The Official Tire Review Thread

[vq35de]

Goodyear F1 GS-D3150 each for 225/50/17175 each for 235/50/17Purchase thru Discount Tire with a price match of Tire Rack's priceMax Performance tireI am at 50,000 miles (just about done with my second set)Oh My God! awesome in the rain, a little fuzzy at the limit while cornering but easy to deal with. Straight line traction is jsut shy of drag radials.the limits on this tire are way beyond anything in the two digit speed range.I drive these hard and they respond.I run a staggered set up now for straight line traction but an all around same size is much better for cornering.

[Jesda]

Brand: Bridgestone Potenza G 009

Size: 215/65/15, OEM size installed on original OEM piepan wheels.

Price: Purchased brand new by previous vehicle owner. About $75-$85 retail.

Mileage: 4,000 miles so far.

Category: All Season High Performance

Good: Supremely quiet! Very smooth and dead silent at 100mph. Handles extended high speed driving very well; I took them across the country on route 66. Sidewalls are sufficiently stiff for daily driving, keeping the back end where it should be during spirited cornering. Ride quality is surprisingly very good, giving some welcome civility to the harder and sportier '90 Q45. Some of the best tires I've owned, and going by the prices I see at Tirerack, they're a darn good bang for the buck. I'd recommend them to anyone who needs tires for a daily driver.

Bad: These tires are directional, so rotation options are limited.

Trac: ATemp: ATreadwear: 460
Modified by Jesda at 5:22 AM 9/17/2006

[Jesda]

Brand: Yokohama YK420

Size: 215/65/15, OEM size installed on O.Z. Fittipaldis

Price: Came with the wheels for only $50.

Mileage: 2000 miles.

Category: All Season Performance

Good: Acceptable ride quality when they're balanced.

Bad: Wet traction is AWFUL! A light touch of the throttle breaks the rear end loose at very low speeds (10-30mph). I originally blamed it on these tires being used and a couple years old, but other reviews confirm how poorly these manage themselves in any bit of moisture.Tread wear was quite poor, going from 50% to 10% in only a couple thousand miles, most of it at 70-85mph.The locking tread design causes it to track very poorly down the road, pulling hard to one side or the other. I thought my alignment was bad until I replaced these tires.The sidewalls have a terrible tendency to roll, making cornering in a heavy car like the Q fairly dangerous.They go out of balance very quickly, within 1000 miles in my case. Vibrations went from minor to intolerable over the course of only a few months. I could see the fat in my arms jiggling as I gripped the steering wheel.

Yokohama makes great tires, of which I've owned many, but these are terrible.

[StarPD]

2005 Q45 Base ModelNew wheels and tires:TSW chrome 18x8"-40 "Kyalami"Bridgestone 245/45ZR16 RE050A 100W$180 each + shipping, mounting/balancing, road hazard warranty. Doscount Tire met Tire Racks price on them, although they weren't very happy about it. Since I bought the wheels there though, they did honor the price. Note that they were very careful with the TPS sensors, and replaced the rubber gaskets and valve cores with new ones, and gave me new chrome valve caps (which were missing from the car when I bought it), and gave me a free electronic tire pressure gauge. They were VERY pleasant and professional in all my dealings with them, as usual. I've been buying tires and wheels from them for over 13 years now, and have always found them to be great, and more than competitive on pricing.

Only around 130 miles on them so far.My initial observations are as follows:

Ride is very good for this type of tire, especially considering the 100W load rating.Road noise is muted, again, good for this kind of tire. Noise over expansion joints and potholes is there, but not severe, acceptable.Initial turn-in at low speeds and moderate corners is fair, but response at road speeds is excellent. Tracking is excellent in both straight line and in curves.Stability in curves is ecellent.Dry traction seems very good, but tires are not yet broken in, and I haven't pushed it yet on harder turns and high speed curves. So far they seem excellent,I haven't had it out in our recent wet weather though, so can't comment on wet traction on acceleration and turns.Too early for wear to be reported on. They only have a 140 wear rating, but Discount tire tells me that Bridgestone is very conservative on their wear ratings, that I should get at least 20k miles out of them. We'll see.

I noticed that this tire must have nylon in the carcass, as on cold starting, it shimmies until they are warmed up.

Tire Rack rates this tire as good as the Michelin PS2 in all but one category, and as I recall, only .1 below the PS2 in that. It's around $100 each less expensive, although it has a lower wear rating, 140 vs 220 for the PS2.

So far I'm pleased with them, and will report further as I get more miles and experience with them. Initially at least, I find nothing I don't like about them, and can recommend them.

Previous wheels and tires when I bought the car were 20x7.5" American Racing chrome "Casino", and tires were 245/35ZR20 Sumitomo "HTRZ II.They seemd okay, but stiff riding and tracking wasn't as good as the RE050A. For me, these wheels and tires weren't appropriate for a Q45 appearance wise, although I'm sure a lot of others might like them a lot.I didn't have enough experience with the AR/Sumitomo 20 inchers to be able to do a good comparison with the new ones I replaced them with, but I do like the new TSW/Bridgestones a lot.

My almost new 20" chrome wheels/tires are posted for sale in the "Infiniti Parts for Sale" Folder @ $1,000 for the set in Phoenix. Younger guys will probably like them, especially for that price.

[soul_hfk]

well i dont need tire but i know the goodyear that came wit the car SUCK and i can see me changing them soon not even 1k on them

[StarPD]

Update on the 245/45ZR18-100W RE050A "Pole Position" Bridgestones on my 2005 Q45:

I started with 36 psi all around. Handling and tracking was good, but ride was stiff and sharp over manhole covers and freeway expansion joints.

Dropped to 34 psi. Handling and tracking stayed good, ride improved somewhat.

Dropped them again, this time to 33 psi, the recommended pressure. Ride is improved even more. Now while manhole covers and expansion joints are still felt and audible, they're a lot more muted, and it's acceptable. Surprisingly, tracking isn't quite as good though, and turn-in and stability in corners is slightly reduced too.

I'm going to leave them at 33 psi for a while and drive them on a number of different roads and streets. Then I'm going to try33.5 psi. So far, 33psi is good, maybe 33.5 will be even better.

Every different tire has it's own "sweet spot", depending on the vehicle, tire size, and wheels. Sometimes as little as .5 psi can make a difference.But then, I'm especially sensitive to tires and the way they ride and handle, much more so than most people. Oh yeah, and I'm fussy too.

I'll keep reporting on these tires as the miles roll by.

[elan]

- Bridgestone Blizzak REVO 1 installed on J30 - 205x65 R15 Approx $120/each with installation, approx 4K on them now- Winter - stud-less- Cornering is poor though it's understandable. The edges are soft to provide good grip on snow and ice.

Pros: It is difficult to compare with other tires as this is my first and only winter tire so far but I'm very very happy with it. Perfect grip on a snow and icy road as well as snow mud and dry in low temperatures (tested down to 5F). The car responds very well in the snow mud, ice and deep snow. I was testing it in approx 5-6 inches snow and it was pulling the car w/o much difficulties. Of cause it would slide but not that much as all-season. Stops perfectly. No break locking in the mud and wet snow on a road. Little skidding in all snow pavement with the asphalt covered by ice with ABS getting engaged.

Cons: Not a con actually but a side effect. As the tires have a very god grip and biting the snow and mud the car became very muddy after driving as the particles are thrown up from the wheels.

I would definitely recommend people to install it in the areas where the temperatures stay below 30F for a couple of months or so. Not only does it help in snow or ice but also when the pavement is dry but cold. I consider it a very good insurance. In some circumstances it can save your life.

Areas tested: Upstate NY - Appalachian Mountains, Toronto and GTA area, Ontario. Update: drove ~7000k miles on them. They helped a lot to survive in snow. Even in great snowfalls. I was making uphill w/o any problems on the 1st gear and 2nd gear. Change them in spring once the temperature go up. Otherwise you will just kill them as the compaund becomes very soft.

Excelent tires

[RZAA36]

1993 Pearl White J30 on Dubs

245-35-20 Bf Good Rich G-Force tiresRide is a little stiff, But the look can not be matched rides good, car still fast and I love the look, i get heads turning everytime i ride by

[StarPD]

Latest update on Pole Positions on my '05 Q45.

4,000 miles, and I'm back to 34 PSI all around. Steering on F50s leaves a lot to be desired, so that has a lot to do cwith my results.Ride is good but sharp bumps are transmitted more than I'd like. Tracking and turn-in are fair. Not bad, but not great either. Traction is good. Despite only a 160 wear rating, at 4,000 miles they look great. I haven't drivien it in the rain yet, so I'll have to reserve comments on wet handling.

I think I'll save my pennies and next time I need tires, get a set of PS2s.

[EW]

Michelin Pilot Sport 2275/35/18$1260 for 4 installed w/taxReasonably quietexcellent dry grip initially-probably 1/2 worn now and I find that they don't seem to have as much grip wet or dry (but I also put in 3.73's recently).excellent wet grip initially as well. I can basically drive the same way (spirited commuting) wet or dry and there is little difference. I have used these on at least one autocross outing and a 2-day SVT HPDE road course event. I'll probably only get 20K+ out of them.

Michelin Pilot Sport 265/35/18 & 295/35/18came with Roush 18x9 chrome wheels for $2KLouder than PS2Great traction wet or drymay perform better throughout life of tire than PS2probably 25-30K miles out of themMany road course and autocross events

[Leuthesius]

I must just be lucky.

Firestone Fuzion 215/60R15 94H 40kmile installed + alignment for $321.73, that's after about $100 in discounts because of where I work though.

Are 215/60R15's the wrong size for a 96 J30 with stock rims?

[crossbones668]

1994 J30Bad Tires: Goodyear American Eagle; not so bad on the rear but noisy, causes vibration, and hydroplanes at 45mph on the front.

Good Tires: Yokohama Avid H4S; does not hydroplane when on front, even at 90mph in rain. The tires sing a little, especially on drive pavement in a tight turn, but well worth the trade in rain performance. I still have the Goodyears on the back, but would love to change those out as well. The Yoks were $300 a pair, installed.

[szh]

Car: 2003 Infiniti M45.Suspension: Stock.Wheels: Infiniti OEM stock 18"x7.5".Brand: Michelin Pilot Sport A/S.Size: 245/45-18 96Y.Price: $281 (mounting and installation included, from Costco).Mileage: New on my 2003 M45 car right now (as of March 2008).Category: Ultra High Performance All-Season.Good: Sticky and good/excellent grip. But, not in the same league as Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-DS or Firestone Firehawk SZ50-EP, albeit pretty darn good. Good in light snow and sub-zero weather. Fairly quiet tire ... quieter than the Eagles, but not as quiet as the SZ50-EP and not as quiet as Grand Touring tires (like the Bridgestone Turanza ER-33 that the car came with as OEM).Bad: Handling is not up to the same wonderful levels as the Eagles or the SZ50-EP. Does not inspire as much confidence on curves and hills. Sidewalls are more soft than I would like too - compromises the directional stability and handling on curves a bit.Verdict: An good/excellent all-round All-Season tire, but not comparable to good/excellent Summer tires.

Z

[maxnix]

Car: 2000 FGY33 Standard Suspension: Eibachs and KYB SR specialsWheel: OZ Racing (light pressure cast) 18x9 +35mm 20.6 lbs.Car Mileage: 100KOEM Minimum Load rating Specification: 94Brand: Dunlop Direzza DZ101Size: 245/45-18Load Rating: 96Price: ~$275 ea. inclusiveTire Mileage: 10.5KCategory: Ultra High Performance SummerUTQG 300Good: Not bad when new, but a little rubbery in response.Bad: Not cheap, but not strong enough for the FGY33 either. Suffered sufficient cupping on the inside of all four wheels which caused the tires to howl at highway speed. Wife couldn't stand the howl, so off with 7/32nd tread remaining. Even she didn't like them in the rain.Recommendation: Avoid at all costs. Dunlop fails the Q45 again. Not nearly as strong as the Michelin PS2, nor as well performing.

Modified by maxnix at 11:18 AM 7/26/2009
Modified by maxnix at 6:23 AM 7/30/2009

[marlin29311]

Car: 2008 Altima Coupe 3.5SESuspension: Stock.Wheels: 2008 Altima coupe 3.5 standard 17" x 7.5"Brand: Bridgestone Turanza El400-02Size: 215/55/17 VPrice: OEMMileage: 7000 milesCategory: TouringGood: They're made of rubber. They're round.Bad: Horrific tires. Absolutely no wet traction at all - VDC kicks in at 2100 rpms from dead stop. I'm afraid to drive them in the snow....Dry traction is OK, tires spin from dead stop if you hit the gas too fast. Tread is going very quickly with only 7k on them.Verdict: I'd rather drive on my metal wheels that these. Do not buy!

[pattyskin]

2004 G35 coupe

Brand: TOYO T1RSize: 275/35/19 and 245/35/19Price: ~$250 eachMileage: under 10k milesCategory: Ultra HiPerf summerGood: Great performance on track and street alike. I run 40 psi on the street and 35 on the track. They are a good all around performance tire!Bad: Noisy, wears quickly, expensive.Verdict: Expensive tires which provide great performance. If you want to have great performance buy them, you get what you pay for in this case.

Brand: Yokohama AVID W4sSize: 245/45/18Price: $150 eachMileage: 20,000 miles Category: Ultra HiPerf all seasonGood: Good for all season tires, works in all conditions pretty well. They didn't wear very fast at all, quiet, great performance for the priceBad: No contest on dry/warm roads compared to my Toyos. Verdict: Good for winter driving and everyday use, not for over-spirited driving.

Brand: Michelin Pilot sport Size: 225/45/18 and 245/45/18Price: ~$250 eachMileage: 10k on fronts 5k on rearsCategory: Ultra HiPerf summerGood: Great gripBad: Super expensive, I wore out my rears in 5 months with very little track use.Verdict: Terrible value but good performance, only buy if you want to replace them all the time. Not worth the money

[maxnix]

Car: 2000 FGY33 Standard Suspension: Eibachs and KYB SR specialsWheel: OZ Racing (light Pressure cast) 18x9 +35mm 20.6 lbs.Car Mileage: 125KOEM Minimum Load rating Specification: 94Brand: Goodyear F1 GS D3Size: 245/45-18Load Rating: 100XLPrice: ~$235 ea. inclusive ($50 rebate)Tire Mileage: 15KCategory: Ultra High Performance SummerUTQG 280Good: Decently quiet, decent ride, superb in wet like PS2, and longer wearing. Second only to the PS2, but at a decent discount. A winner!Bad: Not a PS2, but very very close. The PS2 is 4 lbs. lighter and rated 100XL.
Modified by maxnix at 6:22 AM 7/30/2009

[audtatious]

Car: 2002 Nissan Maxima (Same as an Infiniti I35)Suspension: Eibach / TokicoWheels: Ruff Racing 18"Brand: Sumitomo HTR+Size: 245/40-18 Price: $300-ishMileage: varies by tireCategory: Ultra High Performance All-Season.Good: Great traction, dry/rain/snow use when newBad: After 10k they start to lose all traction capabilities when still >1/2 tread left. Worse at 1/2 tread and replaced at around 20k due to no traction with 1/3 tread left. Also had two blowouts with the brand/model requiring new tiresVerdict: Unless you want to replace them early I would suggest looking elsewhere

[audtatious]

Car: 2002 Nissan Maxima (Same as an Infiniti I35)Suspension: Eibach / TokicoWheels: Ruff Racing 18"Brand: Yokohama DB S2Size: 245/40-18 Price: $600-ishMileage: varies by tire, appx 20kCategory: Ultra High Performance All-Season.Good: Great traction dry/rain (slightly less wet traction as compared to the Sumitomo's). Not great in light snow. Did great sticking in cornersBad: Could not keep them balanced. Regardless of getting tires balanced and rotated and the front end alignment within spec they were always causing a wobble as experienced via the steering wheel. Thin center section of tire allowed a 3/4" bolt to go through the tread. Noisy tire.Verdict: Not a bad summer tire if you like something that handles well but problems with balancing and 20k or less average (80% highway) make them a costly and somewhat annoying tire.

[audtatious]

Car: 2002 Nissan Maxima (Same as an Infiniti I35)Suspension: Eibach / TokicoWheels: OEM G35 18" wheelsBrand: Kumho Ecsta ASXSize: 245/40-18 Price: $600-ish Mileage: 15-20k when car was traded inCategory: Ultra High Performance All-Season.Good: Great traction dry/rain and did well in light snow. Good cornering but not as good as the Yokohama DB S2's Bad: Nothing while owningVerdict: With 15-20k+ the tires still had 1/2+ tread left. Very good all around tire while owned. Highly suggested based on previous tires used

[maxnix]

Car: 2000 FGY33 Standard
Suspension: Eibach Sport with KYB Specials
Car Mileage:155K
OEM Minimum Load Rating Specification: 94
Wheel: OZ Racing (light pressure cast) 18x9 +35mm 20.6 lbs.
Brand: Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Position
Size: 245/45-18
Load Rating: 100XL
Price: ~$265 ea.
Tire Mileage: 8K

Perhaps not as sticky as the PS2 or the F1 DS G3, but still a very strong carcass, maybe the strongest. Now inside wear from the camber of the lowered suspension yet. Probably a littler noisier than the PS2 and maybe the F1 DS G3, but not much. Wet traction seems to close also to the other two tires. All in all, a very pleasant surprise.

Do not confuse with non "Pole Position" tires with the same RE050A designation!

A quick word about the now discontinued Goodyear Eagle F1 GS D3. An absolutely great tire that was 98% of the PS2, and maybe a hair better in the rain, but not as good in ride nor noise nor initial impact. A shame they are gone.

[Empty V]

Obviously very few on this forum will benefit from this info but oh well.

Car: 2001 Infiniti QX4
Suspension: KYB-GR2 Struts, Old Man Emu Lift Springs and Missing Link Stabilizer
Mileage: 230,000
Wheel: RBP 93R 17x9's
Tire Brand: BFG All-Terrain TKO's
Tire Size 285/75/R17 (33's)
Price: $225/ea

These tires do great in the desert and Baja. They're pretty quit for an A/T tire and have an unbelievably long life. I had a set of 31's on my old exploder that went 75K miles without rotation.

[Victor]

I drive a 94 J30T, and the specified size, 215/60R15 94H is getting harder and harder to find as manufacturers discontinue this size. I just got the last three Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position tires in this size left in the U.S., at least what I could find searching just about every local and online tire dealer. Its a shame, because this tire is the highest or one of the highest rated tires one can put on the car, and is considered an ultra performance all season tire, and is relatively cheap, I paid between $80 and $96 a tire, not including installation, balancing, and sales tax. It gets high reviews on all the websites I checked.

[krash]

Wow, this is a cool thread. Let me contribute:

Car: 1993 Nissan 240sx 'vert
Suspension: KYB AGX w/ RS*R drop springs
Wheels: XXR 527, 17x8.25 +25
Brand: Nitto NeoGen
Size: 215/45/17
Price: $444 for all four
Mileage: almost 3000 miles now
Category: Performance, summer tires
Good: Pretty sticky when its dry out. Vastly improved the way my car handles (however I did upgrade from 195s). They do chirp a little bit through VERY sharp corners, but I have yet to completely lose traction when its dry. I mean I'm sure I could, but they stick pretty damn well through some good corners. Tread pattern looks beefy too
Bad: Wet traction sucks. Don't have to worry about hydroplaning or anything, but it slides out so easily. This is my only problem with this tire.
Verdict: Its a great summer tire, I probably won't buy them again until I try out a few other tires, but I don't regret buying them.These are awesome tires, you just have to cool it when its wet outside.

[Kompresshun]

I'll contribute too.

Car: 2000 Infiniti I30
Suspension: Stock
Wheels: Stock Infiniti 16x7 Aluminum Wheels
Brand: Goodyear Assurance Touring
Size: 215/55/16
Price: $119 per tire
Mileage: Around 8,000
Category: All-season, Touring
Good: Reasonably quiet, handles well for a touring tire, good dry traction, and has worn well so far.
Bad: Terrible wet traction. I can lose traction even while moving if I'm not easy on the throttle, but off the line it's almost impossible to not lose traction. No issues with hydroplaning though. Snow traction isn't that great either, but they do alright.
Verdict: It's a good tire, but mainly in dry conditions. I feel like I could've got a much better tire for the money I spent, but I also had a $100 gift card to use for the tire purchase, so I really spent $450 out the door in the end. I will never buy them again though. My previous tires, Bridgestone Potenzas, were absolutely excellent compared to these though.

[audtatious]

Car: 2007 Infiniti G35s Sedan
Suspension: Stock
Wheels: OEM G35 18" wheels
Brand: Hankook V4 All-Season
Size: 245/40-18 and 225/50-18
Price: $800-ish
Mileage: 10-12k when removed from car
Category: Ultra High Performance All-Season
Good: Decent wet and dry traction.
Bad: Summer tire at best, false advertising
Verdict: Tire did nothing spectacularly. Wet and dry traction was simply OK. Even light snow was a challenge with these tires even though they are sold as a true all-season. Tires were pulled due to their horrible winter performance.

[audtatious]

Car: 2008 Infiniti G37s Coupe
Suspension: Stock at first, Tein H-Techs later
Wheels: OEM G37 19" staggered wheels
Brand: Bridgestone RE050A
Size: 245/40-19 and 225/45-19
Price: stock tire
Mileage: 32k miles
Category: Max Performance Summer
Good: Good wet and dry traction
Bad: less grip than other less expensive tires
Verdict: Other than cost these are a good general tire. I was able to squeeze 32k out of them which would have been more had I not had a toe problem with the front. They were good in the cold (not overly hard and slick) but far from a winter tire. I did have to drive it once in the slush without any issue.

[audtatious]

Car: 2008 Infiniti G37s Coupe
Suspension: Tein H-Techs first, BC Racing coilovers later
Wheels: OEM G37 19" staggered wheels
Brand: Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110
Size: 245/35-19 and 275/35-19
Price: $900-ish
Mileage: 18k miles
Category: Max Performance Summer
Good: Good wet and dry traction.
Bad: Can be hard and slick in the winter but will heat up and be drivable
Verdict: Good summer tire that can be driven in the cold, but not snow. 240-ish treadwear rating means you should not expect a lot of miles out of these tires.

[audtatious]

Car: 2007 Infiniti G35s Sedan
Suspension: Stock
Wheels: OEM G35 18" wheels
Brand: ContiExtreme DWS
Size: 245/40-18
Price: $800-ish
Mileage: 6k+ and still going
Category: Ultra High Performance All-Season
Good: Very good wet and dry traction.
Bad: So far, not much. With heavy rain can feel a tad loose but that's about all I can reach for
Verdict: Tire has done well in light snow, rain and dry. 540-ish treadwear rating means it should get good life. Quite happy with this tire and I've recently added the same tire to my G37 coupe.

[breadbox]

Time to bump this thread. After hydroplaning on insanely hardened all-seasons, I now understand the extreme importance of fresh tires.

I just picked up some Falkens for the first time.

Car: 1989 240sx Hatch
Suspension: Stock
Wheels: 15"x6.5 old school American Racing wheels
Brand: Falken Ziex
Size:205/50/R15
Price: $310.80 for the set.
Mileage: less than 100miles since getting them
Category: All-seasons, not saying they are performance but they are pretty grippy.
Good: Excellent dry traction thus far.
Bad: low tire wall really lets road noise shine.
Verdict: I will be back in a few months and comment.