I just wanted to post my initial impressions of the Falken ZIEX ZE512s I had installed on my car yesterday. They were the stock-sized 235/45/17s. They were installed at my dealer because they have a new Hunter 9700 balancing machine, so I wanted to get its benefits. I've already got about 50 miles on them and have, thanks to the unpredictability of Cleveland's spring weather :rocketwho , driven in both sunny and inclement conditions.

1. Ride. The ride is about as soft as with the EL42s, a plus in the 512's favor. Unfortunately, this also means that there is no more road feel than with the EL42s on. I plan to try inflating the tires a little more to see whether I can change this characteristic. *NO CHANGE*

2. Flatspotting. I never had this problem seriously with the EL42s (very early edition), but had developed it recently. None at all with the Falkens. *IMPROVEMENT*

3. Handling. For the first time in this car, I don't have to worry every time I change lanes or go through a turn in light or moderate rain. The EL42s were OK at first in this regard, but even new I didn't feel confident in the rain. These tires change that. The car feels firmly planted on the ground even in the moderate rain I experienced on the freeway this morning. I was able to go through my favorite freeway curve without worrying at 80 mph (rather than the max I felt comfortable on the EL42s, 65-70 mph) in dry weather with no other traffic. Cornering at low speeds is also much improved--no squealing, and it takes longer for the front tires to break away. *MUCH IMPROVED*

4. Braking in wet weather. Noticeably shorter. I wish I could give you objective measurements, but it feels as if the car is more stable while braking. *MUCH IMPROVED*

5. MUCH CHEAPER than replacing one of the EL42s, which each apparently cost over $200 from the dealer. I paid $89 each from Edge Racing, which shipped the tires promptly; they arrived at my door three days after placing the order. Happy with the service, though I wish they'd have sent tracking information when I ordered. I'm thinking about buying an extra in case I get a flat. Can't do that lightly with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, which cost $180-$200 each depending on where you buy it. *MUCH IMPROVED*

The rim protector is pretty beefy. I hope I never have to test it out. Of course, the EL42s had none. *MUCH IMPROVED*

I obviously can't tell you about wear yet. With a treadwear rating of 360, though, I expect them to last 30-35k miles with my driving habits, and regular rotation.

In short, the tire, new, seems better than the EL42s. I'll keep you all posted as to how the tire ages.

 

NeuronB- Your experience mirrors mine exactly from start to finish. I don't know if my dealer had the Hunter balancing machine-I'll have to ask. I love these tires. I like to hit the windy, hilly country roads a few miles from my house. Lot's of horse farms, nice scenery, and fun smooth roads to cruise on. The tires are nice handling and I'll stay with them when they wear and it's time to replace.
Quite a bargain too!!

 

Great news Neuronbob!

I've now got almost 300 miles on the odometer. I'll be joining your ranks by the end of the 600 mile break-in period.

Consumer Reports ....

 

I've had Falkens for 3,000 miles now and have been just as happy as you with them. Also, I got to test the rim-protector lip plenty of times! For the way I park at curbs it's an indispensable feature!

 

How is the road noise compared to the EL42 HPTs?

 

The road noise is about the same. The EL42s were pretty quiet, and the Falkens are about the same.

 

I've got them with the Falken Torque 5 rims. Love both the rims and the tires.
I have taken the new improved EL 42's that came my 39XXX WDP and move wheels and tires to the basement until winter. I am thinking of trying to trade the EL-42's for another type all season tire. Heck why not another set of Falkens or maybe
Blizzaks or Michelin.
Anyway the Falken is a very good tire IMHO.
Craig

 

Good idea to trade the EL42s, especially if they have few miles on them. Because I had nearly 10k miles on mine, I figured no one would want them so I had the dealer discard mine. Besides, if I need a new tire, the Falkens cost only $89 each!