boltjames

I'm leasing, so I've decided to take the Bridgestone's off the car and put 'em back on when it's time to return the car 40,000 miles from now.

Which tires do I want to replace the stock Bridgestones? That's the question. Here's what I'm looking for in order of priority...

1. Quiet ride.

2. Superior snow/ice traction.

3. Crisp handling.

Price is not a factor. I own the TL because it's a luxury car first, a safe luxury car second, an attractive luxury car third, and a good handling car a distant fourth. Not to say I want cushy, wallowy tires, but the priority is quiet ride and good winter response.

In a perfect world, I wouldn't have to sacrifice handling for quiet and winter....is there a 'perfect' tire for me?

TIA

Ken7

Bolt, we have the same priorities. I'd like to see what people say.

roadman

Go with an H speed rated tire, you may want to even go with a 50 series as well. The extra sidewall height combined with the lower speed rating (130mph) will make the tire substantially quieter than stock. You in all likelyhood will not notice the slight handling tradeoff.

Even better is that the speedo will likely be a few % off meaning that you will be driving more miles than tha odometer records, perfect for a leased vehicle.

boltjames

A good option, but tell me....

Is there a tire that fits the quiet/snow requirements and would offer either no handling tradeoff or perhaps an increase to handling?

Those Michellin Pilot Sports that so many rave about.....would they be quieter than stock with good snow/ice traction and equal/better handling?

TIA

BJ

TonySCV

If money isn't an issue, Michelin makes the best tire, bar none. Go with the Pilot Sport A/S for all season, or the PS2 for summer tires. Quieter than stock, good snow traction (A/S of course) and overall a better tire.

Ken7

I've heard some say that the Pilots are actually somewhat noisier than the stocks.

boltjames

Yikes! Don't want that. What's the quietest TL tire that is a step-above the stock Bridgestones?

TIA

BJ

neuronbob

BJ, the Falkens in my .sig fit your criteria. I've had them for over 1000 miles now, and find they are quiet as the EL42s were, give as comfortable a ride, and offer handling much better than the EL42s. And, they're cheap!

boltjames

So, is it fair to say that the EL42's are the quietest tires that can be bought for the TL? On just the 'quiet scale', do these Bridgestones rate an A+ then?

BJ

neuronbob

I'm sure there are quieter tires than the EL42s, and I hope more experienced others will reply here. However, their quiet was one of the EL42's few redeeming factors. When they started to hydroplane, however, that redeeming factor was simply not enough for me to keep them.

boltjames

Why the Falken's over the Michelin's?

BJ

rets

LS-Z could be quieter, with the belt. I know it has 235/45/17 size.

neuronbob

Cost. $89 vs. $200 for tires of probably similar quality. I simply did not want to shell out over $900 for tires for a new car even though I can afford it, it's the principle of the issue, I guess. Maybe I'll do that later, because the Michie Pilot Sport A/S are damned good tires. But with a 360 treadwear rating, I expect to be keeping the Falkens a while.

dheel

[QUOTE=rets]LS-Z could be quieter, with the belt. I know it has 235/45/17 size.[/QUOT


Don't really find my LS-Z's to be any quieter than the EL42's, actually think they may be a tad firmer.... It's just not many choices in the stock size, especially in touring-type tires, which should tend to ride better and be quiet. Michelin seems to be the only ones not to flatspot. The Pilot Sport A/S get good reviews but are firmer and tad nosier per Tirerack.
There is the Michelin XGT H4, though h-rated should have less noise and tirerack says it has the same bead construction like higher speed-rated tires so it should not lose much in steering response and cornering. They seem to get not that great reviews from customers on Tirerack, but guess it depends on the size and what condition the car is that there going on.

boltjames

Thanks for the replies everyone! I don't know what to do now. The vibration for the first two minutes each morning is not good, but I don't want to 'upgrade' to Michelins if it means the cockpit will be noiser either

BJ

neuronbob

It sounds like you made at least one decision, then, so you DO have some idea of what you want to do. Good luck!

Ken7

I'm also thinking a tire that gives a softer ride will also tend to hide some of the TL's rattles. It would be great to be sure what's out there that actually gives a softer ride.

Ken7

DMZ

BJ,

It's your car, your money. But I will tell you that dumping the Bullshitstones for the Falken 512's is one of those decisions that if I had to make all over again, I wouldn't even think twice....and I've never looked back since. They're as good as the Michelins yet quietier, for about ½ the price. CONSUMER REPORTS AIN'T WRONG!!!

So stop dillydallying and take mine and Neuronbob's advice. I guarantee you'll thank us later.
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Ken7

DMZ, is the ride any softer with the 512s compared to the stock?

DMZ

The ride's about the same.

Ganin Tire ganintire.com seems to be the only dealer in the NYC area that gives you a road hazard warranty with them. That's where I got 'em

BTW, make sure they torque your lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs.
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lflorack

I bought the Michelin Polit Sport A/S's to replace the Bridgestone's. The michelein is far, far superior to the Bridgestone in every way -- except quietness. They handle wonderfully in the snow, wet and the on dry pavement. The Bridgestones were almost dangerous in the snow or on wet pavement.

For the most part, the Pilot's are about the same quietness as the Bridgestones. However, between 70-75, the do generate a bit of a harmonic hum -- at least on my car. For me, they are still more than worth it. However, if the primary criterion is less noise, you may not agree.

DMZ

Check out the Michelin Pilot Sport user reviews at tirerack.com.
You'll see that noise is a common complaint about these tires.

Regardless, just about ANY tire is better than the standard Bullshitstones that came with the car.

The Consumer Reports Summer Tires Ratings:
You'll see the non-all season version of the Pilots on this list:




The all season tire ratings list:

rets

DMZ,

I think your first report has nothing about Michelin Pilot Sport A/S... :o those tires look like summer tires to me...

DMZ

Rets,

That's because there's 2 versions of the Michelin Pilot Sports, regular and A/S (all season).
I guess Consumer Reports felt that since they tested the regular ones, why bother testing both.

But since the only complaints I've ever seen about them besides price was noise,
I could only assume the regular ratings make for their guideline.

rets

DMZ,

Yes, due to two varied Pilot Sport tires and two types of tread designs, I don't think we will get the same results by simply testing one of them, and apply this data to both of them.

Plus, the first report you've quoted is probably for "Ultra High Performance Summer Tire" but "Ultra High Performance All-Season Tire".

Then, you quoted the second report as "Performance All-Season Tire".

None of them are really talking about Michelin Pilot Sport A/S All-Season Tire but Michelin Pilot Sport Ultra High Performance Summer tire.

999999

rets,

That is true. Michelin rates the A/S version as much quieter on their website.

I'm sure that the Michelins are great. I would be buying them except for the $500 price difference. i feel like I have already paid my Michelin premium over the years.