Carbon2008RDX

OK. I’ve been throwing around the idea of replacing my OEM tires with “better” since the end of last winter. I have a 2008 RDX and believe it or not, it only has about 11K miles. I measured the tread depths recently with a digital tire gauge I bought from TireRack. All four tires, depending the groove I measure, come in between 4/32 to 6/32 of an inch.

TireRack recommends 6/32 to 8/32 or better for maximum snow traction. I’m in CT and we can either have a brutal snowy/icy winter or really lame one. No one knows for sure but what I’ve read and heard so far this winters prediction is for a rather calm winter.

My conundrum is should I stick it out one more winter on the OEMs since they have less than 11K miles or not. If I buy new and it’s a lame winter with minimal snow/ice I will be kicking myself hard for wasting the $! If I stick with OEM and the winter is a stormy disaster I’ll be kicking myself I didn’t get new with mint tread depth and overall better specs than OEM.

Input much appreciated!

MMike1981

you have 11k miles on your original tires? how bout getting a free set because of that? ive never claimed a tire warranty but could you under those circumstances? shit lol

i think you should do what is safe, thus, only you can decide. money shouldnt be the factor.

Mr Marco

^I agree with Mike. The only thing between you and the cold hard pavement is your tires. Why not include all the money you can afford on your tire/wheel budget and keep you and your family as safe as possible. If you are posting concerns about your tires here, you already know that the right thing to do is to buy new reliable rubber.

mrgold35

I've never liked the OEM tires on my TSX or RDX. These tires really don't like snow/slush/ice all that well. We don't get that much snow in Albuquerque. When I had to take a few trips to Colo Sprgs and Denver in the winter months; the traction control and anti-lock brakes got a work out with OEM tires. Emergency braking was my main concern in those conditions and I never fully trusted the OEM tires. My old 97 Honda Accord with Pirelli P4 all season drove a lot better in the snow compared to the TSX with OEM rubber.

I would lean toward dedicated winter rubber and saving the OEM tires for the other 3 seasons.

Even if you purchase the Conti DWS all season for year round driving; you may only get one or two winters before the S wears off.

MMike1981

the downfall of the stock tires is not so much snow, its WET weather. They are not safe in the rain. Hydroplaning and simple loss of tractions are its worst traits. I dont think they were 'that' bad in snow. I felt safer in the numerous blizzards we have had over the last 2+ winters than in a simple rain storm, which is why I pulled them off regardless of treadwear. The DWS are the best tire u will put on short of putting on snow tires. they are animals in the snow and very aggressive, and since you live in CT, honestly, I dont think u need to go thru the cycling of either having to own 4 other rims for snows, or having to mount/unmount rubber twice a year.

chipmunk

I'm in the same boat as you. My '08 is at about 16k miles and the dealer said that I'm at 4/32 tread left on all four tires. My daily commute is 7 miles round trip and it is all local roads. Even with the worst of rainy days, I think I will still be okay at 4/32. It rained a few days last week and the tires still seem to be holding up pretty well. I may wait the season out while keeping an eye on tire deals as I don't exactly need new tires quite yet.

Carbon2008RDX

Thanks Mike. I tend to agree that the OEM is "ok" in the snow (based on last years winter experience) granted they have 6/32" or better. Mine are currently on the limit as they're between 6/32 to 4/32 based on groove measured. Also agreed, easy to spin in rain, wet roads, etc. Luckily the SH-AWD and Traction Control quickly kick in to compensate.

I'm still on the fence if I want to dump the OEM now or go thru this winter. If I keep them thru this winter they'll be fine until next winter in which I will DEFINITELY dump them by then.

PS. I do NOT want or need two sets of wheels/tires so I would just want a decent all season replacement. I know the Conti's are highly praised and will keep them in mind.

Carbon2008RDX

Ditto. Except I have winter conditions heading my way very soon.

Thanks Chipmunk.

Mr Marco

If you have questions about your tires ability to do its job, replace them. Tires are the most important safety feature on your vehicle.

dewey22

Just replaced OEM's @ 15,000 miles with the Yoko Avid Envigors. Too soon to know all aspects--BUT--the difference in the ride and noise is amazing. My usual routes that cause me to try and find the 'least rough patches' are now significantly softer. The tires are absorbing the usual jarring effects of man hole covers, road seams, etc. All I can say is it's a very big difference.

On the highway the road noise is reduced, though it doesn't feel as though the ride is as smooth at highway speeds (though definitely quieter). I'll need more miles to really know but as far as regular road noise and ride---no question these tires are a vast improvement.

techdude

I'm in the same boat and debating between the DWS and Envigors. I have a 600 a week commute and need something that will last awhile. Hopefully i can get a commuter car before i have to replace the tires again. Already have 55k on my original ones and it's only a 2008.

digitalSniper

Another tire worth a look are Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza. Just put these on our RDX. Got 40k on the OEM's and they were close to the wear bars.

The Bridgestones are quieter, they handle better, brake better, are great in the rain, they will last at least 65k, they are V-rated and they are only $172 each at Discount Tire.

Having said all that I think the OEM's steering response is a little crisper and I think the OEM's have lower rolling resistance resulting in a little better fuel economy.

Carbon2008RDX

Thanks digital.. If I make the switch I'll probably go with the Alenza's as well. Thing is, my OEM tires have only about 10.5K miles and on average about 5/32 tread which is "ok" for some snow. SH-AWD is great and will pull me thru most winter conditions unless it is extreme in which case I'll probably just stay home anyway. My commute is short, and so far not a dusting of snow has occurred in my area and it's mid December! Technically winter doesn't begin until next Tuesday but so far it's been lame. I remember getting decent snow fall in November years past. In any case I'll probably bail on swapping out the OEMs this season. Fingers X'd!!

dewey22

My choice--after considerable research--came down to a choice between the Bridgestone Duelers and the Yoko AV's. It was a close call--almost a coin toss. Either tire should be more than acceptable.

dewey22

Sorry--that should be the Yoko AE's

737 Jock

65K is the warranty, but I pulled my Alenzas at 45417 miles, nearly at the wearbars (with proper rotation and even wear). They might have made it to 50K. Here's my eval: OEM Tire Upgrade, Bridgestone Alenza

bg905

+1

8 months-11,000 miles and pleased so far. HUGE upgrade over OEM. Though no snow yet!

Mr Marco

Did any of you Alenza purchasers read ALL the reviews on the Rack? Again, out of 877 reviews, more than 10% were negative! Like this;


2000 GMC Sierra 4wd X-Cab
Miles driven on tires:
19,000
Location:
Venice , Fl
Driving Condition:
Combined Highway/City
Driving Style:
Easy Going


3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
Initial Review, 19,000 Miles on Tires
June 07, 2010
I am a master automive techinican. I take great care of my vehicles and do not abuse them. These tires have 19,000mi. on them and they are almost down to the wear indicators. I rotated them every 4,000mi. and monitored pressures. These tires rank with the Firestone/Bridgestone '721' exploding tires and the O.E. Firestone tires which caused massive recalls on Ford Explorers in the 90's. This is the last Bridgestone/firestone tire I or anyone else I talk to will purchase

737 Jock

The Alenza is a well made, high quality tire. I would not dissuade anyone from buying it providing they understand it is a bit heavy. The Bridgestone performed well and while it fell some 20K miles short of warranty, I don't expect any tire to make warranty on the SH-AWD system.

Owner reviews (such as TireRack) are an invaluable resourse provided one dismisses the emotional, the clueless and those that don't provide any usable info. Ie, "best tire ever!!!" or "this tire sucks".

A handful of well written, thoughtful reviews are sufficient to evaluate a product. Fortunately, the internet is creating a new class of knowledge sharers who "get it".

Mr Marco

What? ^ Take a moment to re-read the review from the master tech I found about the tire you are recommending. This is just one of many thoughtful reveiws I found (not one "this tire sucks"). Holy cow man, are you O.K. with the tire wearing out on you??? Did you hammer your RDX everyday? No matter the drivetrain, 20K on a 65K warranty is unacceptable. The fact that a majority of reviews and your own experience reflects that the tire doesn't live up to its advertised milage should be enough for those who "get it" to know that the Alenza is a bad buy. SAVE YOUR MONEY

jbillakdsm

That's weird. I have the Alenza H/L on my RDX with almost no wear (I'm at 9/32 on all) after 20K. I have a healthy mix of local road and highway driving on them. I rotate at 4K and check my tire pressure once a month. Iwonder if there were different batches of this tire.

Mr Marco

I have never owned a Bridgestone Americas, Inc. product, but I do know that different sizes of tires can carry distinct speed ratings. Having a higher/lower max speed rate dictates the construction and composition of a tire and can affect the wear of a tire. A “W” speed rate generally means faster tread wear (like my 45K “W” rated Yoko’s). I cannot speak for the Alenza, but I assume they are V rated. As for a “bad batch”, yes it occurs. It is more likely that a particular size may come from a different country, like 18” from Japan and 19” from Mexico. That may explain why someone with a 19” DWS might give a really bad review verses someone with a 18” on the same car. As for 737, you would need to more information to determine what his issue is.

737 Jock

Yes, it was a good tire and 45 to 50K was reasonable.

Due consideration given to the "master automive techinican".....tech-in-a-can?