Time for new Tires!

[jayeh]

I'll be needing a set of summer tires once spring comes! Any suggestions? :iono:

I've never bought tires before that weren't bought in desperation, I've never actually shopped for tires/been able to afford them before.

I'm curious about trying a LRR tire, but also wouldn't mind something that gives me a better ride.

Ideally I'd be buying something online in the US and going to collect it across the border so I'm open to any suggestions online!

[NEexpat]

Well i'll chime in.

My stocks are currently in my garage as I am running my winters. The stocks will be gone in the next few months, they lasted about 50k miles.

After all my reading and research, planning to buy new tires in the spring gave me plenty of time to look about. I have narrowed it down to 2.

Michelin Defenders
Hankook Optimo H727's

Leaning towards the Hankooks.

In addition to all the info available here on tires, here is a link to a consumer report on tires, I think it's about 18 months old so....................HERE (http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/best-tires-to-buy-list-released-by-consumer-reports.html)

Why leaning towards the Hankooks, about $50 a tire difference, thats why.

[kimona]

Two recommendations:

1. To improve straight-line stability on the Yaris, only choose a tread design with a continuous, flat, wide center rib. (In doing so, I have completely eliminated highway wander).
2. Look for a silica-based tread compound.

[Hershey]

Bridgestone Ecopia 422 . Can be bought under $65 each . Use them on the '08 sedan and the '11 FIT . They're wearing very well on the FIT. So,so for the sedan .

[IllusionX]

I used the Hankook Optimo H725, which did not have very good dry traction thanks to the 700 Threadwear, but they last forever and work pretty good in the rain. But i've never been a fan of all season tires.

The next tire i will be testing out will be the Zeta ZTR20. I've had good experience with the ZTR10, but it's not made in my size.

[jayeh]

Well i'll chime in.

My stocks are currently in my garage as I am running my winters. The stocks will be gone in the next few months, they lasted about 50k miles.

After all my reading and research, planning to buy new tires in the spring gave me plenty of time to look about. I have narrowed it down to 2.

Michelin Defenders
Hankook Optimo H727's

Leaning towards the Hankooks.

In addition to all the info available here on tires, here is a link to a consumer report on tires, I think it's about 18 months old so....................HERE (http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/best-tires-to-buy-list-released-by-consumer-reports.html)

Why leaning towards the Hankooks, about $50 a tire difference, thats why.

Wow... Two hancooks in Canada is almost the same price as a whole set in the US!

[Exiwolfman]

[QUOTE=jayeh;724582]Wow... Two hancooks in Canada is almost the same price as a whole set in the US![/QUOTE

what about this 52678

[Thirty-Nine]

I have Yokohama S-Drives and have been very happy with them.

[RJay]

Mine sits on Kumho Ecsta SPT Ku31's and I'm very pleased with them, especially their performance when suddenly having to swerve in the rain.

[jayeh]

Mine sits on Kumho Ecsta SPT Ku31's and I'm very pleased with them, especially their performance when suddenly having to swerve in the rain.

I'm not sure if those are even available in NA in the right size for the Yaris.

[RJay]

Really? Over here they're a real bang for buck tire in 185 55 15 for the p1 t sport.

Then again, different cars different sizes.

[IllusionX]

185/55R15 is almost impossible to find in here. I've driven on those when i got the TS wheels.

Probably that's the reason why we have 185/60R15 as factory size.

[kimona]

I have Yokohama S-Drives and have been very happy with them.

They work really well on the Yaris!

[Yesitisyaris]

I use the falken ze 912 185/60r15 and am very happy with them.Good in the rain and dry not so on snow

[Thirty-Nine]

I have had a few sets of Falken Ziex 512 and 912. Great bang for the buck, decent handling, but they all wore pretty fast (30,000 miles).

[SailDesign]

I have Yokohama S-Drives and have been very happy with them.

I was wavering between these and the BFG Comp-2 Sports. Think I'm headed BFG-way. I'll let you know how they do. :smile:

[IllusionX]

The S.Drives are quite noisy compared to WINTER TIRES.

[catliektheif]

i bought nitto neo gens from 330h last year and i love love love them. even the tread is sexy :D

[bronsin]

What about running four donuts?

Could be free tires!

[jayeh]

What about running four donuts?

Could be free tires!

I've seen it done sadly.

[Tedtalker]

I have Hankook H727s but I think my next set will be the new General AltiMax RT43. Tirerack tested the Generals with three other different brands and they liked the Altimax the best.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=AltiMAX+RT43&partnum=86TR5AMRT43&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Toyota&autoYear=2007&autoModel=Yaris%20Sedan&autoModClar=

[nookandcrannycar]

What about running four donuts?

Could be free tires!

:bellyroll::bellyroll:

[nookandcrannycar]

I've seen it done sadly.

Not during the Winter I hope :eek:!!!

[NEexpat]

*UPDATE* sorry not my thread.

Got the Hankooks mounted and balanced today. Will switch over from the snows this wknd.

I did look into the RT43's but in the end decided to go with 727's.

[MoneyT8]

I have a '07 Yaris Sedan; I'm looking at the Numho NR26 and General Tires Atimax. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

[Exiwolfman]

I have a '07 Yaris Sedan; I'm looking at the Numho NR26 and General Tires Atimax. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

ok i got Falken tires all season in 195 55 15 also i did run them for the last two weeks to see how they do in snow and cold temp...very impressive for a do it all tire...but would and will still run my winter force for winter.

Price is awesome for a tire of this performance..go to link.

http://falkentire.com/tires/car-tires/ziex-ze950/s-tire

[jayeh]

Well, I ended up going for the General AltiMAX RT43

So far so good! It's been a few thousand KM so far and no problems.Ride seems slightly better.

[IllusionX]

Oh.. For me. It is the 2nd time I'm running Yokohama s.drive 195/55r15.
I've had my first set when I bought the car. And the last 3 years I've driven on some hankook h725 or something.

[Freestylin]

Anyone ever tried running a set of 205/50/R15 Yokohama R1R's? Was thinking about picking up a set for my 15x7 RPF1's. How was the handling and ride comfort? Is it a noisy tire?

[kimona]

Anyone ever tried running a set of 205/50/R15 Yokohama R1R's? Was thinking about picking up a set for my 15x7 RPF1's. How was the handling and ride comfort? Is it a noisy tire?

Do you mean the Toyo R1R?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Toyo&tireModel=Proxes+R1R&partnum=245WR6PR1R

[Freestylin]

Those are the ones. I guess these will work fine for me even though the treadwear isn't that great due to the softer tire compound.

[kimona]

Check out this review:

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/toyo-proxes-r1r-page-4

Doesn't sound too good. Plus, the tread pattern would probably result in absolutely terrible straight line tracking at highway speeds.

[MoneyT8]

I'm about to get new tires myself and aiming towards the the General Tire Altimax HP or the RT43. Any suggestions? Looking to order them from Discount Tire. Thanks.

[fnkngrv]

The kuhmo x4 were great tires even at speeds over 130mph. I did go back to my falken 912s, but that was mainly to reduce wheelspin.

[kimona]

^^^ I'm running Kumho Ecsta 4x right now. I like them.

[MoneyT8]

Does speed rating matter? Like the General RT43 has a speed rating of T and H, which is better? The Hankook Optimo 727 has T rating. I'm aiming towards the RT43 H, however discount tires doesn't have them yet at least.

[IllusionX]

T is rated for 190kmh or 118mph. Good emoji for the yaris.

[nortonfb]

I just had a set of Generals RT43T installed. Been on the car less than a week.
I have put 300+ miles on them in that time.
So far I like them. Been thru one hell of a rain storm and a 2 1/2hr drive twice,
at 70-75 mph. Reasonably quite, no difference in mileage.
I bought them from discountireonline.com.
Steve

[Hershey]

You can get tires through a GM dealer and they'll match local prices and get a $50 or $100 debit card from GM with purchase of 4 tires . Go here if interested . http://www.mycertifiedservice.com/tools/deals-specials-rebates.html and http://www.mycertifiedservicerebates.com/apply/?o=14-93924&type=Part&pid=460665&edate=10-31-2014 . Some GM service centers may have free mount and balance . Need to go to local GM dealer sites and look under service center offers / discounts .

[Hershey]

nortonfb and jayeh , how are the RT 43s' worknig out for you ? We're thinking of these for a base FIT that has 175/65-15 . Would use them year round and put snows on the the other car for those bad days of winter . Price is $72 -$12.50 ( $50 rebate / 4 ) = $59.50 before tax .

[nortonfb]

So far I like them. No snow yet and I can wait.
MPG stayed the same.
I now have about 800 miles on them, mostly city.
I paid $298 after a price match and I'm still waiting for the $50 rebate.
Norton
68 Norton Fastback

[Hershey]

Pics of a RT43 at Wal-Mart . Also considered the Uniroyal Tiger Paw NT for the '13 base FIT . Read many good reviews for both . The Tiger Paws are $67 for the 175/65-15 .

[MoneyT8]

They both look like good tires, however I haven't personally heard too much on the Uniroyal. I've heard a lot of great things about RT43's and those are the tires I'm planning on using soon. Also if you order through discount tires direct you'll get a great deal along with lifetime balance and rotations at America's Tires.

[Hershey]

Thanks , there are no America's Tires near us . Getting the RT 43s' put on next weekend . Will update on handling , gas mileage , etc..

[why?]

I just bought the General's about a month ago. For me gas mileage went up 3 or 4 mpg, but I was coming from Yokohama's, which prize dry traction above everything else to an extreme degree.

They handle reasonably so far, with the exception that they make the car plow like a pig. Really odd, with the Yokohama's my car would oversteer and the front would never lose traction, but with the General's the front loses grip first.

Hopefully that at least balances out with some break in.

[MoneyT8]

Thanks , there are no America's Tires near us . Getting the RT 43s' put on next weekend . Will update on handling , gas mileage , etc..

Where did you buy the RT43's from and where will you be getting them installed? Walmart? I'm getting them installed next weekend as well.

[Hershey]

Through a car dealer that uses Tirerack . Will be installed there . Supposed to rain that day . :rolleyes:

[Hershey]

WHY , what do you mean by plow ? I take it they don't do well in rain . Should be better than DUNLOP SP31 A/S that came with the FIT ( O.E.M. ) . Those have horrible reviews . The RT 43 got very good review for wet roads . Go to these videos and ratings by Tirerack . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdtRIhbzcPM and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIiE4gLgQDU .

[Hershey]

What Yokohama tires were they ?

[why?]

WHY , what do you mean by plow ? I take it they don't do well in rain . Should be better than DUNLOP SP31 A/S that came with the FIT ( O.E.M. ) . Those have horrible reviews . The RT 43 got very good review for wet roads . Go to these videos and ratings by Tirerack . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdtRIhbzcPM and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIiE4gLgQDU .

Understeer. Yokohama AS430 tires 185/65/14, they don't even make them anymore. The front tires lose traction first in situations where the Yokohamas never lost traction. I was using just the base Yokohamas, but they were geared for total dry grip and were awful in the wet and horrific in the snow. But it was really in situations that a normal person probably would not encounter, because most people go normal speeds and slow down to take turns. With those tires the car handled insanely compared to stock. Since I've adjusted my driving habits, the handling has been acceptable.

The Generals are really good in the wet, almost as good as they are in the dry. So far I've never even felt the car slide in the wet at speeds I normally travel roads on in the dry.

[bairjo]

Michelin Defenders are a very good tire. You can get them at Sam's club or Sears in the size you need. Tire Rack didn't have them when I bought my set.

[roxy1]

nortonfb and jayeh , how are the RT 43s' worknig out for you ? We're thinking of these for a base FIT that has 175/65-15 . Would use them year round and put snows on the the other car for those bad days of winter . Price is $72 -$12.50 ( $50 rebate / 4 ) = $59.50 before tax .

ive read lots of good things about the General Altimax RT43's on small cars. Having the 3rd gen yaris, which has 175/65-15 sized tires (which I want to stick with) the choices aren't many. the RT43's or HP's definitely look like two really good options in an all weather tire.

I live in Michigan and will use the RT43's year round. ive never used snow tires, but the worse than crappy Bridgetone Turanzas that came with the Yaris made me think about it.

[Hershey]

You're right on the selection . Not a variety like that of the 185/60-15 . We'll have the RT 43s' on this weekend . The '11 FIT gets the WS 60s' this winter for those bad forecast days . The WS 60s' will be on their 4th year . The '11 now has Ecopia EP 422s' . Those are wearing well for the past 3 seasons . Let us know of your experience with the RT 43s' for the upcoming months .

[aspro]

I'm running bfg comp 2's and these things are awesome for the money. I have a set of the original comps on my 88' m3 and the comp 2's have significantly improved over the first gen bfg comps.

In the winter I'm running Yokohama can't remember what model but they are great as well. Better than a set of x ice Micheline's I ran on my echo hatch which are way over priced compared to my Yokohama's.

[IllusionX]

If you see running the IG20 in the winter, I'd say they are equally bad as the Michelin

[aspro]

If you see running the IG20 in the winter, I'd say they are equally bad as the Michelin

Not sure which model I have I have to check. However, at almost $40 difference in price per tire I'd take the Yokohama's any day over the x-ice

But with that being said I have had a great experience with the yokohomas thus far. Maybe they aren't IG20's...
.

[Hershey]

Got them put on earlier . Set 34 , will put to 35 or 36 . They were $72 and the $50 rebate will put them at $59.50 . That's if the rebate is approved . Will try to drive it tomorrow . If , will get gas . Wonder if it's now the winter blend .

[MoneyT8]

Fantastic, I've just got my General RT43's installed today as well, however the tech pointed out that I had a bent steel rim but I think it should be ok.

[Hershey]

Nice . Not so for the rim . Hopefully they'll be what Tirerack and others claim them to be . If not , can live with the low cost .

[aspro]

Not sure which model I have I have to check. However, at almost $40 difference in price per tire I'd take the Yokohama's any day over the x-ice

But with that being said I have had a great experience with the yokohomas thus far. Maybe they aren't IG20's...
.


My bad, I've actually got toyo observe G-02 plus. Nonetheless, a great tire. Sorry for the mix up.

[Hershey]

Start of new tank with the RT 43s' at 35.5 p.s.i.. 2 of us , groceries ( 80lbs.?) , a very steep hill , mid 40s' and winds of 20+ . This is SUNOCO 87 w/ E10 which could be a winter blend . The '11 base model with the auto is averaging little over 37 and that has Bridgestone Ecopia EP 422's at 35 .

[MoneyT8]

The ride quality on my RT43's is really smooth, not that quiet but it could be the car and not the tires itself. The mpg seems about 1-2 miles better. I'm really happy with them so far and I'll post some pics later. Also, at what PSI do you keep your tires on? Toyota recommends 32 PSI for front/back, however some users put more than that.

[Hershey]

Good to know you're enjoying them . All set at 35.5 . Here's the latest gas mileage . Just me going out for pet food and other stuff . Includes 30+ miles on interstate and some city driving .Very windy . Was at 39.1 until the stop signs and stop lights .

[Hershey]

This is the start of a new tank of the '11 base FIT with a 5 speed auto . Have Bridgestone Ecopia EP 422s' on it at 35 p.s.i.. Will try to do same route with the '13 with the RT 43s' to see if I can get same results .

[roxy1]

i know here in MI we start getting the winter gas in early October, and when I lived in CT it seems it was around the same time

[Hershey]

Called the gas supplier and the winter blend delivery started 10/1 .:frown:

[Hershey]

This is the current gas mileage with the RT 43s' . The better 1/2 drove it today and yesterday . Mornings have been in the low 40s' and there's a 2+3/4 climb up a steep hill thanks to being in a valley . It also has been very windy , gusts up to 30 . Hopefully it's close to the display or above . Might be about 300 miles on them and are around 35 p.s.i..

[Hershey]

She drove back home in the rain on the interstate and state roads with ease . Didn't feel insecure with the RT 43s' . They now have over 500 miles on them . The '13 display is showing 37.7 and the '11 is 37.4 . They may be doing as well as the Ecopia EP 422s' a L.R.R. tire .

[Hershey]

'13 base FIT w/ 5 speed auto : 2nd tank with RT 43s'. Encountered many hills , wet roads , cooler temps and gusty winds . 25% city . Sure winter blend taking a part too .

[Hershey]

Noticed that the General Altimax RT43 H-rated tire has deeper siping than the T-rated . So , those considering the RT43 may want the H for areas that have plenty of snow , ice , etc.. The T's for milder winter or none . I would think that the H has less of a tread life due to the deep sipes . The T may give slightly better gas mileage with shallow siping :iono: .

[IllusionX]

Treadwear 600 vs 700. The 700 will give better mileage.

[roxy1]

Noticed that the General Altimax RT43 H-rated tire has deeper siping than the T-rated . So , those considering the RT43 may want the H for areas that have plenty of snow , ice , etc.. The T's for milder winter or none . I would think that the H has less of a tread life due to the deep sipes . The T may give slightly better gas mileage with shallow siping :iono: .

I notice for the 175/65-15 tire that the 3rd gen L yaris has, the RT43 is only available as H/V rated, but not T rated.

[Hershey]

^ I believe that's right for the 175/65-15 . The Prius C is the same as the Honda Fit base and Yaris as you stated . Not a big selection for variety . ^

[Hershey]

The RT43 T + H are a 1 ply sidewall . Not sure for the V .

[adf_604]

I have never bought a dedicated summer tire, mainly as it doesn't seem cost effective in a rainy region. I usually go for the all-season workhorse type tire and yesterday bought 2 new Kelly Explorer Plus for the front axle on my Echo.

The tread is fairly deep and blocky (almost like a winter tire) which I'm hoping equates to good all-weather grip. Already they are a vast improvement from my previous pair which were on the car when I bought it, and broke free in the wet with the slightest press of the gas pedal.

http://www.tirebuyer.com/tires/kelly/explorer-plus/p/style/42517#.VK1s7ZiDq1w

[kimona]

^^^ For your safety, always put new tyres on the rear... even on front wheel drive vehicles.

[adf_604]

^^You don't work in a tire shop do you?

Thanks for the advice, but I respectfully decline. Yes, I am aware of this "rule" and yes, I have read and understand the reasoning behind this, however it seems to me that this is outdated thinking from the time of heavy, RWD cars. On another note, that form of thinking seems to imply that your tires should never be rotated, as at some point you will have two tires with deeper tread on the front axle, which apparently is unsafe.

My rear tires still have plenty of tread also.

Again, I appreciate the advice and understand the reasoning, but my personal preference is to have my grippier tires on the front axle. I needed better traction, and would not have gotten this better traction by leaving the offending tires on the front.

Cheers!

[nortonfb]

The logic is in case of a blow out, it's easier to correct the front as opposed to the rear.
Norton

[kimona]

In an emergency situation, you will have a better chance of controlling the car when the best rubber is on the rear... regardless rear or front wheel drive.

And, yes... I never rotate my tyres.

[nortonfb]

I don't know, but that is what I was taught.
Never had the problem, hope I never do.
Norton

[IllusionX]

I don't know, but that is what I was taught.
Never had the problem, hope I never do.
Norton


It's just because it's the rear tires that do all the work stopping your car. Otherwise, you would lost control each time you brake and the rear locks up. Obviously it depends how you drive.
Best is just rotate the tires and buy 4 new when they are finished, since tires do expire when they dry rot.

[nortonfb]

The rear brakes do very little in stopping. They are anchors and not very efficient ones. As you apply brakes, inertia drives the weight into the front suspension which causes it to compress (front end dive). Ever ridden a bike or motorcycle? Your most efficient braking is with the front.
At the MSF and other bike courses you are taught to apply the rear only after applying the front to avoid the dreaded rear wheel slide.
If you have any doubts; why do you think rear brakes are replaced so infrequently?
Norton

[roxy1]

additionally, when you brake you have some control over the direction of the front tires. not so of the back tires. if the tread is poorer back there it may cause the rear to slide out leading to an undesirable loss of control.

[kimona]

Where to Install New Pairs of Tires?

I found this on Tire Rack:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=52&

[roxy1]

Where to Install New Pairs of Tires?

I found this on Tire Rack:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=52&

forget that. I just drove to the headquarters today and replaced my sh*t oem tires.


General Altimax RT43. $347 installed and for sure the best all season tire ive ever used in snow. I drove home on icy, snowy roads, some unplowed with 6+ inches still sitting on them. on the one stretch of dry pavement on the toll road, it was also clear that much of the road noise that no longer intrudes into the car was from the oem tires.

for anyone looking for all season tires in the oem size for the 3rd gen yaris (175/65-15) id say the ratings this tire gets on tire rack are legit.

[nortonfb]

You must be near Ohio or Indiana. No toll roads in Michigan.
Snow up here, is not very deep, few inches at most.
Norton

[roxy1]

You must be near Ohio or Indiana. No toll roads in Michigan.
Snow up here, is not very deep, few inches at most.
Norton

southwest MI, near Niles. Lake effect snow is not our friend.

[IllusionX]

Where to Install New Pairs of Tires?



I found this on Tire Rack:



http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=52&


Yeah. This also applies if you must only get 2 winter tires. Winters should go in the rear.

[kimona]

forget that. I just drove to the headquarters today and replaced my sh*t oem tires.


General Altimax RT43. $347 installed and for sure the best all season tire ive ever used in snow. I drove home on icy, snowy roads, some unplowed with 6+ inches still sitting on them. on the one stretch of dry pavement on the toll road, it was also clear that much of the road noise that no longer intrudes into the car was from the oem tires.

for anyone looking for all season tires in the oem size for the 3rd gen yaris (175/65-15) id say the ratings this tire gets on tire rack are legit.

I've read a lot of very positive reviews for the General RT43.

[Hershey]

ROXY 1 , 2nd that on the RT43 on our base '13 FIT. We have the H-rated . The siping is different than that of the T . The sipes of the H are deeper on the outer side and get lesser toward the center of the tire . The opposite is for the T . Not sure which is better for grip , handling , etc. :iono: .

[Hershey]

The downside of the RT43 tread is they pick up lots of stones . More than the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 snow tires on the '11 FIT . The good of the stones collecting is they could help keep tailgaters at a distance :tongue: . May also act as studs at no extra cost :biggrin: .

[Hershey]

Here's the newest test of the General Altimax RT43 by Tire Rack . The video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPZf9G7xoRw and the test results http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=195 . http://badges.fuelly.com/images/sig-us/281125.png (http://www.fuelly.com/car/honda/fit/2013/cinder/281125) and http://badges.fuelly.com/images/sig-us/127069.png (http://www.fuelly.com/car/honda/fit/2011/cinder/127069)

[MoneyT8]

I've had a the RT43 for a few months and they are great. I've had a chance to drive them in the rain and it did kind of spin a couple of times but nothing too harsh. I've also had my alignment done so everything is great so far.

[fourbangingfun]

Just got my set of new RT43s from TireRack. 185/60/15 for the stock steelies. Looking forward to summer weather and traction on the new slippers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[nookandcrannycar]

my sh*t oem tires.

I agree. They s**k.

it was also clear that much of the road noise that no longer intrudes into the car was from the oem tires.

:thumbsup: Good to know!