What tires are best?

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Pleiku
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Sep 23, 2013 2:35 pm

Time for the Dunlops to be replaced (and only after 18K miles!). So, any suggestions/experiences out there? I need a good wearing all-weather tread pattern and have had successes with Michelins but never with Bridgestones in the past.
I plan on doing the 4 wheel alignment, too, at the install.

Love the car and am still averaging a tip over 27 MPG even with my driving style.
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KuroNekko
Posts: 5170
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2012 5:08 pm
Location: California, USA

Try a search. This topic has been discussed a number of times before.
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS 6MT (Black)
bootymac
Posts: 1602
Joined: Fri Jul 19, 2013 1:04 am

There are also a lot more thorough tire resources outside of this forum (eg Tire Rack).

Definitely do the alignment; that's the main reason for the excessive tire wear
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redmed
Posts: 492
Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:56 pm
Location: Michigan

Which are best? Depends what you want from your tires. Handling, less road noise, MPG or tread wear.

I changed to Michelin Defenders got a quieter ride, much better rain traction and a extra 2 mpg on my Kizashi. Overall I'm happy with them.

I have two sets of tires for my Corolla. Goodyear Integrity's & Michelin Harmony's. The Intergity's transmit a lot road noise but get a consistent 40 MPG.
The Harmony's are quiet and get 35 MPG.
I did not think tires would make any noticeable difference in MPG until changing back and forth between these two sets of tires. This is my experience hope it helps.
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twoqttsdad
Posts: 212
Joined: Wed Nov 28, 2012 12:41 am
Location: Hawaii

I would browse the Internet a lot and look for reviews from cars owners with cars in the same class, especially those with higher miles. Although the Kiz is in a class of its own! Narrow your searches and hopefully get something that appears to be concrete. Well established tire manufacturers spend millions in tire research and development so that's a plus. But there are so many options its hard to choose.

Like Redmed said it depends what you are looking for in a tire. A lot of times you will be splitting hairs between choices and the only way you'll ever find out is to get a set. I'm biased towards Bridgestone Potenza RE 760's and Toyo Proxes 4 Plus' from handling them but never tried them so the only way I'll know is to put them on. It seems that the Toyo's keep better in a warehouse while the Bridgestones get harder faster.

It seems like you like to push the Kiz now and then like I do but also consider mpg and economy in a tire. I agree that you should be looking for a high performance all season tire. I like to see a tire manufacturer provide a visual cross section of a tire construction of their tires and an explanation of what each does.

Never buy a tire based on its tread pattern appeal. Directional treads look great and aggressive but the trend now is towards asymmetrical designs for their ability to be cross rotated for even wear while retaining the wet performance of directional tread patterns.

Hope you find something that makes your Kiz happy!
2012 SLS
Azure Grey
FWD CVT
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11zukizashi
Posts: 282
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2012 2:03 am

I am having continental dws put on right now. people on bmw and lexus forums seemed to agree they are quietest over uneven expantion joints and overall road noise with minimal sacrifice to handling stiffness.
~tc~
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11zukizashi wrote:I am having continental dws put on right now. people on bmw and lexus forums seemed to agree they are quietest over uneven expantion joints and overall road noise with minimal sacrifice to handling stiffness.
I've been happy with mine. The wear has been MUCH better than the original Dunlops.
2011 Sport SLS with nav Black Pearl Metallic
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TRaj2327
Posts: 29
Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2012 10:22 pm
Location: Lockport, IL

I put Kumho Ecsta 4x's on my car and have been very happy with them. They handle great in the rain and snow. A bit on the pricey side but have been partial to Kumhos for a few years now.
2011 Black Kizashi SLS - DD
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- 10% tint & debadged
2015 White Jeep Wrangler Altitude - Wife's ride
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Pleiku
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Sep 23, 2013 2:35 pm

Anyone have any experience with Goodyear Eagle Sports or Cooper Zeon RS3's? Haven't used a Goodyear tire in years except on the p/u truck.
Since I don't opt for a separate set of winter tires, I do need a good combination that's not too much of a compromise.
krell
Posts: 235
Joined: Mon Jul 15, 2013 9:14 am
Location: New York

I'm looking at the Nitto Motivo and the Hankook ventus s1 noble2.
Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you're living?
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