jddsprings

Hi all ... would like your opinions on the following:
To respond to many TL owners who had concerns about the Turanza EL 42, my dealer filled them with a nitro/air mixture and offers a "free" replacement program for as long as you own the car and if you do your service with them. Now, of course it isn't really "free" but I've been very satisfied with their service and I'm nearing a replacement of the Turanza's. They only charge for balance and alignment.

Given some posts and survey replies about the Turanza's, would you go for the "free" Turanza's or would you buy something different? If you would go for a different tire, which ones would you choose for So. Fla driving?

Thanks, in advance.

John

steve9207

I'm not sure if I understand correctly, are you saying that once the tires wear out and it's time to replace them - a brand new set are completely free (minus balancing & alignment fees)? If that's the case - why not? Unless they require you to balance & align every single time - which could get expensive @ a dealership.

Or is the 'free' offer in the case of accidental blowout, nail in the tire, etc?

I'd be interested if it's the first, depending on the service requirements...

Bearcat94

Are you sure the "free replacement" isn't for the "nitro/air mixture"? Why in the world would they replace the tires free? Unless their service is over-priced enough to support it?

Something is missing here.


BTW - this "nitro/air mixture", WTF is that? I mean "Air" is already ~75% Nitrogen.

mrbrace

If you referring to the tires...they're terrible

steve9207

Bearcat94 - I don't understand this either...when people go on and on about when they get pure nitrogen in their tires...I don't think they realize what makes up air...?

Will Y.

There was a TSB about the EL-42s- a number of members (mostly with '04s) got new sets due to excessive wear.
Bridgestone supposedly reformulated the EL42s for 2005+, and Acura began using the Michelins for the Navi-equipped cars.

If the tires are free, and they aren't noisy or greasy to OP, why not get a free set?!

There are several threads here about "Nitrofill" and nitrogen-- but yes, air is already 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% miscellaneous elements. Pure nitrogen has advantages over air in tires, but only under race or extreme driving conditions (more temperature stability, less moisture retention). That doesn't stop shops from trying to sell nitrogen from $20-$80 for four tires' worth. Costco uses nitrogen without charge to fill tires it installs.

Bearcat94

Will, yeah I get all that; the supposed reduction in pressure loss by using pure Nitrogen. And I know shops are marketing and charging for it.

What I wonder is the OP confused about:

1. What he gets for "free": Is the "free" part adding N2 in the event of pressure loss (i.e. not free new tires)

2. What they're putting in the tires. He says, "nitro/air mixture". That makes no sense to me. It's either "Air", which exists in nature as a mixture of mostly N2 or it's pure N2.

Personally don't care; but do hope the OP gets a good deal.

TLyoung'un

+1

gauravp123

I'm with all above stupids

KJSmitty

Wasn't the TSB for the TL's rear suspension/geometry under load issue (involved the install of rubber stops) and the reformulation of the EL-42's was due to the "massive" complaints of flat-spotting..? Mine were wearing perfectly but thats all they did "perfectly"...

Not sure how they are now in 2007 but my 2004 EL-42's would never take a balance - as in constant vibration (road force variance or other - well beyond the flat-spotting issue) Dumped them after ~14K miles for Michelin PS2's. It's a wonder I kept them that long..

However, I'm with you Will Y., if the tires "are" free and the OP can live with them, I would definitely save the $900+ tab of a set of "better" tires etc..

Cheers

Johndoyle

I hate my Turanzas, but if they were free I'd be the first in line!

jddsprings

Thanks everyone ...

The "free" tires were part of a sales hook and to make sure you service your car with this particular dealer. But, they've been very good to work with.

Will Y. is right, the Michelins were on the Navi TL's and the Turanza's were on the non-Navi TL's. I have an '06 and it was a hot topic that the Turanza's were troublesome, so they reformulated them ... I think I've got the reformulated tires ... they're not bad...not great either. Got 30K miles on them and they're ready to be replaced.

Steve9207: Yes, they replace the tires for free. I only pay for the balance and alignment.

Re: nitrogen, I think the dealer was trying to avoid the flat spots that were reported with the tires. But, I'm not sure if that really helps. It's probably marketing.

I'll let you know what happens.