Are they any different than the standard ones? And do they come with the newer cars? My VIN is 43467 if that helps. Thanks for the help.

I know this has been discussed over and over again, but all the threads I have searched for seem to have assumed that whoever was reading them knew the answer to this question.

 

bump

 

You aren;t getting any replies becasue the answers are posted over an over in other threads. Short Answer: Acura says the TU2 tires of the EL42 are different, Some have called Bridgestone and are being told there is not structural difference. Basically that tire in that size sucks on the TL whether it is the new or old. Some say it is OK, but many say they suck. I had the new ones and they sucked, I now have LS-Z, marginally better, but I plan on buying something else by next winter when these will flat spot again.

 

Do the dealers replace the shitty ones for free on request? I have heard of the EL42 being upgraded to the Reformulated for free, but I haven't heard of the dealer picking up the tab on the LS-Z. But just to be sure, they are going to be the TU2s standard?

 

Anything I have read seems to be that when Acura changes EL-42's to something other than an EL-42 it is a Michelin Pilot A/S.

When Bridgestone changes an EL-42, they use and LS-Z.

Some got them for free, most have had to pay something.

It is odd that Acura would not offer the LS-Z replacement, especially having such a large contract with BS.

A comparison of the Pilot A/S vs. the LS-Z on Tirerack has the LS-Z coming out ahead, but that is based on many sizes and not TL specific.

Also of note is that the EL-42 in the TL size is now on clearance at Tirerack

 

Galeforce,

Your new 04TL is supposed to have so-called "new" EL42s, TU2, probably 1304-1604... IMO.

If you feel discomfortable with it, you should demand your dealer/sales rep to swap your tires before driving out your car.

If they cannot, you should ask them if they could provide any purchasing options for upgrade.

The best way to deal with EL42s is to start right from the beginning prior to pick up your brand new 04TL.

Good Luck.


(I asked the dealer last week, as the day the told me that Acura never informs them of that EL42s would be replaced by new "Michelin" tires)

 

Anyone know how much the Bridgestones weigh?

 

I just got my TL yesterday. It has the new 42s on it. My dealer showed me an old set of 42s and they do look different. Only have the car for less then 24 hours i have not had any issues. The dealer had the air pressure pumped up a little and once I put it at the correct level the ride is much better. The tire is not for the hard driver. Remember Acura puts a tire on the car that will be enjoyed by the 20 and 40 year old driver. A 20 year old will drive the car a lot harder than a late 40 year old. ( Some 40 year olds might drive like a 20 year old and vice versa.)

 

As per BS website Spec sheet (235/45-17)
EL-42 = 25lbs
LS-Z = 27lbs
RE950 = 29lbs

Seems like 2 lbs is a big diff for a tire though !