Tire Recommendations and Experiences

[edyvw]

You did see this part correct? Or were you agreeing with me? Forgive me if I misunderstood your reply to my quote

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Subaru AWD won’t still help you in wet. Again, tire s THE MOST important safety item on the vehicle. All other stuff, brakes, suspension, AWD are only as good as tires are! Cheap tires are horror in rain. Not to mention other issues with cheap tires like balancing, puncture resistance etc.

 

[fdcg27]

Cheap tires are horror in rain.

That's been my observation. Lots of cheap tires wear like iron and have about the same grip.

 

[i6pwr]

Subaru AWD won’t still help you in wet. Again, tire s THE MOST important safety item on the vehicle. All other stuff, brakes, suspension, AWD are only as good as tires are! Cheap tires are horror in rain. Not to mention other issues with cheap tires like balancing, puncture resistance etc.

I hear what you are saying, but I feel this is spinning off track. I'm not trying to provide a blanket statement for all types of drivers so they have the correct information to purchase tires. My comment was to the OP and his situation. I'm also not saying the best AWD system can take a bald tire and navigate a snowy road. That being said, the Subaru AWD system can take a DECENT M&S TIRE and work very well, if you haven't driven a modern Subaru then you may not have experienced this, which also includes stability control. That whole point is moot anyway, that's directed to the OP, not the general public.

You are, IMO, taking this out of context and adding in the obvious aspects of road conditions, weather, speed, traction available.

I told the OP to get a set of dedicated winter tires for the snow, and let get the excellent Subaru AWD system take care of the rest. "REST" MEANING an obvious good set of tires to drive around on. It sounds like the OP has spent some time with this Forester and can get around.

I'm not going to put in the minds of others that a vehicle's AWD system removes the obvious road hazards and conditions and makes everything all good and well on any set of tires. If someone thinks that then they likely file claims with manufacturers of umbrellas if they get when walking in the rain while using an umbrella.

 

[edyvw]

I hear what you are saying, but I feel this is spinning off track. I'm not trying to provide a blanket statement for all types of drivers so they have the correct information to purchase tires. My comment was to the OP and his situation. I'm also not saying the best AWD system can take a bald tire and navigate a snowy road. That being said, the Subaru AWD system can take a DECENT M&S TIRE and work very well, if you haven't driven a modern Subaru then you may not have experienced this.

You are, IMO, taking this out of context and adding in the obvious aspects of road conditions, weather, speed, traction available.

I told the OP to get a set of dedicated winter tires for the snow, and let get the excellent Subaru AWD system take care of the rest. "REST" MEANING an obvious good set if tires to drive around on. It sounds like the OP has spent some time with this Forester and can get around.

I'm not going to put in the minds of others that a vehicle's AWD system removes the obvious road hazards and conditions and makes everything all good and well on any set of tires. If someone thinks that then they likely file claims with manufacturers of umbrellas if they get when walking in the rain while using an umbrella.

1. I drove an old, new Subaru's a lot.
2. They have good system. Is it best? No. But, advertising etc.
3. I am not taking anything out of context. The problem with your statement is that you claim that the AWD system will make mediocre tires work well. No. It cannot happen! It cannot happen because the rules of physics are the same for all. AWD system transfers torque to each wheel. How it does it depends on the manufacturer, but ALL systems come to the same thing: how to transfer torque successfully on the surface. In order for AWD system to move vehicle, it has to successfully transfer torque to the surface. And the ONLY thing that can transfer that torque on that surface is the tire! Just because a vehicle has good AWD does not mean tires magically become better. I have seen Land Cruiser's not being able to climb Hoosier Pass here in CO, while I did it with FWD car. 4WD, locking differentials, etc; nothing helps if tires are not appropriate!
4. You are constantly focusing on AWD, i.e. moving forward. When I buy tires, my focus on performance is a. braking, b. handling. I want to STOP as fast as possible. xDrive, 4Motion on my vehicles won't help me in light drizzle if a kid runs on the street trying to cross it on the way to school, which is some 100 yards away from my house! I don't care about moving forward. Now, considering the mediocre nature of Subaru brakes (this was always a chronic issue compared to the competition, especially in performance models), how would this work? Then add the same thing I mentioned above: regardless of what brakes you have on the vehicle, it has to transfer that energy to the surface. I have on BMW huge brakes, front 340x30mm and 4piston Brembo calipers, and in rear 324mmX24mm with 2 piston Brembo calipers. However, when I switch from Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ to Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 sometime in November, I immediately notice a drop in braking performance, bcs. winter tire, plus narrower. So, how good brakes and AWD system are, first and foremost, depends on the tires. On that note, I passed during snowstorms here in CO going and coming back from skiing numerous Subaru's with my VW CC FWD precisely bcs. tires. Including pulling out one Subaru Outback from the ditch bcs. tires. AWD won't make junk tires somehow magically better.
So conclusion what I bolded is: Subaru AWD system will be only as good as tires are! Put Michelin tires on and put Firestone, and there will be difference! Not to mention junk like Westlake, Sentry, LingLong etc.

 

[Jerrysends]

We bought the Vredestein Hypertrac All Seasons for my sons Toyota Matrix with $100 rebate card included. They were significantly cheaper than the Michelins we typically buy from Costco....
I'm impressed With the Vredesteins, they seem like a good all around PNW tire.

 

[sds911]

If you want to have some fun - go to Steamboat Springs and do the Bridgestone Winter Driving course. You will have incredible respect for the blizzaks and the instructors. It was a blast. I’ve had Michelin x-ice, conti extreme winter, and blizzak ws (not as impressive back then as the dm).

 

[i6pwr]

The problem with your statement is that you claim that the AWD system will make mediocre tires work well

This is your problem....I NEVER said this.

I said get a "cheap" set of tires, meaning.....lower priced. That way the OP can get a set of dedicated winter tires for the snow, hence the total money involved. Do you recall the original post? The OP is going through an 80K mile tire in 25K miles...so why recommend an expensive tire to do the same if his driving style is eating up tires? Based on the OP saying the vehicle is aligned and pressures are good.

If he is going through tires quick, then get a set of cheap (lower dollar amount, not such a lower quality that is dangerous) and pair that with some good winter tires. He could save almost $100 per tire and then have a set of snow tires. That's my recommendation for driving in an area with alot of snow given the OP's circumstamces.

Now it's up to the OP to buy a NEW set of cheap tires and not "cheap used tires from a junkyard" (disclaimer)

Also, the OP still hasn't answered the question of his specific trim level. I asked if it was the turbo but we only have "Premium" as the answer. I can't recommend a tire if we at least don't know the size. The Premium and Premium XT come with different sizes.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

Goodyear Assurance MaxLife

But currently $165 at Walmart.

 

[edyvw]

This is your problem....I NEVER said this.

I said get a "cheap" set of tires, meaning.....lower priced. That way the OP can get a set of dedicated winter tires for the snow, hence the total money involved. Do you recall the original post? The OP is going through an 80K mile tire in 25K miles...so why recommend an expensive tire to do the same if his driving style is eating up tires? Based on the OP saying the vehicle is aligned and pressures are good.

If he is going through tires quick, then get a set of cheap (lower dollar amount, not such a lower quality that is dangerous) and pair that with some good winter tires. He could save almost $100 per tire and then have a set of snow tires. That's my recommendation for driving in an area with alot of snow given the OP's circumstamces.

Now it's up to the OP to buy a NEW set of cheap tires and not "cheap used tires from a junkyard" (disclaimer)

Also, the OP still hasn't answered the question of his specific trim level. I asked if it was the turbo but we only have "Premium" as the answer. I can't recommend a tire if we at least don't know the size. The Premium and Premium XT come with different sizes.

What is cheap tire? Please direct me where I can buy Michelin Super Sport, Continental DWS, Bridgestone Potenza/Turanza and similar tires for cheap? What is cheap? Is that: hey there is rebate on Michelin CC2, or hey there is Westlake for $89?

 

[i6pwr]

What is cheap tire? Please direct me where I can buy Michelin Super Sport, Continental DWS, Bridgestone Potenza/Turanza and similar tires for cheap?

Sigh....

I'll try my best here....


A "cheap" tire would be a tire that is cheaper than another tire (as somewhat explained above)

A quick Tire Rack search shows the Super Sport as a tire whose avail sizes doesn't fit a 2014 Forester (the vehicle in question) so not sure what you are asking.

Since the OP hasn't given us his tire size, we still don't know what to suggest.

I don't know where you can get a Pilot Super Sport cheap.....do you? Cheap is also subjective BTW. But for me they are kinda pricey. What does that have to do with the OP's avail choices?

@edyvw What you do is, enter the vehicle or better yet...the tire size, look at all the avail options priced high to low, then see if the lower priced tires (cheaper) would work for you as opposed to the highest price tires if you tend to eat up an 80K mile tire in 25K miles. If so, then an option would be to select the lower priced tire (cheaper) that would still work for your needs, then take the savings and put that towards a set of dedicated winter tires, so you have 2 sets to fully compliment your needs. This might be a better option if you drive in the mountains and deal with snow.

Please direct me where I can buy Michelin Super Sport, Continental DWS, Bridgestone Potenza/Turanza and similar tires for cheap?

Secondly....are you now asking for tires for your vehicle? If so, then a vehicle and tire size would be helpful. You may want to start your own thread.....

 

[hrv]

My 21 honda hrv sport 225/50/18 came with coni contact tx. The tire have been good to me..They ride and handle great. I see that discount tires has them for around 160 each.I will have those same tires installed this fall when I will be replacing them..

 

[krzyss]

Some cheap tires are more expensive than expensive ones when price per mile is considered.

Krzyś

 

[John105]

Sigh....

I'll try my best here....


A "cheap" tire would be a tire that is cheaper than another tire (as somewhat explained above)

A quick Tire Rack search shows the Super Sport as a tire whose avail sizes doesn't fit a 2014 Forester (the vehicle in question) so not sure what you are asking.

Since the OP hasn't given us his tire size, we still don't know what to suggest.

I don't know where you can get a Pilot Super Sport cheap.....do you? Cheap is also subjective BTW. But for me they are kinda pricey. What does that have to do with the OP's avail choices?

@edyvw What you do is, enter the vehicle or better yet...the tire size, look at all the avail options priced high to low, then see if the lower priced tires (cheaper) would work for you as opposed to the highest price tires if you tend to eat up an 80K mile tire in 25K miles. If so, then an option would be to select the lower priced tire (cheaper) that would still work for your needs, then take the savings and put that towards a set of dedicated winter tires, so you have 2 sets to fully compliment your needs. This might be a better option if you drive in the mountains and deal with snow.




Secondly....are you now asking for tires for your vehicle? If so, then a vehicle and tire size would be helpful. You may want to start your own thread.....

I think I know what you are saying, Pilot Super Sport has never been cheap (nor their replacements, mine were 10/32", not sure if the latest is, or it's less). When I told my cousin I got them, he said wow they're pretty pricey. And he drives a E39 M5. However, for me, my car came with RE050A run flats. The non run flat Pilot Super Sports were much less expensive in 2014, than the OE tire, so for me, I felt it was a wise decision.

Sounds like what you are describing is value. IMHO the persons who can give the best advice on that one would be someone who actually found a value tire. Or a group of people who can comment on that same tire.

Again, my experience with "cheap" tires, 245/45-18's, came as a result of buying a used car, at a new car dealer. They were put on by the new car dealer and it's a very common tactic. They put on cheap new tires when reconditioning for sale instead of sending to the auction.

I actually didn't think there was any difference and I assumed that since my car is RWD it cannot go anywhere in the snow on all seasons. It couldn't on the Rydanz Roadster R01's that came with the car. But, this was proven to the contrary with the Pilot Sport AS 4's. I was ok with 2" of snow.

I get it, not everyone is wanting to go to the best at all costs. Some want marginal benefit > marginal cost, which tends to be harder to identify.

 

[edyvw]

Sigh....

I'll try my best here....


A "cheap" tire would be a tire that is cheaper than another tire (as somewhat explained above)

A quick Tire Rack search shows the Super Sport as a tire whose avail sizes doesn't fit a 2014 Forester (the vehicle in question) so not sure what you are asking.

Since the OP hasn't given us his tire size, we still don't know what to suggest.

I don't know where you can get a Pilot Super Sport cheap.....do you? Cheap is also subjective BTW. But for me they are kinda pricey. What does that have to do with the OP's avail choices?

@edyvw What you do is, enter the vehicle or better yet...the tire size, look at all the avail options priced high to low, then see if the lower priced tires (cheaper) would work for you as opposed to the highest price tires if you tend to eat up an 80K mile tire in 25K miles. If so, then an option would be to select the lower priced tire (cheaper) that would still work for your needs, then take the savings and put that towards a set of dedicated winter tires, so you have 2 sets to fully compliment your needs. This might be a better option if you drive in the mountains and deal with snow.




Secondly....are you now asking for tires for your vehicle? If so, then a vehicle and tire size would be helpful. You may want to start your own thread.....

Ah good ole gaslighting.
I know what I want for my car, and among people those tires are not cheap. I generally like my kids and myself.
When you say “cheap” conversation is around Chinese tires, Westlake, LingLong etc. That is what “cheap” means.
There are “cheaper” ok tires. Like budget brands of big names, General, Firestone etc. Are they worth $50 difference? It is in the eye of beholder, but they ain’t as good as their parent companies tires.

 

[Enthusiast]

Ah good ole gaslighting.
I know what I want for my car, and among people those tires are not cheap. I generally like my kids and myself.
When you say “cheap” conversation is around Chinese tires, Westlake, LingLong etc. That is what “cheap” means.
There are “cheaper” ok tires. Like budget brands of big names, General, Firestone etc. Are they worth $50 difference? It is in the eye of beholder, but they ain’t as good as their parent companies tires.

The one gaslighting in this situation is yourself. You're trying to create the illusion that if someone doesn't go with the four brands that YOU approve of They are going to die a horrific death which is ridiculous. Many of the second tier brands perform very well in a variety of conditions. And as I have pointed out on numerous occasions, from my own experience some of the first here brands that you like or either bad in snow, bad in rain, and didn't last very long.

My whole life we predominantly bought cheaper tires and lived until the story. The only wreck I was involved in had absolutely nothing to do with the tires and the tires you like would have done absolutely nothing to stop the event. Stop trying to scare people into spending all their money on something that they don't need. My generals and Cooper's outlasted our michelins and continentals and for a lower price.

When people ask for advice, there is nothing wrong with sharing from your experience what worked well for you. Not everybody has that in their budget or they have other priorities that take precedence and there's nothing wrong with that. If you truly want to help them, help them navigate the difference between good second tier tires such as General Altimax ltimax RT45s (which is an objectively great tire) versus Goodyear Eagle LS2 (which is absolutely horrible in all conditions).

 

[i6pwr]

Ah good ole gaslighting

My reply is not the definition of gaslighting, yours was.

I was putting my thought process in layman's terms for you since you seemed to be missing the point. So for the at least the 3rd time..... I wanted to give the OP another option based on cost which would (could) better suit his needs despite the need to swap his tire/wheel setup for winter. You mistakenly viewed that as me recommending an "inferior" tire over a cheaper tire. My idea would play in the role of a good non-winter tire for non-winter use for his spirited driving, and a winter tire for winter...which the irony here is... that would be a SAFER option despite YOUR gaslighting where you are trying to manipulate or confuse others based on my ideas.

Your asking of tires for your vehicle in your indirect manner was another topic.

 

[jakeuten]

Yeah... a lot of Subaru drivers around here insist on their M+S all season tires. They're the ones sliding through intersections because they gain too much confidence in how they have no problems accelerating. But when there's 8+" on the ground, only the vehicles with real winter tires are on the road. My Blizzaks take me through storms that Turanzas just couldn't. Plus, I get to stop on-time in while facing downhill in intersections every time, with no ABS interaction.

 

[Method]

I always check Tire Rack to see what they have on clearance. About half the time there is a decently rated tire in the category I like selling at a 20 percent or more discount. I've liked Continentals and like Kumho as a budget choice

 

[i6pwr]

. My Blizzaks take me through storms that Turanzas just couldn't

My last 2 sets of Blizzaks were an absolute joy in the snow, those tires almost remove the fact there's snow and ice between the tire and ground, braking performance is incredible. Your main worry is the other drivers.

 

[John105]

The one gaslighting in this situation is yourself. You're trying to create the illusion that if someone doesn't go with the four brands that YOU approve of They are going to die a horrific death which is ridiculous. Many of the second tier brands perform very well in a variety of conditions. And as I have pointed out on numerous occasions, from my own experience some of the first here brands that you like or either bad in snow, bad in rain, and didn't last very long.

My whole life we predominantly bought cheaper tires and lived until the story. The only wreck I was involved in had absolutely nothing to do with the tires and the tires you like would have done absolutely nothing to stop the event. Stop trying to scare people into spending all their money on something that they don't need. My generals and Cooper's outlasted our michelins and continentals and for a lower price.

When people ask for advice, there is nothing wrong with sharing from your experience what worked well for you. Not everybody has that in their budget or they have other priorities that take precedence and there's nothing wrong with that. If you truly want to help them, help them navigate the difference between good second tier tires such as General Altimax ltimax RT45s (which is an objectively great tire) versus Goodyear Eagle LS2 (which is absolutely horrible in all conditions).

In my own case with the Rydanz tires ($87 per online when Michelin was $200). The Lexus forum treated me the same way. One person said they would not risk their family and small children the way I am choosing to do.

I felt like dang my kid is only 3 maybe I should get the pilot sport as3+ at the time. My wife said isn’t that wasteful, you’re going to trash 4 brand new tires? So I waited 5 years and got the Michelins when the Rydanz wore out. As you suggest, nothing bad happened. And it felt rewarding to have extracted the use out of the tires the dealer had slapped on. It was about 45k miles. Not great but ok.

Ps I’ll likely stick with Costco and what they offer out of convenience, but they do tend to gravitate towards the more expensive