So today we were driving home from six flags because it was raining. As we were merging from one of the smaller highways to the main one, the TL starts hydroplaning. It swerves toward the guard rail. Luckily I got it goin the other way...right into the woods. The car does a 180 towards the opposite direction of traffic.

I call Acura Roadside and tell them the problem. They put me on hold and I wait and wait. Finally, they dispatch a tow truck. The Interstate towtruck gets there first and then the Acura one a bit later on. The interstate truck gets us out and I see the damage. The hood has come up, there's some damage on the thing behind the grill (radiator?) and the front bumper came off on the side.

During all this 3 other accidents occur in the same area. A rear ending, a guard rail crash and a blow out.

Ugh, so anyways, Im thinking it may have been caused by a couple things:

1. My tires suck (the stock michelins - 74k on the car, changed the rear ones and put the new ones on the front)
2. There were too many people in the car (6)
3. There was some oil on the road and it was wet (most probable)

The car drives like sh*t now. Very bumpy ride and the engine doesnt seem as smooth as before.

After I deal with insurance and get my estimate and all the first thing is changing the tires. What do y'ou guys reccomend I get?

 

get a mini van.

 

I meant for tires.

 

oh, then get new tires.how do you have the same tires for 72k miles?

 

Holy SMOKES! 72k miles on the STOCK Michelins? Sounds like you're the type that pushes them to the limit (in terms of wear). If that's the case...you'd be better off getting a tire with a REALLY high treadwear rating.

That means no summer tire...and probably an all season / touring tire.

If I was in your shoes, I'd get the Kumho ASX. They're an all season tire with a tread wear rating of 440!

 

Actually, your lucky.... I had 2 tires blow out last fall, and I went into the ditch at 85 mph.... 13,000 Dollars worth of damage.... and its STILL not complete. ANyways, as for tires, I put Bridgestone Turanza's 215/50/16 (not sure about 50), but they are great tires for the road. Good handleing... but not as good as the potenza, however treadwear is MUCH better, and the wet traction is superb. I'd highly reccomend them.

 

i say you go over to your acura dealer- try and get a deal on an 04 TL clearance, and put some michelin pilot Sport A/S, and you'll be fine.

 

If you read the latest issue of Car&Driver (or Motortrend) ... in the letters to the editor ... a representative from Michelin said you NEVER put new tires on the front tires. Reason being, if the back end loses grip, it's very difficult for most drivers to correct. If the front end goes, it's a lot easier because you feel it right away and can steer/modulate accelerator accordingly.

Ouch ... I keep my fingers crossed nothing like that happens to me. But be a little more careful next time.

IMHO, if you want tires, the Kumho ASX are very value-oriented high performance tires. I do have a preference for Toyo Tires (I have Proxies4) and of course, you shouldn't forget about Yokohama H4/V4S (500 tread 91XL load rating!) Other board members also praise Sumitomo HTR+ and Continental ContiExtremeContact but both have issues with regards to load rating and our front-heavy TL.