tire recommendations

I'll soon be replacing the OEM Bridgestone Turanzas on my '03 Accord
V6. The tread life and fuel economy they've given have been
outstanding, but the handling leaves something to be desired. For
example, I've found myself slowing to 60 mph in strong, gusting
crosswinds while other drivers, even in smaller cars, keep going
65-70.

Fuel economy (rolling resistance, I guess) is the most important tire
quality to me, but I'd be willing to sacrifice a little in that
category for somewhat better handling.

What's my best choice currently?

Ron

 

Personally, I think you are making a mistake considering rolling resistance
your most important quality. Handling and stopping should be number one.
Heat resistance probably next.

You might want to check Consumer Reports at your local library for some
ratings in the last year or 2. Michelin MXV4 plus are good but expensive.
Also http://www.tirerack.com/tires/reviews/MenuServlet?search=surveyComments

 

I'll also have to say wet traction is important as well. Depending on where
you live, look at the snow rating. As Art mentioned, Tirerack is an
excelletn website. Go to their main page:
http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp and start by searching for all tires for
your car. Then look at the charts to compare the surveys and reviews to
decide which you like. The Michelin MXV4 are expensive but there are better
and cheaper ones out there - at least for my '05 Accord. Mine came with the
MXV4 as OEM and I am not impressed with them at all! I will definately but
a different set. Michelins are expensive to begin with - but their Pilots
are cheaper and better than the MXV4. I've also had good luck with
Bridgestone Potenzas in the past.

-Dave

 

The bottom of the line bridgestones on your accord were the cheapest crap
honda (and/or the dealer) would get to keep you from driving on your rims.
*anything* you buy will be a huge improvement. I wouldn't go for the "best"
in any category as they'll be other tradeoffs that aren't worth it.


Stay away from the cheapest junk possible and you'll do fine.

 

I'd strongly recommend round ones.

 

Nokian WR. The best tire made.

 

I have MXV4s on my '03 Passat, and I'm not thrilled with them either.
Not the best handling, and not great in snow/wet. I've been thinking
about Pilots to replace them as well, or perhaps Pirelli P Zero Nero
M+S. I too have had Potenzas in the past (on an '87 Stanza) and liked
them very much.

 

According to Consumer Reports (November 2005), Michelin "X" is top-rated
for noise, rolling resistance, braking and cornering, but only fair in
snow & ice, and tread life is average. They also are only available from
shopping clubs (e.g., Sams Club or Costco). #1 overall is the Goodyear
Assurance TripleTred, though its rolling resistance isn't quite as good.

 

Milleron () writes:
....

....
Both overinflation and underinflation can lead to cross wind sensitivity,
but there are a lot of other factors. The size or weight of the car is
not a particularly important factor. That said, small, light cars are
often inexpensive and lacking in the thoughtful engineering that helps
car stability. I would expect a V6 Accord to be very stable, even with
original tires, unless there is something wrong mechanically.
Dan

(This account is not used for email.)

 

The Tirerack survey is dismal when you compare it to the high cost. The
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S is rated the highest. Bridgestone Potenza RE92 is
bad also. However, I had the Potenza RE950 on my old Prelude and they were
great 3 season but snow traction had much to be desired.

-Dave

 

Consumer Reports rated tires this month.

 

I bought a set of TripleTreads for my '04 Accord 4-banger. I hated the
original Michelins - they had very little traction, I was glad to get rid of
them. Honda should be ashamed for putting such trash on their cars.

So far, the only downside I've noticed on the TT's (other than original
cost) was that the handling wasn't quite as crisp as the original Michelins
(it was the only thing I liked about the M's).
The TT's have a slight delay when you make a turn. When I first got them it
annoyed me, but either I've gotten used to the delay or it has gotten
better; I don't notice it anymore. I haven't had a chance to try them on
snow or ice yet.

 

Apparently it won't reach their website for a while; the most recent
tire rating at consumerreports.org is November 2005.

 

I have TripleTreds on my 2000 Accord and love the tires. I boosted
pressure to 32 psi and was very pleased with the handling and
responsiveness. I drive 100 miles per day commuting in all kinds of
weather. I second the poster who said rolling resistance shouldn't be
primary concern -- I want traction, but then, I live in Ohio...

Full disclosure: I work for Goodyear. My comment is offered in the
spirit of assistance.
SDW

 

Has anyone tried filling their tires with nitrogen instead of compressed
air? It's supposed to make tires last longer, run cooler and lose
pressure more slowly. No idea what it costs, though.

 

Well given that the atmosphere is about 76% nitrogen already I never saw the
return in spending money for the other 24%. Your mileage may vary of course.

 

I have the Goodyear triple treads and I have been very pleased. I don't
work for Goodyear.

there are two versions of the TT ( I can't remember the names). you need to
get the more expensive one. I don't think the lesser one was rated too
highly.

I'll soon be replacing the OEM Bridgestone Turanzas on my '03 Accord
V6. The tread life and fuel economy they've given have been
outstanding, but the handling leaves something to be desired. For
example, I've found myself slowing to 60 mph in strong, gusting
crosswinds while other drivers, even in smaller cars, keep going
65-70.

Fuel economy (rolling resistance, I guess) is the most important tire
quality to me, but I'd be willing to sacrifice a little in that
category for somewhat better handling.

What's my best choice currently?

Ron

 

It's what's in the other 24% that matters. It includes water vapor and
carbon dioxide, whose pressures vary more with temperature than
nitrogen, and also oxygen, which is more chemically reactive than
nitrogen. Granted, these differences aren't enough to make me want to
spend extra money to fill my tires, but the differences are there to
some extent.

 

Is this where I say "Duh!"?

<It includes water vapor and

Yes it does. That's why it's CALLED the other 24%.

I think you just solidified my case.

If somebody wants to go off the deep end and do something extravagant
filling their tires there's always helium. It's inert, resists temperature
changes well, and should make the car go faster because of its lift
characteristics. Then again too small a car with too large tires my tend to
float. But that could be kinda cool too...

Again, YMMV.

 

Was one of the names "Assurance"? I was quoted a price of $560 for
four Goodyear Assurance TripleTred P205-65x15s (mounted, balanced, sales
tax and disposal charge). I can't imagine paying more for a set of
tires unless I was planning to race.