First TCS activation on my '02 Q45

[djwarner]

Returning from the mall this afternoon, a light rain was falling, but not yet enough to wash the oil and dirt from the road.

Utilizing a right turn lane between roads with 50 mph speed limits, I began accelerating out of the turn. Suddenly, I felt a bump as if the left side tires had hit a curb, the car ceased accelerating momentarily, and the car was immediately no longer drifting left.

This came so unexpected, it took me a second to realized what had happened and then explain it to my wife. By the time I glanced down at the instrument panel, there were no lights indicating the system had activated.

I was aware that I might be near the limit of traction, but would have felt less if the car had actually broken loose than the harsh TCS action.

First question, is this normal response for the TCS?

Second, the tires are the original Michelen Econo MXV4 PLUS with plenty of tread left after 48K miles and 8 years. Reading the TireRack reviews for this tire, I'm wondering if they haven't hardened with age causing them to break loose when a normal tire wouldn't have?

Again looking at the TireRack reviews, I'm amazied at the difference in ratings between these tires and the standard Michelen MXV4's. Has anyone have practical experience with both?

[Infinitiguy19]

8 Years is a very long time for a tire. Did you use 303 Aerospace protectant or any other product similar on the tires?

You can always turn off TCS too.

[djwarner]

Fact is I just bought the car last month. Don't know if the prior owner did anything special with the tires. There is no signs of dry rot or other unusual blemishes.

It's a Florida car - don't think it's ever seen freezing temperatures.

Tires were properly inflated and show uniform wear patterns. Had a 4wheel alignment when I first got the vshicle.

[djwarner]

As a follow-up, I called Michelin and they said they recommend replacing tires once they reach 10 years of age and suggested I check the DOT code.

To my surprize, these are not the original tires being manufactured in April 2006. Checking the Infiniti service record, new tires were noted in November 2006 at 30,739 miles.

Re-reading the specs for these tires, I noticed they were rated 97H. I would have thought that a car capable of 150 mph would have had V rated tires.

Does anyone know what the OEM tires were in 2002?

[qship96]

Original tires were V rated, check your owners manual. Somebody cheaped out putting H rated tires on it.

[djwarner]

Checked the spare - it's never been out of the trunk. Same size Michelin Energy MXV4 plus manufactured in December of 2000 Rated 95V.

(Car is a 2002 model manufactured in May 2001).

Based on the tread rating, I expect I'll get another 12K miles.