to a shop in your area and installed on-site. It’s not much different from purchasing locally in terms of the process, and the price is generally lower because of the level of competition to win your business online and the lower overhead costs of the online retailers.
Our first pick is Discount Tire. It is nationwide, price competitive, has excellent in-store customer service, and skilled installation. In California it is also known as America’s Tire.
How Do I Make Sure I Get The Right Tires for My Vehicle When Purchasing Online?
Just like purchasing at a local shop, you’ll want to make sure the tires you purchase meet your driving needs. Make sure the tire is able to handle your local weather conditions, is built for the type of driving you intend to do (commuting / racing / off-roading), has a good warranty, and fits your vehicle. All-season tires are typically a safe bet for most vehicles whose drivers intend only to commute, and there are several brands with great warranties. The most crucial and final step is to check your tire size. If you cannot verify the tire size you’re purchasing, don’t bother, an incorrect size cannot be adjusted to fit your wheels.
This is an unlikely problem as most major online retailers like Discount Tire will list the size of your tire front and center on the product page. Keep in mind that if you no longer have the original wheels your vehicle rolled out of the factory with, you will need to buy a size that fits your non-OEM wheels. If you need help finding your tire size take a look at our instructions for finding your tire size or use Discount Tires’ “Shop by Vehicle” search located on their homepage if you have OEM wheels.
Sources:
“About m/T.” Mickey Thompson, 22 Dec. 2022, https://www.mickeythompsontires.com/about
“Discount Tire: Tires and Wheels for Sale: Online & in-Person.” Discount Tire | Tires and Wheels for Sale | Online & In-Person, https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/mickey-thompson-sportsman/p/18028
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R lt 29×15.00r15 98H as a/s all season tire. Priority Tire. (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.prioritytire.com/mickey-thompson-sportsman-s-r-29×15-00r15-98h-as-a-s-all-season-tire/
Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/R Tires. Mickey Thompson Sportsman S R Tires – SR Radial Tires – JEGS High Performance. (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.jegs.com/p/Mickey-Thompson/Mickey-Thompson-Sportsman-S-R-Tires/758838/10002/-1#
“Ratings.” NHTSA, https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings#tires
Sportsman S/R™. Mickey Thompson. (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2023, from https://www.mickeythompsontires.com/street-tires/sportsman-s-r
“Warranty Info.” Mickey Thompson, https://www.mickeythompsontires.com/customer-service/warranty
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