tire selections - Michelin vs. ??

[91QAZ]

I am looking for some experiences with different tire brands and sizes on the Q45. Let me get this out of the way first: I KNOW that Michelins are most likely everyone's first choice, and are mine too, but I'm trying to get a feel for whether it is possible to save a few bucks here to spend on other maintence issues. I have a 91 Q (non-active) and am going to be mounting the tires on 17" wheels from a 2000 Maxima SE. I am leaning toward the 245/45/17 size.

I priced Michelin Pilots at about $220 each and several other brands (looking closely at Kuhmo) at $120 to $140 each. I know you get what you pay for, but I've been perfectly happy with non-Michelins on other cars and while I want a good ride, balance (vibration), and performance, I may be willing to sacrifice "PERFECTION" for "very good".

My main factors: I want reasonable wear (35K - 40K miles) and decent performance, but wear trumps performace. I want to make sure I select a tire that can handle the weight of the Q - sounds like most Q's have quiter an appetite for front tires.

Thanks for your input,Tom

[redmanfx]

I've found Pirelli P4000's 215/65VR15's were a great substitue for the Michelin's. Tire Rack had Pirelli's in 17's and I do suggest the VR ratings. They even have W rated tires. They last all of 30,000 - 35,000 up to 40,000 miles and have excellent low noise and they wear extremely even.

Mine have been better then I expected and are great in the rain. The P4000's have been on sale for $70 even $65. They may not have anymore though. I will get Pirelli's when I move to 18's as well.

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[redmanfx]

Driving on these NC back roads gives me plenty of good driving and since April or so, in every kind of weather, except drastic cold, Pirelli's have done a great job with little or no noise. Check up on them.

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[elwesso]

I would assume your looking for an all season tire..... However in AZ you could probably get away with a summer-ish tire, or a max performance all season...

Ive had sumitomo, kumho, cooper, warrior, firestone and BF goodwrich tires on my Qs... All of which ive been fairly satisfied...

I had some cooper lifeliner touring... They were very quiet, never went out of balance terribly, didnt handle really good (400 treadwear), but for a light to medium driver, they are OK... I drive this Q a little harder (ok a lot) and the higher performance tires are welcomed...

I did a quick search on tirerack, and I came up with a couple candidates

Sumitomo HTR+Kumho ECSTA ASX.. Has slightly better ratings than the sumitomoYokohoma Avid H45S... This got high ratings in what you would be looking for

That should give you something to bite on.....

[Rex]

I must be doing something wrong, I can't get more than about 15k on a set of tires, I'll be watching this for some good suggestions, as I'll be mounting new tires on my old rims in the spring.

[russg]

I recently put a set of Falken Azenis ST-115's on my M45, and am very happy with them. My bogey was Michelin's Pilot Sport A/S, which I put on my previous Q and liked them very much. I like these just as well and they were significantly less money. Bought them locally in Tempe. First Falkens I've ever owned, and so far so good. I'd do it again.

Russ

[Jeff Williams]

The Sumitomo's are a fine tire, but are rather noisy. I would stick with the Kumho's or the Yokohama's, myself.

The black car has Yokahama's on the factory BBS wheels (215/65/15) VERY quiet! I have Sumitomo HTR+ on the 18" ASA's (245/40/18). Not so quiet.

I bought some Fusion tires, for the silver car. They are W rated, but I am afraid the directional tread will be noisy soon (255/45/17).

We put the Kuhmo's on the I30t, and they are rather nice (225/50/17).

[aaronl]

I don't know if you have a Costco near you, but below is their price from their website. Costco does a nitrogen fill on new tires.

aaronl Name Description Price Michelin® Pilot XGT V4 P215/65VR15 All-Season High Performance $132.99

[maxnix]

I have a 91 Q (non-active) and am going to be mounting the tires on 17" wheels from a 2000 Maxima SE. I am leaning toward the 245/45/17 size.

Think you'll find it necessary to go to 255/45-17 to get the load capacity on most brands, which will require 8" wide rims. Maxima is a significantly lighter car.

[elwesso]

Ive got 245/45 on mine and they are sufficient.. 95...

[Rex]

Yea, gotta agree, several 95 (and higher) load rated tires available in 245/45/17.

[Q45tech]

Study the wet braking test on Tirerack after all thats whats most important in saving your insurance deductible.........everything else is fluf.

Getting 30-35,000 mile life means you give up 12-15 feet in wet braking from 50 mph. Getting 40,000 miles probably means 20 feet.

Real men tires shouldn't last longer than 20,000 miles. A second job can pay the increment and tire replacement cost quickly and easily.

Frugle ChoicesLook at this one: Pirelli PZero Nero M&S or this oneAvon Tech M550 A/S

[91QAZ]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I've got some research to do...