A look at the Bridgestone website for the specs on the EL-42 turns up some very questionable information.

http://www.bridgestonetire.com/dpp/

1) The TL size 235/45-17 is the "only" 45 series tire in the EL-42 model
2) There are (8)55 series and (8)65 series in the EL-42 model
3) The mileage rating is 140 for the 235/45-17
4) Virtually every other EL-42 tire size has mileage ratings of 260-320

Seems like the EL-42 was designed to be a much taller tire.

A quick check of 3 other tires of the same size yeilds mileage ratings of:

Pirelli PZero Nero M&S - 400 rating
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S - 400 rating
Continental ContiExtremeContact - 400 rating

The good news here is that with treadwear rating of 140, we will not have to worry about living with the EL-42's for long, they will wear away right before our eyes.

 

1 and 2. What difference does it make if there is only 1 45 series tires and numerous 55 and 65 series tires? This tire was designed specifically for the TL, which only uses one size as original equipment, so why would you need more. If you want other sizes, you can go to other brands, which is a good idea anyway.

3 and 4. Either this is a typo on the Bridgestone link, or they are showing a different tire, because the treadwear rating has always been 260 for the tires on the TL. This is proven by just looking at any tire, all of which bear the 260 rating.

You can find other tires with lower and/or higher mileage ratings. It depends on the tire, the tread compound, and the characteristics the manufacturer wanted to build into the tire.

Last statement-absolutely correct. The quicker they wear out the quicker I can go to better tires, unless I get more pissed off more sooner and then I will go to the Michelins quicker and be happier sooner.

 

Ron,

My tires shows 260 as well, Either the Bridgestone site has a error (only for the TL size) or it has been updated to reflect accurate information.

Has the tire been designed specifically for the TL or did Firestone modify an existing casting to fit the size requirement of the TL.

 

The Acura service manager who drove my car to see how bad the flatspotting was said the tires were designed specifically for the TL. They were designed to achieve a specific goal, including cornering and handling as major concerns.

They just forgot to let the car sit overnight and drive it in the morning. Or they just didn't care, or hoped that us dummies wouldn't notice.

You won't see too much anymore about the tires because that horse has been beaten to death, everyone knows about it, etc. But I understand that newcomers don't have the time or ambition to go back over thousands of threads and look for this. It would help if the search function was enabled so you could look for specific threads.

There are so many in here that I wouldn't even begin to try and give you some references.

Also, there are many people who have never had a problem with the EL-42's, either the old version or the new version.

But those that do have the problem, including myself, are not a happy lot.