I think I need new tires...

[gladis]

Title says it all.

A few weeks ago I was in San Francisco and going down a moderate slope (mild by SF standards, lol). Weather was a light drizzle, ground was moist, no standing water.

I was driving around 20-25 mph when a redlight came up. As I was a little distracted, I braked a LITTLE (by no means a panic stop) harder than usual and behold, my wheels locked and the damn thing slid.

For about 2 seconds I was watching in horror as the Acura TL in front of me came closer and closer, but thank god I reacted and pumped the brakes once or twice and the car stopped, with about 6-9 inches space left.

So I went home and checked my tires, because I don't think the conditions were harsh at all (right?) I found that the tread on my tires are just touching Lincoln's hair, and here's my question:

I have 3 Bridgestone Insignia SE200s (stock wheels so 195/70-14) and one tire called Prime Well PS850.

Now I looked around google and can't seem to find a manufacturer or a retail site for these tires...

So, anyone know what these are?

Also, any recommendations for good tires with a good balance of wet traction, ride quality, and longevity (no need to be performance)? I think Bridgestone Insignias are pretty crap.

[Venom_5]

i <3 my Sumitomo HTR H4's .... got them on sale and theyve been great in heavy rain

[eilros]

Yokohama AVID TRZ: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Model=AVID+TRZ


I had them on my Pontiac Vibe and loved 'em. Lots of traction, smooth riding, great on wet roads, ice and snow and a UTQG rating of 700AB.

[gladis]

I should note that I'm about 80-85% sure I will be getting them replaced at Costco, especially since Dad's paying the bill ()

So this is probably what I'm limited to http://www.costco.com/Tires/SearchRe...o=0&lang=en-US

I've looked on tirerack, but the reviews on the tires were woefully inconsistent on the 10 tires I've looked at. Some say a particular tire is wonderful and lasted them 50,000 miles, and another person would say he hates it and its out of tread after 20,000.

[eilros]

Originally Posted by gladis

I should note that I'm about 80-85% sure I will be getting them replaced at Costco, especially since Dad's paying the bill ()

So this is probably what I'm limited to http://www.costco.com/Tires/SearchRe...o=0&lang=en-US

I've looked on tirerack, but the reviews on the tires were woefully inconsistent on the 10 tires I've looked at. Some say a particular tire is wonderful and lasted them 50,000 miles, and another person would say he hates it and its out of tread after 20,000.

My personal opinion is to go with the Michelin X-Radial DT. Consumer Reports ranked them 2nd in their comparison (only 1 point behind the Goodyear TripleTred). My Dad has always used Michelin tires and has had really good luck with them.

[gladis]

^^ I should mention he is a cheap dad

The car's been serviced by dad until I got my license and started paying some of the bills by myself (gas, light maintenance work).

After all he's the one that put the Prime Well on (btw, I still can't find any solid information about it)

I dunno if it warrants the price difference. From the Costco list (still have to check with local)

I've narrowed it down to these:

Michelin Hydro-Edge $106 each


BFGoodrich Traction T/A H $78 each

[gladis]

Originally Posted by eilros

My personal opinion is to go with the Michelin X-Radial DT. Consumer Reports ranked them 2nd in their comparison (only 1 point behind the Goodyear TripleTred). My Dad has always used Michelin tires and has had really good luck with them.

Thats also one to consider. TireRack didn't have them (along with the BF Premier)

Are there more comprehensive tire review sites out there?

[eilros]

Originally Posted by gladis

Thats also one to consider. TireRack didn't have them (along with the BF Premier)

Are there more comprehensive tire review sites out there?

The X-Radial DT is only available in shopping clubs like Costco and Sam's Club so that's probably why Tire Rack didn't have any info.

[eilros]

Originally Posted by gladis

Prime Well PS850.

http://www.gititire.com/us/Passenger...ze=&tiretype=1

[PhatRoyale]

If you want all-seasons, Hydroedges are great tires, they have very good hydroplane resistance, smooth ride too.

I've had them on my DD for over 2 years now and love how durable they are.

[xtremeskier97]

Tell your dad if he wants you to be safe...he'd get the better tires...not just the cheapest ones he can get.

If he'll do it, see if you can pay the difference between what he would pay for and the ones you'd rather have.

Tires are VERY important and you should NEVER buy from just looking at prices.

[gladis]

I've actually talked to him about a couple times i skidded out (some smooth surface in my neighborhood) and wheel spin (on an auto camry I4, no less!) off the line when wet.

He tells me to drive slower, lol.

I'm not a hard driver and the car gets ~12000/year (soon to be my bros) I'm willing to spend a couple hundred to get tires that actually stay on the road.

[freestylez]

Originally Posted by eilros

Yokohama AVID TRZ: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Model=AVID+TRZ


I had them on my Pontiac Vibe and loved 'em. Lots of traction, smooth riding, great on wet roads, ice and snow and a UTQG rating of 700AB.

definately great tires for the price!
got a set myself treadlife is great
yokohama tires are the very reliable

[matt9112]

speaking of all this i have a pritty much stock 99 camry with new but cheap tires the previouse owner had bought i came off a start when it was wet no puddles not raining just damp and god damn i slid that thing for a couple hundred feet i watched it slide back in fourth into the outher lanes than i let off and it was good but than i smiled as i noticed i was about 1000 feet ahead of the rest of the line

[DFBonnett]

Originally Posted by eilros

Yokohama AVID TRZ: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Model=AVID+TRZ


I had them on my Pontiac Vibe and loved 'em. Lots of traction, smooth riding, great on wet roads, ice and snow and a UTQG rating of 700AB.

Put a set of these on the wife's '93 wagon last year. I don't know how well they will wear as yet because of insufficient miles to judge, but wet weather handling is very good.