I just talked to one of the tech. specialist in charge of development for the EL42 on the Acura TL. Here aere the facts: tire was build to the design and compounds specified by Acura (Honda). The primary concern was fuel economy and ride comfort. After studying the design, Bridgestone advised Acura that tire may experience flat spotting and premature wear because compound and construction did not work very well together with Acura's specs. Bridgestone suggested redesigning the tire (additional cost) but Acura wanted to proceed with the production. Trust me ---this came from an EXTREMLY reliable source.

 

does that mean they have different specs for the el42s on other cars...like maximas?

 

I call

reason being this tire comes on various Nissans and Infinitis and the same complaints come from those owners. Just check tirerack, your source is wrong.

 

There are different designs of the EL42's. Just look at the speed ratings - anything from T all the way to a Z. Tread wear and UTQG are also different. Not to mention they also make an EL42 for SUV's. I stick to my source...

 

I heard this explanation in Jan, 04. Well, whatever reasons Acura sticked with prior to the mass production of TLs, EL42 ain't the decent choice for 3GTL. With the price Acura or customers have spent, we probably could have better tyre. IMHO.

 

From what I've been told Acura rolled the dice in order to save some money....it backfired as they have reimbursed Bridgestone for every tire that they have warrantiied thru their dealerships.....that's why the dealers are not in a hurry to replace them !!!

 

I also guess the money-saving could be the main factor for this decision. But I believe Bridgestone prolly provided the better incentive to Acura rather than other tyre manufacturers. This wouldn't reflect the real price on the market.


If we check the sale price now (by Tirerack's info), EL42s isn't the best one in performance/quietness/price etc. These below are the most common alternative tires 3GTL'rs may consider.

Bridgestone Turanza EL42 (Stand Touring All-Season): $212

Michelin Pilot Sport (Max Summer Performance): $184
Michelin Pilot Sport SP2 (Max Summer Performance): $183
Bridgestone Potenza RE030 (Ultra High Performance Summer): $186
Bridgestone Potenza RE750 (Ultra High Performance Summer): $149
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S (Ultra High Performance All-Season): $191
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S (Ultra High Performance All-Season): $134
Bridgestone Turanza LS-Z (Grand Touring All-Season): $223
Michelin Pilot HX MMX4 (Grand Touring All-Season): $203

 

I agree with cTLgo. If the specifications flagged Bridgestone to question the spec combination, why then would they actually mass produce it?

Unseen engineering flaw, shit happens. This EL42 tire issue has been beat to death.

To anyone buying a 3G TL - Tell your sales guy you won't sign until they agree on the paperwork that the car will not come with EL42's

 

Tires come in different speed ratings and wear to for different applications. Its not just Acura's so called EL-42s, but its EVERY EL-42 that is problematic, no matter what car manufacturer. Bridgestone is not stupid to take Acura's so called specs esp after the whole Ford Explorer & Bridgestone/Firestone ordeal. I could understand the accusations to be true if these specs only affected Acuras, but this is not the case.

 

My Maxima has 38,000 miles on the OE EL 42's and thay have been trouble free ( it is also H rated)...
I'm not aware of Chrysler having any trouble with the EL 42's on their vans....oh well