You can ask the salesperson who is helping you if any salespeople are currently using the tire they are recommending. Unfortunately, even as great as Tire rack the salesman have their spiff sheet and also what the company want to push for sales.
The problem with buying tires is most often always its like buying a car, once you buy it seldom can you take it back if you're not happy with the product!
So choose wisely....

 

Noted. Thank you. I’ll tread carefully. (Pun intended) :-)

 

So, in my search for tires, here is a question. I currently have 245/50R20 Good Year Eagle RS on my 20” wheels. What, if any, is the advantage to going with a larger sidewall? What might a next good size up be? I am looking at Cooper, Continental and Michelin. Thanks!

 

larger/taller side wall will be smoother ride quality, but a slight decrease is handling. You probably would not notice the difference?
Try to avoid run flats is possible.

 

You want to maintain the same outside diameter, or stay within about 2% of the original OD. Going larger may cause clearance problems It's not just the clearance of the tire at normal ride height around all the expensive stuff in the wheel well, but the possible damage when the tire turned one way or the other and a bump is hit driving the tire up into the wheel well. If you want a taller sidewall look for someone with Mazda 18" wheels who wants a swap. The 255/60-18 is the OE tire size.

 

I would have never thought that at all. Thanks for the clarification and insight. It’s much appreciated. I’ll probably stick with the ones I have now for size on my 20” wheels. Thank you!

 

Replace your tires, but until you replace them, slow down in the rain. That is the easiest way to avoid hydroplaning. Even if you have to ride around super slow, just kick your hazards on and keep it slow. New tires are a hell of a lot cheaper than a new car, and hospital bills.

 

Finally ready to purchase tires and have found a few contenders. Having trouble deciding. Any advice on which way to go is appreciated.

All are for tire size 245/50r20

Cooper Endeavor Plus all season 102v
$199 per tire with $40 rebate for set of 4

Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus 3
$178.22 per tire

General Altimax RT45
$200.99 per tire

Looking for good backroad (smooth surface winding road) handling, stopping and wet traction, and light snow management.

Which one do you recommend?

thanks!

 

well you placed to many criterions... LOL

they are all great choices. so I look at tread and design so I would say if I had to choose from your list only than: :

1st choice) General Altimax RT45

These 2 are so close but I suppose having to choses 2nd place lol
2nd choice) Pirelli Scorpion
3rd choice) Cooper Endeavor