The Official Tire Review and Discussion Thread
- Thread starter ///M-Spec
- 66 comments
- 31,741 views
///M-Spec
Staff Emeritus
- 4,928
No problem, TB.
I don't know what CR's testing methodology is... I went over to their site and they want me to subscribe which I'm not interested in doing.
But Tirerack is run by a bunch of racers and autocrossers --real car guys. I'd trust their opinion and reviews over just about anyone. 👍
M
I don't know what CR's testing methodology is... I went over to their site and they want me to subscribe which I'm not interested in doing.
But Tirerack is run by a bunch of racers and autocrossers --real car guys. I'd trust their opinion and reviews over just about anyone. 👍
M
ND4SPD
Premium
- 8,479
- Guelph ON
- JeffZ28
- Jeff C6R
I rocked bald tires last winter on my Interceptor. Got stuck once but other than that I survived. This year though, I definitely want some winters. My car came with 1 unused Goodyear Ultra Grip GW2's, so I was thinking I should just buy 3 more for this winter. This is the winter tire that the police use on their Interceptors as well and they are rated as performance winter tires but for some odd reason I can't find any reviews on these things. Anyone here have any experience using them?
- 5,768
- Anoka, MN
Here's a few reviews, and they're about $136 a tire.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Eagle+Ultra+Grip+GW2
Here's a list of winter tires.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...ar=2001&autoModel=Crown Victoria&autoModClar=
ROAD_DOGG33J
Premium
- 14,254
- IL, USA
- holyc0w1
- holyc0w
Keef
Premium
- 25,095
- Dayton, OH
- GTP_KeefRacer
- GTP Keef
Not a good excuse for not having snow tires. You might seem safe idling through a parking lot, but that guy creeping around the corner who tried to stop from 4 mph last winter slid about 10 feet on the dusting and nearly hit me. I was able to stop immediately, just like I do on dry pavement. We could have both slid into each other, but the snow tires paid for themselves by saving me that one silly incident. I wasn't a matter of dumb driving, either. It was simply a matter of having bad tires.
///M-Spec
Staff Emeritus
- 4,928
An interesting thing happened to me this weekend (well, actually several interesting things happened, but only one really pertains to this thread). I was at NJMP Lightning doing a HPDE with the Audi Club (great event, btw --crappy cellphone pics in my profile page) and I struck up a short conversation with a fellow with a BMW 335d. It turns out his name was Jonathan Linkov, who is the Managing Editor for the autos dept. at Consumer Reports (very nice guy, btw). It also turned out that he was there as an instructor, not a student. Talking to him has definately made me reassess CR's "car people" credentials. Anyone with the experience and skill necessary to instruct at a HPDE has some credibility in my book!
Just thought I'd pass this along...
P.S. My ContiSportContact2s held up surprisingly well. Got to pass some fairly hot cars this weekend, including a few RS4s, M3s and even a 996. There was a 997S that was just out of reach though...
M
Last edited:
- 1,397
People should also state how aggressive they are as a driver, as that can impact your perception of it.
Someone who drives at 8/10 - 10/10s as much as possible probably has vastly different expectations than someone who is just going to work with the flow of traffic.
Someone who drives at 8/10 - 10/10s as much as possible probably has vastly different expectations than someone who is just going to work with the flow of traffic.
Joey D
Premium
- 47,430
- Lakes of the North, MI
- GTP_Joey
- GTP Joey
Snowshoes
I was originally going to get the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60's, but after reading this test from TireRack I'm not so sure any more. I also don't like the speed rating on the Blizzak's, they are only an R (106mph).
I was originally going to get 175/65/15 tires to fit on my old rims, but that really limits my choices so I'm going to a 185/60/15 tire. Honestly I don't care if it feels like balloons under my car, they are just winter tires. With the 185's I have all sorts of choices.
After reading that test it looks like the Continental ExtremeWinterContact's look like they are a better tire. Any thoughts on this? I'm probably going to get the tires in the next couple of weeks because it will eventually snow. I like the better speed rating with the Continental's, they are T's (118mph) and they are slightly cheaper.
I can also get Michelin X-Ice Xi2's from Costco for a very reasonable price.
I was originally going to get the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60's, but after reading this test from TireRack I'm not so sure any more. I also don't like the speed rating on the Blizzak's, they are only an R (106mph).
I was originally going to get 175/65/15 tires to fit on my old rims, but that really limits my choices so I'm going to a 185/60/15 tire. Honestly I don't care if it feels like balloons under my car, they are just winter tires. With the 185's I have all sorts of choices.
After reading that test it looks like the Continental ExtremeWinterContact's look like they are a better tire. Any thoughts on this? I'm probably going to get the tires in the next couple of weeks because it will eventually snow. I like the better speed rating with the Continental's, they are T's (118mph) and they are slightly cheaper.
I can also get Michelin X-Ice Xi2's from Costco for a very reasonable price.
- 2,266
- GTP_Thatman/Thatmanthere
- A Man Hamster
Is it just my tires/size or do snow tires suck something fierce on "normal" wet roads that are around 50 degrees F?
Cause I swear with as little as 150 hp the tail comes loose with no more then 65% throttle and/or a short pull of the E-brake....
Cause I swear with as little as 150 hp the tail comes loose with no more then 65% throttle and/or a short pull of the E-brake....
Joey D
Premium
- 47,430
- Lakes of the North, MI
- GTP_Joey
- GTP Joey
I don't mean to bump this but I plan on getting my winter tires this week, or at least ordered this week. I'm probably going to head out tomorrow before work and get some prices.
Blizzak's seem to be pretty pricey everywhere I look and most MINI owners use other tires or have had so-so results with the Blizzak's.
Right now I'm looking at:
- Continental ExtremeWinterContact's
- Pirelli Winter 190 Snowcontrol Serie II's
- Michelin X-Ice Xi2's
- General Altimax Arctic's
The Continental's look like they are fairly new but Tire Rack liked them, the Pirelli's are more performance oriented, the Michelin's I can get a good deal on through Costco, and the General's are what a lot of MINI owners out west and in the north east use.
Any thoughts?
Blizzak's seem to be pretty pricey everywhere I look and most MINI owners use other tires or have had so-so results with the Blizzak's.
Right now I'm looking at:
- Continental ExtremeWinterContact's
- Pirelli Winter 190 Snowcontrol Serie II's
- Michelin X-Ice Xi2's
- General Altimax Arctic's
The Continental's look like they are fairly new but Tire Rack liked them, the Pirelli's are more performance oriented, the Michelin's I can get a good deal on through Costco, and the General's are what a lot of MINI owners out west and in the north east use.
Any thoughts?
Joey D
Premium
- 47,430
- Lakes of the North, MI
- GTP_Joey
- GTP Joey
I spent the morning going around to different places getting some quotes.
The crazies quote I got was for a set of Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R, which ran $135 per tire. Apparently they are the next best thing to putting Jesus on your rims and driving through the snow. I think I'm good on dropping $650 on winter tires.
The Generals are way to aggressive for the amount of snow we get here so they are out. I needed something that would deal with wet, slushy, salt/sand covered roads then hard pack. Pretty much I've narrowed it down to the Pirelli's, Michelin X-Ice's, or the Yokohama iG20's. Since I think Yokohama tires suck I think they are off the list.
I think ultimately I'm going to go with the Pirelli's since they appear to offer the best wet road traction save for the obscenely expensive Hakkapeliitta.
The crazies quote I got was for a set of Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R, which ran $135 per tire. Apparently they are the next best thing to putting Jesus on your rims and driving through the snow. I think I'm good on dropping $650 on winter tires.
The Generals are way to aggressive for the amount of snow we get here so they are out. I needed something that would deal with wet, slushy, salt/sand covered roads then hard pack. Pretty much I've narrowed it down to the Pirelli's, Michelin X-Ice's, or the Yokohama iG20's. Since I think Yokohama tires suck I think they are off the list.
I think ultimately I'm going to go with the Pirelli's since they appear to offer the best wet road traction save for the obscenely expensive Hakkapeliitta.
- 10,620
- gtp_jimprower
Wider, grippier....softer: the Melancholy of Cooper Lifeliner GLS
Well, the local Blain's Farm & Fleet was having the right Black Friday Sale at the right time: Buy three tires, get the fourth free. After pricing various tires (including Sumitomo HTR200 Summer tires, the only ones in my car's OEM size,) I decided to check out what F&F had for me.
When I bought the car, it had BFGoodrich Traction T/A tires, basically their cheap tire, in 155/80R13. On the stock rims, the car can run either these, or 175/70R13s. The BFs were half-worn when I got 'em, and over the past two years, have become even further worn...which means by the end they had no grip on anything other than warm, dry road surfaces. The least bit of moisture created an unsettling feeling, and with winter coming in a hurry, I decided that new tires, of any sort, were needed.
After arriving at 8:00 AM and waiting in line 30 minutes, (Apparently, a lot of people needed new tires,) I consulted with the man at the desk with tires in the larger size, 175/70R13. I didn't want Uniroyals...they probably would have knocked fifty bucks off the price, but the tech in them likely dated from the early '90s. Cooper, on the other hand, is a relatively reputable brand, so I decided on that. At $50 a tire, and with one free, It was less than even my calculations for ordering the $45 Sumitomo or Kumho tires I was looking at.
So then came the wait. I kid you not that I spent the entire morning. (from 08.00 to 12.00) waiting for my new tires. They were that busy. And had no magazines whatsoever. I guess I could'a browsed the store...I picked up a can of Sea Foam, but made the mistake of doing that before I got in line.
So I was quite pleased to leave the store with four brand new Shoes on Percy. Of course, I headed straight for the nearest set of turns to try them.
So far, (although, admittedly, with only two drives on the tires,) I'm pretty impressed...particularly with the Coopers' ridiculous dry grip, even on a cold road. Granted, it's probably not as much as with a proper summer tire...but It's more than enough, especially seeing as I have no anti-roll bars. I've yet to try them in the wet, but I sincerely hope they're not greasy.
That's probably why the Coopers have a safety feature built into them. The sidewalls.
These things flex more than a bodybuilder at a bikini contest. There's two primary results from this: Firstly, I've lost much of my steering feel...very unsettling, as there's now a bit of a dead spot in the middle of the steering, and secondly, a very strong leaning feeling. Especially with the higher cornering forces compared with the Tractions. I worry that I'm going to flip. I now feel that I need either struts or antiroll bars to rectify this. Probably both.
There's a good side, though...the ride's much better. These tires just soak up the bumps, where the Goodrichs would transmit them rather forcefully. I'd like to feel them in the steering wheel, but them not being in my seat is nice.
So, mixed feelings. Great tread, bad sidewalls. However, their greatest test is yet to come...
For once, I can't wait for a cold, wet day.
Well, the local Blain's Farm & Fleet was having the right Black Friday Sale at the right time: Buy three tires, get the fourth free. After pricing various tires (including Sumitomo HTR200 Summer tires, the only ones in my car's OEM size,) I decided to check out what F&F had for me.
When I bought the car, it had BFGoodrich Traction T/A tires, basically their cheap tire, in 155/80R13. On the stock rims, the car can run either these, or 175/70R13s. The BFs were half-worn when I got 'em, and over the past two years, have become even further worn...which means by the end they had no grip on anything other than warm, dry road surfaces. The least bit of moisture created an unsettling feeling, and with winter coming in a hurry, I decided that new tires, of any sort, were needed.
After arriving at 8:00 AM and waiting in line 30 minutes, (Apparently, a lot of people needed new tires,) I consulted with the man at the desk with tires in the larger size, 175/70R13. I didn't want Uniroyals...they probably would have knocked fifty bucks off the price, but the tech in them likely dated from the early '90s. Cooper, on the other hand, is a relatively reputable brand, so I decided on that. At $50 a tire, and with one free, It was less than even my calculations for ordering the $45 Sumitomo or Kumho tires I was looking at.
So then came the wait. I kid you not that I spent the entire morning. (from 08.00 to 12.00) waiting for my new tires. They were that busy. And had no magazines whatsoever. I guess I could'a browsed the store...I picked up a can of Sea Foam, but made the mistake of doing that before I got in line.
So I was quite pleased to leave the store with four brand new Shoes on Percy. Of course, I headed straight for the nearest set of turns to try them.
So far, (although, admittedly, with only two drives on the tires,) I'm pretty impressed...particularly with the Coopers' ridiculous dry grip, even on a cold road. Granted, it's probably not as much as with a proper summer tire...but It's more than enough, especially seeing as I have no anti-roll bars. I've yet to try them in the wet, but I sincerely hope they're not greasy.
That's probably why the Coopers have a safety feature built into them. The sidewalls.
These things flex more than a bodybuilder at a bikini contest. There's two primary results from this: Firstly, I've lost much of my steering feel...very unsettling, as there's now a bit of a dead spot in the middle of the steering, and secondly, a very strong leaning feeling. Especially with the higher cornering forces compared with the Tractions. I worry that I'm going to flip. I now feel that I need either struts or antiroll bars to rectify this. Probably both.
There's a good side, though...the ride's much better. These tires just soak up the bumps, where the Goodrichs would transmit them rather forcefully. I'd like to feel them in the steering wheel, but them not being in my seat is nice.
So, mixed feelings. Great tread, bad sidewalls. However, their greatest test is yet to come...
For once, I can't wait for a cold, wet day.
Joey D
Premium
- 47,430
- Lakes of the North, MI
- GTP_Joey
- GTP Joey
Sounds like you are running into the same problem I had with my Yokohama's. They were too big for the rims and caused my car to feel like it was on balloons. Also with the wider tires you are probably experiencing a tram line effect that baffled me for the longest time. You could always look at getting some wider rims although at 13's I'm not sure you have many options.
- 10,620
- gtp_jimprower
Meh, it's actually not doing too bad...I think they also may be overinflated, steering's kinda light. It's not tramlining, though. Besides, I've driven Novas with the 175s and these rims before, and, in fact, the tire size is laid out in the glovebox. Pressure should be at 27 PSI (the 155s rode at 29.)
In fact, on the ride home, it basically went where it wanted to go better than the old tires...there's an offramp with a pretty big bump. the old tires would want to skip over the bump...these just rode over it.
Anyway, I'm liking my newfound grip. Really good for all-season tires!
In fact, on the ride home, it basically went where it wanted to go better than the old tires...there's an offramp with a pretty big bump. the old tires would want to skip over the bump...these just rode over it.
Anyway, I'm liking my newfound grip. Really good for all-season tires!
- 36,655
- Scotland
- GTP_daan
When I had the Proxies on, a few years ago, I only managed 20,000 miles on them. They must not like heavier cars as I can't imagine I'd be that hard on them...
I replaced them with Michelin Pilot Primacy HP and they've now done 30,000 miles, but they are needing replaced now. I'm probably just going to get another set of Michelins, although the best price I can get is £521 for 4 (etyres)
Joey D
Premium
- 47,430
- Lakes of the North, MI
- GTP_Joey
- GTP Joey
I thought an update was in order:
Brand & Name: Goodyear Eagle GT's
Tire Type: Ultra High Performance All-Season
Speed Rating/Service Desciption and UTQG: 87V 440 A A
Size 205/50/16
Price: $87.00 per Tirerack.com, $100 for Discount Tire
Vehicle Installed: 2007 MINI Cooper, 1.6L
Miles Driven: 12,000
Conditions: Mixed city and highway, long road trips, wet/dry, no snow/ice
Review: At first I really enjoyed these tires, they offered decent grip and were quite-ish. I fell out of love with them though. He's a slight revised version of what I wrote on TireRack.com about them:
These tires are mediocre at best. In the dry they provide decent grip, but not to the level many reviews claimed. If you read that these tires are superior to summer-only tires in the dry, take it with a grain of salt. The GT's wet traction is pretty appalling too, especially with standing water. Looking at the treads I would think it'd hydroplaning resistance would be pretty good, but one again I made an incorrect assumption.
Probably the worse thing about this tire though is its tread life. I'll admit, I do a mix of spirited and normal driving, but with a big lean towards average commuting. I don't understand how occasional spirited driving can eat the tread like that and offer such poor grip. At 12,000 miles I'm already lower than 50% tread life, that was worse then the OEM runflats.
The quality of the tires isn't very good either in my opinion. They constantly loose air pressure and I've had them checked for punctures as well as had my rims checked to make sure they weren't bent. I don't know why this tire constantly looses pressure, and no one seems to have a good answer. I used to be a huge fan of Goodyear tires, however the GT's have gave me a negative perception of the company unfortunately.
One thing I am impressed with is the ride comfort and noise over the OEM runflats. On long motorway journeys they are smooth and quite. This does help with the long road trips I do from time to time. It allows me to be less fatigued, which is always a good thing.
In short, if you do any spirited driving or drive even a remotely sporty car at all I would avoid these tires like the plague. They might be good for average around town driving but with a MINI Cooper, they just don't seem to fit right.
===
Brand & Name: Hankook Winter iPike W409's
Tire Type: Studdable Winter Tire
Speed Rating/Service Desciption and UTQG: 88T, No UTQG
Size 185/65/15
Price: $70 per Discount Tire
Vehicle Installed: 2007 MINI Cooper, 1.6L
Miles Driven: 5,000
Conditions: Mixed city and highway, wet/dry, snow up to 5" and ice
Review: I've been sceptical of winter tires since I started driving, I always figured since it never snow much here in southeast lower Michigan that there wasn't really a point to them. Also I didn't think it was worth spending $400 for some tires that I only use for 4 months. However, I was dead wrong.
Since I have nothing else to go off of I can only assume, but these iPike are awesome. The most snow we've gotten at one time was the other day and there was about 5" on the roadway. I had no problem driving around and was overtaking 4x4's with ease. I actually went out in the snow to see if I could get stuck, it was amazing. With a bit of throttle control I managed to drive just fine. I even found a parking lot, came to a dead stop in an 8" drift and then set off. No problems what-so-ever other then getting a bunch of snow in the lower grill.
These tires can be studded but it's illegal to do so in my area so my tires run studdless, it's cool to know I can do it though if I want.
I also drove a good distance in icy conditions and the car never even flinched. I was amazed and a bit mad at myself for being an idiot and not getting these sooner. They are excellent insurance for winter weather.
As some of you know this was common place for me for the past two winters:
Not any more though!
For dry road driving the tires are a bit squishy and the car rides like and Oldsmobile, kinda floaty and bouncy. They aren't that loud either and the annoying singing noise went away. I've done 80mph on the freeway with these and I felt completely safe. The handling sucks but I only messed that one up about three days after the tires were installed and I forgot I wasn't rocking something halfway stiff any more.
I would easily recommend these tire, and I am fairly confident that winter tires are worth every single penny.
Brand & Name: Goodyear Eagle GT's
Tire Type: Ultra High Performance All-Season
Speed Rating/Service Desciption and UTQG: 87V 440 A A
Size 205/50/16
Price: $87.00 per Tirerack.com, $100 for Discount Tire
Vehicle Installed: 2007 MINI Cooper, 1.6L
Miles Driven: 12,000
Conditions: Mixed city and highway, long road trips, wet/dry, no snow/ice
Review: At first I really enjoyed these tires, they offered decent grip and were quite-ish. I fell out of love with them though. He's a slight revised version of what I wrote on TireRack.com about them:
These tires are mediocre at best. In the dry they provide decent grip, but not to the level many reviews claimed. If you read that these tires are superior to summer-only tires in the dry, take it with a grain of salt. The GT's wet traction is pretty appalling too, especially with standing water. Looking at the treads I would think it'd hydroplaning resistance would be pretty good, but one again I made an incorrect assumption.
Probably the worse thing about this tire though is its tread life. I'll admit, I do a mix of spirited and normal driving, but with a big lean towards average commuting. I don't understand how occasional spirited driving can eat the tread like that and offer such poor grip. At 12,000 miles I'm already lower than 50% tread life, that was worse then the OEM runflats.
The quality of the tires isn't very good either in my opinion. They constantly loose air pressure and I've had them checked for punctures as well as had my rims checked to make sure they weren't bent. I don't know why this tire constantly looses pressure, and no one seems to have a good answer. I used to be a huge fan of Goodyear tires, however the GT's have gave me a negative perception of the company unfortunately.
One thing I am impressed with is the ride comfort and noise over the OEM runflats. On long motorway journeys they are smooth and quite. This does help with the long road trips I do from time to time. It allows me to be less fatigued, which is always a good thing.
In short, if you do any spirited driving or drive even a remotely sporty car at all I would avoid these tires like the plague. They might be good for average around town driving but with a MINI Cooper, they just don't seem to fit right.
===
Brand & Name: Hankook Winter iPike W409's
Tire Type: Studdable Winter Tire
Speed Rating/Service Desciption and UTQG: 88T, No UTQG
Size 185/65/15
Price: $70 per Discount Tire
Vehicle Installed: 2007 MINI Cooper, 1.6L
Miles Driven: 5,000
Conditions: Mixed city and highway, wet/dry, snow up to 5" and ice
Review: I've been sceptical of winter tires since I started driving, I always figured since it never snow much here in southeast lower Michigan that there wasn't really a point to them. Also I didn't think it was worth spending $400 for some tires that I only use for 4 months. However, I was dead wrong.
Since I have nothing else to go off of I can only assume, but these iPike are awesome. The most snow we've gotten at one time was the other day and there was about 5" on the roadway. I had no problem driving around and was overtaking 4x4's with ease. I actually went out in the snow to see if I could get stuck, it was amazing. With a bit of throttle control I managed to drive just fine. I even found a parking lot, came to a dead stop in an 8" drift and then set off. No problems what-so-ever other then getting a bunch of snow in the lower grill.
These tires can be studded but it's illegal to do so in my area so my tires run studdless, it's cool to know I can do it though if I want.
I also drove a good distance in icy conditions and the car never even flinched. I was amazed and a bit mad at myself for being an idiot and not getting these sooner. They are excellent insurance for winter weather.
As some of you know this was common place for me for the past two winters:
Not any more though!
For dry road driving the tires are a bit squishy and the car rides like and Oldsmobile, kinda floaty and bouncy. They aren't that loud either and the annoying singing noise went away. I've done 80mph on the freeway with these and I felt completely safe. The handling sucks but I only messed that one up about three days after the tires were installed and I forgot I wasn't rocking something halfway stiff any more.
I would easily recommend these tire, and I am fairly confident that winter tires are worth every single penny.
Joey D
Premium
- 47,430
- Lakes of the North, MI
- GTP_Joey
- GTP Joey
My Goodyear Eagle GT's are wearing fast and I probably have 5,000-7,000 miles left in them at the most as they are pretty close to the wear bars. I really don't want to drive on tires that are on the wear bars since that seems like a negative life choice. The GT's are doing really awful in the rain too, Sunday night on the freeway was scary with the amount of hydroplaning these tires were doing.
So I really do need some help since I'll probably get tires in the next couple weeks or so.
I don't drive overly aggressive but I like to have fun on back roads (even though I'm well aware it's stupid to do). Typical cruising pace on Michigan freeways is about 90mph so speed ratings are important. The GT's are V rated (149mph) so I would like to stick with that or the higher W rating. I also drive a lot, like I'm on target to do 25,000 miles this year so I need a tire that won't wear out in 12,000 miles and I do go on long road trips so I want some things that won't shatter my spine or make my ears bleed. I also drive down dirt roads a couple times a week (beats sitting in traffic).
Oh and my tire size is 205/50/16 but my speedo reads about 4-5mph too fast, so I would consider going to a 205/55/16 to maybe balance it out a bit. I suppose I could do a 195 tire with a slight stretch too.
I'm seriously thinking I should stick with a high performance all-season and right now the best thing I've come up with is the Continental ExtremeContact DWS:
There are also the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus, but they are slightly more expensive then a small island in the Caribbean.
If I was going to get a summer only tire it would probably be the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2's or the Continental ExtremeContact DW's. But I don't know.
So I really do need some help since I'll probably get tires in the next couple weeks or so.
I don't drive overly aggressive but I like to have fun on back roads (even though I'm well aware it's stupid to do). Typical cruising pace on Michigan freeways is about 90mph so speed ratings are important. The GT's are V rated (149mph) so I would like to stick with that or the higher W rating. I also drive a lot, like I'm on target to do 25,000 miles this year so I need a tire that won't wear out in 12,000 miles and I do go on long road trips so I want some things that won't shatter my spine or make my ears bleed. I also drive down dirt roads a couple times a week (beats sitting in traffic).
Oh and my tire size is 205/50/16 but my speedo reads about 4-5mph too fast, so I would consider going to a 205/55/16 to maybe balance it out a bit. I suppose I could do a 195 tire with a slight stretch too.
I'm seriously thinking I should stick with a high performance all-season and right now the best thing I've come up with is the Continental ExtremeContact DWS:
There are also the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus, but they are slightly more expensive then a small island in the Caribbean.
If I was going to get a summer only tire it would probably be the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2's or the Continental ExtremeContact DW's. But I don't know.
- 24,344
- Midlantic Area
- GTP_Duke
I have a set of the Conti DWSes sitting on my garage floor waiting to go on my wife's TSX, probably tomorrow. I'll let you know how they feel, but every review and test I've read about them rates them very very highly, for dry, wet, and especially light/moderate snow.
They were just over $500 for the set of 4 shipped from DTD. Add $100 for mount/balance and you're still just around $150 each on the car.
They were just over $500 for the set of 4 shipped from DTD. Add $100 for mount/balance and you're still just around $150 each on the car.
Joey D
Premium
- 47,430
- Lakes of the North, MI
- GTP_Joey
- GTP Joey
Yup everything I've read has been extremely positive about them which is why I'm thinking that way and quite a few members on North American Motoring rock them and seem to say they fit the Cooper quite well. But I'll be curious to see how you say them feel.
And I'll get whatever tires through Discount Tire, a good buddy of mine works there and he hooks me up with a deal when I get tires.
And I'll get whatever tires through Discount Tire, a good buddy of mine works there and he hooks me up with a deal when I get tires.
- 676
- GTP_TrievelA7X
Pirelli P4 Four Seasons
1999 Buick Regal LS
Size: 215/70R15
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Serv. Desc: 98T
UTQG: 760 A B
Price - 90 (tirerack.com) 91 (discounttiredirect.com) Note discounttiredirect includes shipping in their price.
Mileage - 1,200
I obviously haven't gotten to test them in any snow, and won't for at least 7 months, most likely.
I haven't done a whole lot of anything "performance" with them yet, but I can say the ride is excellent, no tire noise whatsoever, and the grip is extremely progressive, these tires will definitely let you know before they break loose.
I drove in pouring rain the other night, and the only time they hydroplaned at all was in puddles deep enough to swallow the best tires, and I confidently cruised past every vehicle I encountered on the highway that night, as it was apparently bad enough most people felt a need to go 10-20 mph under the limit. Not me, no sir, I had grip to spare.
I can't comment on tread wear yet, as I have about 1100 miles of highway driving, with 100 city so far, but the 85K warranty makes me feel good about that.
But all in all, if you want one-stop tires on a non-performance car, including price, these I would recommend to anyone.
1999 Buick Regal LS
Size: 215/70R15
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Serv. Desc: 98T
UTQG: 760 A B
Price - 90 (tirerack.com) 91 (discounttiredirect.com) Note discounttiredirect includes shipping in their price.
Mileage - 1,200
So far, I would call this statement 100% accurate.
I obviously haven't gotten to test them in any snow, and won't for at least 7 months, most likely.
I haven't done a whole lot of anything "performance" with them yet, but I can say the ride is excellent, no tire noise whatsoever, and the grip is extremely progressive, these tires will definitely let you know before they break loose.
I drove in pouring rain the other night, and the only time they hydroplaned at all was in puddles deep enough to swallow the best tires, and I confidently cruised past every vehicle I encountered on the highway that night, as it was apparently bad enough most people felt a need to go 10-20 mph under the limit. Not me, no sir, I had grip to spare.
I can't comment on tread wear yet, as I have about 1100 miles of highway driving, with 100 city so far, but the 85K warranty makes me feel good about that.
But all in all, if you want one-stop tires on a non-performance car, including price, these I would recommend to anyone.
- 21,286
- GR-MI-USA
- YSSMAN
- YSSMAN
So, my Celica is in need of a new set of tires. In lieu of spending upwards of $1000 on a set of snow and summer tires, I've decided to stay on the all-season route. I'm in the process of replacing some Goodyear Eagle GTIIs, which offer up excellent summer performance, but the ride can be a bit harsh, and the road noise is something I'd like to get away from.
Problem is, apparently no one makes P205/55/15 tires anymore. I've essentially been left with two options:
Toyo Proxes 4
$82.00 per tire
V-Rated
Khumo Ecsta ASX
$72.00 per tire
V-Rated
I know little about each brand, and neither seem to offer the kind of traction I'd want in the cooler months of the year. I'm uncertain about what I can do. How different can I go with the tire sizes based on the 15" wheels I have on my car?
Problem is, apparently no one makes P205/55/15 tires anymore. I've essentially been left with two options:
Toyo Proxes 4
$82.00 per tire
V-Rated
Khumo Ecsta ASX
$72.00 per tire
V-Rated
I know little about each brand, and neither seem to offer the kind of traction I'd want in the cooler months of the year. I'm uncertain about what I can do. How different can I go with the tire sizes based on the 15" wheels I have on my car?
- 10,620
- gtp_jimprower
Broken in as the road gets colder: the Yokohama Avid Touring S's
Well, Nina's worn her shoes to the comfortable point. The slimy release agent is gone, and the rubber's on the road...just as it's getting colder.
and, so far, I'm not really losing any grip with the Touring S tires...save for a freak Snap-sleet about two weeks ago. and even then, that was more I was letting the clutch out too fast and spinning the fronts on freezing rain...I didn't notice a whole lot of a loss of cornering grip. I don't think it's winter-tire grade, but at the same time, they're doing well for what they are - all-season.
So far, the road noise seems to have died down a bit, and the treadwear is doing well - these are 80,000 mile warranty tires, they'll last awhile.
next year, I'm planning on going to 15s with summer tires, hopefully so that I can eventually throw bigger brakes under the car. If I ever track this thing, the stock brakes...smaller, physically, than my Nova's...will need replacing.
Well, Nina's worn her shoes to the comfortable point. The slimy release agent is gone, and the rubber's on the road...just as it's getting colder.
and, so far, I'm not really losing any grip with the Touring S tires...save for a freak Snap-sleet about two weeks ago. and even then, that was more I was letting the clutch out too fast and spinning the fronts on freezing rain...I didn't notice a whole lot of a loss of cornering grip. I don't think it's winter-tire grade, but at the same time, they're doing well for what they are - all-season.
So far, the road noise seems to have died down a bit, and the treadwear is doing well - these are 80,000 mile warranty tires, they'll last awhile.
next year, I'm planning on going to 15s with summer tires, hopefully so that I can eventually throw bigger brakes under the car. If I ever track this thing, the stock brakes...smaller, physically, than my Nova's...will need replacing.
- 21,286
- GR-MI-USA
- YSSMAN
- YSSMAN
Tire shopping around here sucks, not many stores carry what I would even want in the first place. I'm thinking of going "down" (not really?) a size and strapping 195/60/15s on the Celica instead. It gives me a much larger, and generally cheaper set of options that really shouldn't compromise my performance all that much.
The BFGoodrich Traction T/A and Michelin Primacy MXV4 are sitting at the top of my list currently. I'll have to see if I can track them down locally and find out if they want to shoot me for even suggesting putting on something different than the OEM spec tire.
- 10,620
- gtp_jimprower
YSS, try Tire Rack. That's where I got my Yokohamas. Price is usually pretty low, and you can have them mounted wherever you like. Wally-world, even, though that may not be the best choice.
- 5,768
- Anoka, MN
I suggest the Traction T/A, we had a set on our old Saturn for winter tires and they worked great in the snow.
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