first round of replacements

[Q45ver]

My first generation Q has just ticked over the 50,000. Km (32k mi.) I have been looking at tires to replace the stock Michelins. Alot of my driving is freeway and being in the north west, in wet conditions. Are the michelin Pilots the way to go, and what about going with a wider tire? Also I am wondering what peoples experience with the computers brake wear indication is. Is this a reliable way to determine when its time? One last question. I was reading through my manual the other day and noticed it recommended that a "hot soaked" engine be started while holding the accelerator peddle to the floor. I have never heard anyone mention this before. Is this the practice? I tried it yesterday and didn't notice much difference in start characteristics.

The manual is only a guide, this is where I get the tried and true. You guys are great. I hope this forum will still be active when I reach the miles some of you have.

[PalmerWMD]

1)Are the michelin Pilots the way to go, and 2)what about going with a wider tire? 3)Also I am wondering what peoples experience with the computers brake wear indication is. Is this a reliable way to determine when its time? 4) a "hot soaked" engine be started while holding the accelerator peddle to the floor. .5)Is this the practice? 6)I tried it yesterday and didn't notice much difference in start characteristics.7)I hope this forum will still be active when I reach the miles some of you have.

1) The Michelin Pilots are one of the few tires, that are known to have the strong reinforced shoulder that enable them to handle the Q's combination of high weight and hi negative camber (especially up front)Another highly regarded tire here is the FirestoneFirehawk SZ50EP.It wont be any cheaper than teh Pilot but it will eb Z rated at the same price will be softer (better grip) and also has real good rain characteristics2) are you on stock 15's? then 235-60-15 is the size for you. it s bit wider for better control and has essentially same tire diameter as stock so your speedo will stay accurate3)Yes, if its on you need new pads, some feel when it comes on is the <lastest> one should change and some change earlier.4)Yes5) Mostly if you experience starting problems.6) I wouldnt bother with it unless you experience funny starting behavior if you dont.7)We will be even bigger

Fred...

[maxnix]

My first generation Q has just ticked over the 50,000. Km (32k mi.) I have been looking at tires to replace the stock Michelins. Alot of my driving is freeway and being in the north west, in wet conditions. Are the michelin Pilots the way to go, and what about going with a wider tire? Also I am wondering what peoples experience with the computers brake wear indication is. Is this a reliable way to determine when its time? One last question. I was reading through my manual the other day and noticed it recommended that a "hot soaked" engine be started while holding the accelerator peddle to the floor. I have never heard anyone mention this before. Is this the practice? I tried it yesterday and didn't notice much difference in start characteristics.

Do encourage you to read the previous posts. All of them. You can start by searching on tires.

In Seattle, I am quite happy with the Yokohama AVS dB in 225/60-15. Most on the board think the Firestone S50EP is the best (check the posts). While Michelin probably makes the best tire casing, I have been less than thrilled with the XGTH4 and XGTV4 in the rain. The tread is too conservative on the H and the compound is too hard on both. Haven't tried the very top end Michelins.

Heat soak on the coast is a very rare thing. I should think it would not apply to us.

If the indicator light for the brakes is on, you've waited too long. Check the posts and keep those fluids fresh. Our humidity can be a killer on hygroscopic fluids.

[Jesda]

Apparently, my Q has had these Yokohama S306 stock sized tires since 2001, 20,000 miles ago. However, with my driving and mileage they have worn VERY VERY quickly. They went from decent to bare in a month.

Treadwear rating is too high (low?) I suppose, but handling is secure and tight while maintaining a smooth ride.

My next tires will be Yokohama AVS or Michelins. I think I'll go with wider ones as well.

[Jberger]

I'll agree with Brian on the rain handling of the Michelins, they seem fine for a while then POOF poor wet traction.

I've swapped over to Yoko's and have been very pleased, especially in the rain. I'm having some new AVS DB S2's mounted today and will report over time.

About the tire life. In my experiance 25K is a long time for a Q tire, if you want good handling. There are harder compounds out there but they really rob the Q of it's handling not to mention make the rain even worse. If you are looking for 50-60K tire life, then be prepared for a severe compromise on handling.

While the Firestones were mentioned, didn't Dennis test those and decide to take em off because they couldn't hold a balence?

[szh]

While the Firestones were mentioned, didn't Dennis test those and decide to take em off because they couldn't hold a balence?

I would have to say that the Firestone SZ50EP's are very strong tires - nearest to the original OEM Michelin XGTV's that the Q came with, according to Dennis. From his comments, I would have to infer that Dennis likes these tires more than pretty much most others being sold today. Of course, there are other good values too. In the past, Dennis also remarked that the Yokohama AVS Intermediates were a heck of a value (at $44 a pop at Tirerack.com) when they were being phased out.

I like the Firestones a lot! After I put on 225/60-15's on my stock rim's, I was hooked. These are by far the best tires I have ever had (even on the Q, when compared to current-gen Michelin Pilot XGTV, Bridgestone RE940, etc., etc., etc.) I rave about these tires a lot. But, I should also mention that I have not compared them to the new Yokohama AVX DB S2 or ES100 - these are also on my short list for the new 17x7 rim's I just got for my Q (they are lightly used G35 sedan rims with the same 45mm offset).

After I installed the SZ50EPs, I got a nail one time after about 3-4k miles (I forget exactly ... mentioned it in an earlier post) and took the car to a local tire place. I asked the manager to try balancing without removing the existing weights. He was surprised that two of the tires were still in perfect balance and one needed only a minor weight change - of course, the one with the flat needed to be re-done. He remarked that it was the first time that he had seen tires hold up that well after that many miles.

Z

[Q451990]

One last question. I was reading through my manual the other day and noticed it recommended that a "hot soaked" engine be started while holding the accelerator peddle to the floor.

I wouldn't worry about it unless you're having some sort of starting problem! I've never had a starting problem (except for the short time that I had crappy aftermarket injectors installed that were leaking down). The only time you'd need to hold the pedal down while starting is if the engine is flooded.

Heath

[Jberger]

Just got back from the tire shop. While I can't really comment on the handling, cuase they are just too new.

I'm actually looking forward to the rain this afternoon. Cause the rain grooves are FRIGGIN HUGE!

No wonder these tires are supposed to be so quiet, they are missing 2 rows of tread!

I really wish that I had my digicam, you cannot imagine how damn large the grooves are.

Guess I've got my 'groove' back.

[Q45tech]

I'm so picky nothing much makes me happy after 10,000 miles......the last set [on EARTH] of Yok AVS I, just turned 8,000 miles [in 4 months] and they are screaming blood murder, both are out of round [hopping] and change balance every 3 weeks.........I was hopeing they would make it till September.

Brand new tires all feel good for the first 2-3-4 months.Then the pain and suffering begins as they say " what kind of car did you put me on, this thing is tearing my heart out every time you turn".

Interesting comment about the S2 [used on a big Volvo by one of the car magazines as replacements for worn oems] they were not impressed after a few miles...........hope they work out for you.

The ES100 is designed for light weight rice rockets.

Sumo Z are good

[szh]

I'm so picky nothing much makes me happy after 10,000 miles......the last set [on EARTH] of Yok AVS I, just turned 8,000 miles [in 4 months] and they are screaming blood murder, both are out of round [hopping] and change balance every 3 weeks.........I was hopeing they would make it till September.

Brand new tires all feel good for the first 2-3-4 months.Then the pain and suffering begins as they say " what kind of car did you put me on, this thing is tearing my heart out every time you turn".

Interesting comment about the S2 [used on a big Volvo by one of the car magazines as replacements for worn oems] they were not impressed after a few miles...........hope they work out for you.

The ES100 is designed for light weight rice rockets.

Sumo Z are good

My first preference is still the Firestone SZ50EP's for sure! But I am merely looking at the others as possibilities on a short list ... although I had not considered the Sumo Z (I did not know about them.)

I now have about 13-14k miles on the SZ50 EP 225-60/15's I have, now down to about 3/32 or 4/32" of tread and am still very happy. They continue to be quiet and still pretty round, without major vibration problems, etc. But I will be replacing them within the next month or two. It does not rain here in June/July and getting down to 2/32" is not a total big deal like it might be in other parts of the country.

Z

[Q45ver]

A lot of opinions on the rain tires. I have had a different experience apparently than most of you with the stock Michelins. Most of you wore them out years ago. Although the low mileage accounts for them still being on my car, they still show a considerable amount of tread for the 32k on them. I am questioning the compound due to age. They seem very slick in the rain and I'm looking for an improvement on them. Keep me posted on the performance of yours, Jberger.

[EWT]

The ES100 is designed for light weight rice rockets.

I have no complaints about mine other than treadwear, which doesn't seem to be a strongpoint. They are considerably quieter and stickier than the XGT H4s they replaced. I recommend them, but I may try the Dbs next time in hopes of better wear. They are a great tire for the price IMO.