Eclipse Tires

As a sales specialist at Tire Rack, I get the opportunity to test all of the tires we sell. This includes performance auto tires, Passenger All-Season tires, truck tires and more. Occasionally, I like to step outside the box and review products that don't catch as much attention on our test track as the tires. It's nice being able to recommend all products we carry to customers through first-hand experience.

Having recently purchased a Mitsubishi Eclipse to use during the winter months, this vehicle was long overdue for random maintenance. One project at the top of my list was to fix the vehicle's brake system. Following years of driving abuse, the brake pad's metal backing plate had worn its way into the OEM rotors surface prompting immediate need for replacement brake rotors. 

In a previous post, I mentioned that my son and I had installed a nice Tire & Wheel Package on his car. We had originally intended to purchase a little lighter, more expensive wheel, but after a fender bender cut into our budget, we began exploring other options. This time using a sharper pencil. We still wanted as good a performing tire and wheel combination as we could now afford. We had already decided to install a plus zero fitment. We increased the tire size and the wheel width without going to a larger diameter wheel.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse GS came equipped with 205/55-16 tires mounted on 16x6" alloy wheels. In place of the stock package we installed 225/50-16 Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport tires mounted on 16x7" wheels. This gave us a wider tire with a larger potential contact patch without changing speedometer and odometer accuracy, as both sizes measure the same (24.9") diameter.

The wheel we chose was a great looking, sturdy, lightweight and reasonably priced, Sport Edition D5. We decided on the Sport Edition D5 for several reasons: at 18 lbs. it is relatively light for its size. It is a low-pressure cast (reduces voids in the metal) aluminum alloy wheel that is shot peened to relieve stresses in the finished product. Each wheel then undergoes X-ray and ultrasound inspection to ensure continuity of the casting process. The anodized aluminum alloy wheel is then primed and powder coated silver. Each wheel then receives a high gloss clear finish coat. The finish on this wheel gives it very strong resilience to the harsh elements of sun, rain, detergents and even winter weather conditions. The Sport Edition D5 also has the extra benefit of certification standards from JWL and VIA. These quality inspections and tests are much more stringent than those required of wheels manufactured as Original Equipment on many applications. All of this in one wheel at a great low price.

The combination of the wider but lighter wheel reduces rolling or "unsprung" weight and the wider, Ultra High Performance Summer Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport really transformed the handling on this car. It corners like it's on rails now. You truly can afford performance, if you know where and how to look.

Many BMW owners are opting to replace their factory run-flat tires with conventional non-run-flat tires. One can literally find hundreds of posts across popular BMW forums filled with disapproval of the Original Equipment run-flat tires. Many customers have complained that the tire is either too stiff, gets too many bubbles or wears out too quickly. 

While it seems that some drivers are happy with their switch to non-run-flat tires, not everyone is in the majority. Be sure to study the trade-offs, as well as some of the alternatives you may not have considered.

• Since many have tested only one or two models of run-flat tires and assume all run-flats have the same problems, it's important to remember not all run-flat tires are created equal. Did you know there are newer generations of run-flat tires available today that eclipse the older technology? One shining example is the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP which is praised in forums as an improvement over older run-flat models in regards to ride comfort, wet and dry grip, as well as treadwear. Another example is the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position RFT, which is an outstanding all-season run-flat tire. 
   
• Run-flat tires do not wear out faster. Comparing the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 against the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP (run-flat model), both tires have the same rubber compound, same dry and wet grip and same treadwear. The PS2 ZP is an outstanding run-flat tire. Take a look at this review of the tire from a 2007 BMW 335i owner:

As far as the handling, sticks like glue! The steering response and on-center feel is exceptional. While I think the Bridgestones had a slightly (very slightly) quicker turn-in, the PS2 ZP does not have the 'nervousness' that was associated with the Bridgestone that required those constant steering inputs. Bottom line, for those of you like me who did not prefer the original Bridgestones, but still want RFT capability for whatever reason, your prayers have been answered by Michelin." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 BMW 335i

Before you jump on the anti-run-flat bandwagon, consider your available alternatives and understand the trade-offs. Check out our Tire Survey Results to help you make your final decision.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT for your late model 2006-2010 Chevy Corvette is on backorder. What to do? Your rear tires are as bald as Mr. Clean and you hydroplane in the morning dew.

I would suggest going to the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP.  This is the first Max Performance Summer tire with great reviews AND is a run-flat. 

You are looking at about a $100 increase in price. However, the tire’s performance mixed with its longevity will easily eclipse the difference that you will pay. Check out this review by one of our customers:

"The Michelins are like the difference between night and day! They ride smoother and they corner and accelerate like I had hoped the car would when I had the Goodyears. What a difference! I would highly recommend them without qualification. "

Give them a try! You will be happy that you did.

As your Goodyear tire dealers, Tire Rack consistently offers Goodyear tires that exceed expectations on a wide variety of vehicles. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric is no exception. Take a look at what our previous customers are saying about this tire:

"I have to say, these are by far the best tires I have ever driven on. I thought it would be tough to eclipse the F1 GS-D3 and it took a few years but here we are, a new Goodyear tire and it's better! These tires do everything as good or better than any other tire I have had on this car, I race it on the odd occasion and these win hands down." — Tire Rack Consumer Review, Acura Integra, TX

"A very wonderful all-around track and highway tire. I thought I would never try another tire after the Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. The Asymmetrics are even quieter than the F1. The response on the road course tracks match if not beat the original F1's abilities and they have a better initial turn in. I am very pleased with my decision so far!" — Tire Rack Consumer Review, Volkswagen GTI, MI

"This tire is quiet. It is very QUIET! The ride is not at all as harsh as other high performance tires I have used. Even though the ride is not harsh I don't feel that it has given any handling away. It is a great tire. For the first 500 miles, it is the best tire I have used on my M Roadster." — Tire Rack Consumer Review, BMW Roadster, UT

Search by vehicle to see if the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics will fit yours, or click here for a complete list of Goodyear tires.

It only makes sense, right? A set of Eclipse tires and wheels will complete your vehicle with aesthetic enhancements and performance benefits aplenty.

And if you drive an Eclipse, we think it's pretty safe to assume that you appreciate good style and impressive performance.

Like what you see above? We went with Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires for their High Performance All-Season capabilities, which we then topped off with the very sleek Rial Porto wheels. All in all, we kinda liked the simple sophisticated look of silver on black.

Search by vehicle to get started. You'll be surprised by the options, but if you're feeling overwhelmed, never hesitate to contact us. We like picking out tires and wheels.

Find your Eclipse tires with a simple search by vehicle—or tire size, if you have that information on hand. And if you drive a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Coupe with an Original Equipment tire size of 225/50-17, then you might like these best selling Eclipse tires:

• General Exclaim UHP: This Ultra High Performance Summer tire provides high levels of traction, response and control in dry conditions. It also combats hydroplaning in wet conditions. 

• BFGoodrich g-Force Super Sport A/S H&V: This High Performance All-Season tire features H- and V- speed ratings, and it provides traction in dry, wet and wintery conditions.

• Bridgestone Potenza RE92A: This High Performance All-Season tire is used extensively as an Original Equipment tire on various sports cars and sedans. It combines a smooth ride with quiet performance, predictable handling and all-season traction.