New Brake Pads

Initial Review, 300 Miles on Tires
November 30, 2012

I bought my 2008 CR-V as a certified preowned car from my Honda dealer in 2011. It was in mint condition, had every possible option, and only 23,000 miles on it. HOWEVER, it had those ---awful Bridgestone Duelers that my '97 CV-R came with when I bought it brand new. My mechanic, who checked it out before I bought it, noticed that it had two different models on the front and back. The front tires were pretty much brand new and the back at about half life. I couldn't wait to get them off my car! They handled ok, but were noisy and the ride was so-so, on the rough side. I noticed the car would make a wooo wooo sound when driving and had the dealer check it out, but found nothing wrong with the bearings, axle, brakes, etc, so figure it was the tires. The older tires were getting pretty bad, starting to crack, etc and I HAD TO get new ones. I looked for months at this tire and that tire, getting rave reviews on the one hand and horrible reviews on the other. Finally I found these with nothing other than pretty much great reviews. I realize they are a fairly new model and there aren't any reviews with more than just a few thousand miles on them, but I thought I'd give them a go anyway. I love them so far. Very quiet and very smooth riding, in particular on asphalt. I feel like I'm riding on a cloud. They handle very well and I was just able to drive on them in a nice rainstorm, even deliberately going through a big puddle and they were great! I got them just after our small snowstorm, therefore can't say how they'd handle snow. So admittedly, this is a "first impression" review, on only a couple of hundred miles of driving, but so far, so good. I'm anxious to see how I feel after many thousands of miles of driving on them, and feel pretty confident I'll still be a happy camper. Only time will tell.

Initial Review, 1,000 Miles on Tires
December 20, 2009

allrite tire for the price. looks good. preety new still and the wet traction is less then desireable. this is an all wheel drive car that seems to be very picky about its tires. brakeing on wet pavement is good.wear seems to be great so far. good bang for the buck.dry gives alright grip. nothing to brag about. very responsive on turn in.

Initial Review, 100 Miles on Tires
November 12, 2012

I put he Conti DWS on and that very day we got rain, then 2 inches of slushy/icy snow here in New England. Imeediately as I hit some puddles on the highway I noticed the tire did not hydroplane. Later I was able to take the car out in the snow. Roads were covered with a couple of inches or a little more. The tires did great! I got up hills and had no problems. Very little abs action on the brakes when stopping. I'm impressed. These tires do what they say they can do. Replaced a set of Kumho Ecsta 4x which were also a decent budget tire. You can see my reviews on here for those also. I'd have to say that for New England weather these Conti's are superior and I have more confidence with them in rain or snow. I'l write more as they wear.

Initial Review, 17,828 Miles on Tires
November 17, 2012

I purchased these tires as a replacement for the Bridgestone OEM's that I had installed the last time I needed new tires. Those tires seemed pretty good for the beating I spooned out for them.However it was time for something a little bit more appropriate for my driving style.
I read a lot of reviews and Tundra forum posts for a new replacement. These Firestones won because I drive my Tundra more like a sports car and less like the big pickup that it is. Aside from what I had read, I liked the aggressive tread pattern but this doesn't mean that it impacts the ride other than being a bit nosier than the OEM's. I had these installed at a local CarX just as a snow storm was bearing down on us. When I pulled out of the shop there was 4-5" of fresh deep wet snow on the ground. I had little to be concerned about as soon as the tires started turning. They rolled straight and true through the deep snow at highway speed without missing a beat, even though others were less ambitious to drive at the speeds I chose to. They're snow performance is outstanding for a tire of this type and low sidewall height. They offered great confidence and when the weather dried and got warmer they cornered well and had excellent braking power. A good example would be while on a trip to Deals Gap on the Tennessee - N. Carolina border, I made a friend who was in the back seat ill because of the grip available and the frequent beeping of the traction control as I swung the truck left and right through 300+ turns in 11 miles! Needless to say be didn't lose his lunch in my truck even though his skin tone was greener than when we began the trip through the pass, but these tires impressed me in their ability to grip those tight turns. If you're on the fence about buying a good inexpensive sport truck tire? Don't be hesitant to choose these. you're wallet and you won't regret it!

Initial Review, 400 Miles on Tires
November 14, 2012

I bought these (with a new set of OZ Racing Ultraleggeras 18x8 square setup) to replace my last winter set: 17 inch Dunlop Wintersport 3Ds. Essentially, big shoes to fill, when it comes to snow/slush/ice performance. The Dunlops are that good in the nasty stuff.

These new guys so far perform just as well as the Wintersport 3Ds in the cold-and-wet/slush--which is saying something, with the Wintersports being outstanding--and better in the cold-and-dry (where the Wintersports let me down a bit). These Pirellis really feel like performance tires.
Here on Long Island we get at most a week of snow in the winter, and the rest of the time it's just cold and sometimes wet. And in these conditions, the Pirellis really do a great job.

Overall, the Pirellis are very good winter tires, but be warned, these guys are NOISY. They whine when unloaded (coasting), but quiet down when cornering, braking, or accelerating.

Initial Review, 42,000 Miles on Tires
November 07, 2012

These tires came stock on my 07 Subaru WRX. I live in the 6th "worst weather" city in the nation averaging 162 days of rain per year, and around 85 inches of snow each year (I'm speaking of cities not places ie city population of over 50k people...where as some place like Stowe VT gets 220 inches of snow per year but has a population of 5000)...Needless to say I do a lot of bad weather driving.

These tires have performed well for me in the rain, snow and ice. I purchased this car last year with around 20000 miles on it, in the past year I've put on over 20k miles I have no complaints about performance. I've taken my car on many road trips to ski resorts and driven on hard packed snow with minimal slippage. Never had one problem in rain storms or heavy downpour. I do a lot of back road driving to avoid heavy construction, and because it's fun. These tires have performed with ease going around tight turns.

Only complaint I have is the noise level of these tires on the highway and going over bumps. It can also be my vehicle, but I'd rather take a loud tire that will perform well any day.

I've encountered many situations where I had to brake abruptly or swerve to avoid object/ animals/ or bad drivers. These tires respond well.

Sadly the tread is wearing and with winter coming I had to purchase a new pair. I went with the Bridgestone re970as tires because of their high rating and they're half the price. All and all 42k miles on an all season tire is pretty good.

Initial Review, 200 Miles on Tires
November 04, 2012

So I have never written a review for Tirerack before.....although I have read many reviews as an excellent resource for purchasing tires from them! However, I felt sufficiently inspired to share my experience which may help others.

I have an 04 WRX wagon with Cobb (Hotchkiss) front and rear sways, Cobb Stage 2 and Stop Tech Perf pads on regular brakes. I had previously purchased the Bridgestone RE01's and really loved them. Since I have the stock 16in wheels (I don't really understand this trend to huge and heavy large diameter wheels!), the RE01's were amazingly cheap. However, after end of life, the RE01's were discontinued replaced by the RE-11's, for about 50% more $$$. So needless to say I looked for alternate options, and I ended up purchasing the Bridgestone 760's.

Well, I had the 760s for over 20,000mi and was pretty satisfied with them. Then I got the dreaded nail in the sidewall. Even with a good deal of treadwear left on my remaining 3 tires, with 4 wheel drive I felt it was prudent to purchase 4 new tires to not stress out the center diff.

So I decided to pony up for the RE11's.......Oh my ---.......I thought the 760s were good and would not desire much more.....I was wrong. The RE-11's are unbelievably better in every way. The most amazing thing to me is how much better they ride. They are incredibly soft over sharp bumps in the road. And their high G cornering characteristics are incredibly predictable and simply outstanding.

I know they are expensive, but since I am probably keeping this 04 wagon forever (these subies are amazing....still feels like it is new with basically no failures after almost 9 years), my wife unit is OK with me occasionally splurging on these tires to make me happy! I will likely never go a different direction again. And I may finally be inspired enough to start some Autocross events.....at 56 years old!

Initial Review, 750 Miles on Tires
October 23, 2012

The new 2012 A6 is an amazing car. The Pirelli P Zero summer tires that came with it though were weak performers and gave poor wear (220) … after 19K it was time for new rubber. My first choice was the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. I read so much abt their performance and was anxious to try them myself having had PS2s on a previous 5 Series and liked them.

However, the folks at Audi have engineered this car to be so amazingly smooth that when I mounted the PSS with its stiffer sidewalls all the subtle vibrations were transmitted everywhere in the car—gas pedal, brake pedal, shifter, wheel and so on. It wasn’t dramatic but it was very noticeable….and annoying. And the drone from these tires was surprisingly bad even after a break-in. At 60mph the drone was unbearable compared to the quiet Pirellis. I quickly exchanged the PSS for Conti Extreme Contact DW. Big difference in noise and smoothness. Highway cruising is enjoyable again and no drone. All the vibrations went away, too. Yes, the sidewall isn’t quite as stiff as PSS and hence not quite the handler but the DWs are definitely a better handler than the P Zeros and will last longer (340) and are much cheaper. For the A6, I think the DW is the ideal summer tire for this car if choosing between the P Zero, PSS and Contis.

Initial Review, 60,000 Miles on Tires
September 20, 2012

Great tires that exceeded expectations. Replaced OEM tires at 35K miles and these lasted through 60K miles (10K beyond warranty) of 70+ MPH highway driving and the associated hard braking on S FL highways. I replaced them today with the next gen Turanza Serenity Plus. This is the first time I've gone with the same tire back-to-back in my 20+ years of tire purchases.

Excellent traction both dry and wet, even with the heavy FL downpours we experience here. Very quiet throughout the lifetime of the tires...driving on new highway pavement, they were silent until the end. Little noise on older pavement and better in this regard than the OEM tires. Overall, great performance, especially in the rain, and impressive durability. Possibly a slight decrease in MPG over OEM, but the next gen Serenity is supposed to have a lower rolling resistance and slightly improved mileage. Regardless, this would not cause me to look at other tires. Completely satisfied with these.

Initial Review, 5,000 Miles on Tires
October 03, 2012

I bought these tires because i wanted "good" tires (not offbrand) that did not cost a lot of money (mainly because my car needs new struts so the tires will just wear out sooner) but i still want to keep my family safe. so i purchased these kumhos. and i am impressed off the bat these tires are difinently quieter and more stable then the firestones they replaced and wet traction and braking have improved tremendously as well. the tire size is 205/70/15 so it is no way a sports car tire and was not expecting much however as a simple commuter that gets point a to b this tire passed my expectations and is great for somone who does not drive agressively. i would probably replace with the same tires again

Initial Review, 200 Miles on Tires
September 12, 2012

All i have to say is I had Generals Hp on i did get 50k mile and rated for 40 not bad very loud but my music is always pretty loud so didn't mind it but when i did some research and decided to go with serenitys was like getting a brand new car feels like i'm driving a Lexus really and whats nice about these tires i got more than 2 miles per gallon and unbelievable performance in low and high speeds fery fast reaction and exelent grip that it. --- bless Serenity plus it makes me want to drive my car with these tires really , i never thought i would say that. I will post and update after i brake them in thx.

Initial Review, 9,500 Miles on Tires
September 06, 2012

I bought this truck from a friend who purchased this new. I was looking for a set of tires to replace the OEM tires on the truck that were worn.

I’ve had positive experiences with Michelin tires on my MDX, with their LTX models, the A/S and the M/S, so I began looking into these as replacements. The A/S tires are a great all season tire, but lasted about 38,000 miles before needing replacement and were a little too light for this application. The M/S tires that replaced the A/S tires were a big improvement in the snow and all around, but were a little loud at highway speeds on the MDX, so when I came across the M/S2’s, this was the tire I had to have.

The difference in tread pattern over the standard M/S was the key factor in my decision. The combination of a traction tread design (similar to their commercial truck highway traction tires), in line traction blocks and the snow / ice sipes found on the Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2(used as dedicated winter tires on my 06 Maxima), made this the perfect replacement. I optioned to go with the heavier ply (123/120R) in lieu of the standard 111T due to heavier side wall construction. Living in the City with all the potholes, manhole covers and construction plates, tires take a beating and the heavier sidewall I feel would offer me better protection against a blow out or puncture.

The ride quality is noticeably stiffer, solid but not bone jarring and to be expected with a 2500 series SUV over the lighter 1500 series. The tread is relatively quiet on the highway and turning feedback and response is positive. No numb feeling or lost connection with the road surface. The one thing I did notice was an improvement in braking feel, feedback and distance. Under hard braking, you can feel the tires grab the road surface, helping you slow down and not letting the brakes do all the work inspiring confidence.

Unless Michelin introduces an M/S 3, I will be purchasing another set when these are worn, in about 50/60k miles.

Initial Review, 24,015 Miles on Tires
September 10, 2012

I've had four sets of the Micheline Pilot Sport PS2 on my TL and believe it not, the new Pilot Super Sport tire is actually even slightly better, plus it has a 30,000-mile warranty.

Mine are now ready to change with 4/32 on the fronts 2/32 on the rears and at 24,015 miles. Even though I rotate them religiously and always maintain them at 36 PSI for optimum braking, cornering, and fuel mileage, the rears seemed to have worn faster because of a few long highway trips with a heavier-than-normal car due to a full trunk and five passengers over the last few months. I never experienced this kind of wear with the PS2s.

Nonetheless, the Pilot Super Sport tires enable this vehicle to drive and handle the way the engineers designed it before the penny-pinching accountants at Acura decided to use OEM Bridgestone Turanzas. Yuck! What a waste.

The Michelin Super Sports have 100% hold in any condition (never dared try snow), remarkable cornering, and smoothness at very, very high speeds on Arizona's remaining wide-open, cop-free highways (and there are several long stretches in this state so far from donut and coffee shops that you can enjoy the Copper State in a fast car with impunity). A sixth sense and quality radar detector adds to the peace of mind.

Michelin technology gives me confidence. These are not cheap tires, but well worth the few extra sheckles it will cost you to mount them on your favorite ride.

Initial Review, 50,000 Miles on Tires
August 13, 2012

I bought these tires AGAIN,they were GREAT after 50,000 miles driven on them and they're reasonably priced in this size. The price/performance of the Grid is pretty good.

My Acura TL is a 6 speed manual, I do not know what the fuss is about the Loud noise is about these tires? They are NOT as bad as everyone is making them out to be. The tires Are GREAT performance tires, and Unbelievable in the SNOW Almost like winter tires.

(particularly wet performance), they are pretty Good with Traction control OFF, in the First half of the TREAD life of the tire. towards the middle to end of the tires TREAD the tires to Break loose when I excellerate at a light BUT remember I have a 6 speed manual and 270 HP, Acura TL so its not a very slow, so do break loose the tires is very easy if you wanted to.

The Grid noise I do NOT hear any worse than another Perfomance tire. but the noise is less than the wind noise at high speed on asphalt. The only time I heard them howl was on a Metal Bridge and Everyones tires Howl on this Bridge crossing. They do transmit impact noise on bumps on the highway, BUt most cars at this Low profile rating of 45 series would. I think the noise levels are reasonable for this tire profile on this car.

I have not seen any Tire side wall bubbles from this TIRE, driving on them for 3 years now. and I have hit many pot holes in IN NYC and north jersey,

I have pushed the tires, Launch GREAT in dry. They do just fine in my typical high-speed, heavy traffic and some city driving. including the cold and wet. Steering feels confident with these tires.

Also winter exposure, Is Very wonderful, very good and I have run them in light snow and ice. I broke them free on purpose both accelerating and braking. They did fine.

I have driven from Pennsylvania-Vermont, in the middle of winter to go skiing. These tires were doing just great on unplowed snowy roads on the highway, and in local towns, up in Vermont.
I purchased another set this month,Love them New.

Initial Review, 33,000 Miles on Tires
September 05, 2012

Live in Germany and travel the autobahns regularly. Have 33,000 miles on these tires and I still do 85 mph in the rain and cruise comfortable over 120 mph in dry conditions. Driving in Germany places extreme pressures on tires and braking, rain and snow handling is essential. If i fly down the highways, climb/descend switchbacks in the Alps, these tires have been superb. I do not know what some of the reviews have cried about road noise and bad weather performance, I think it has more to do with the Hondas and Toyotas they are driving are the problem, not the tires. I would recommend them to anyone and will purchase again. The DWS and are still visible after 33,000 miles, so hopefully I will get 50,000 out of them.

Initial Review, 5,500 Miles on Tires
September 01, 2012

I just finished a track Dave A NJMP. Driving with an instructor, we worked on improving my corner entry and exit speeds. 4 thirty minute sessions later and I am very impressed with these tires. Under track conditions they were extremely solid performers, had great grip cornering and braking, and exceeded my expectations.

I've tracked a Ferrari 360 in the past with much more expensive tires, and these were much better on track.

I'm looking to buy a new set of wheels right now for this car (that's why I'm here today) and they're getting this tire.

I've driven performance cars for 30+ years, these tires give the best bang for the buck of any I've driven on.

Definitely recommend them.

Initial Review, 40,000 Miles on Tires
August 07, 2012

My first set of these and most of my second set were used in Upstate New York. In pretty much any weather conditions, they performed incredibly well. My case and point for their performance in NY is that I used to be able to make it from my house to my fire station(was a volunteer firefighter in NY) in even the worst of snow storms. I remember back when we had that huge ice storm in December a few years back, and it was like driving on a dry road even then.

Recently, I moved west, and drove my car all the way to California. It was late March, so I didn't see much weather on until about Wyoming where I experienced extremely fast crosswinds on I-80. These tires kept me glued to the road in that. When I got to Utah, there was some snow and slush, but these tires cut right through it. And when I got to the Sierra Nevadas, I was at 4/32s of tread left on my tires(just at the legal limit for not needing chains on I-80 in snow conditions), I traversed the mountains during the height of a snow storm and had absolutely no problems whatsoever with handling or braking in the Sierra Cement.

Now I'm here in one of California's hot valleys where it's blisteringly hot during the summer days and it rains buckets for periods during the winter. None of the weather conditions here have even put these to the test, even on the tires last legs(one's almost bald). I will be putting another set of these on my vehicle shortly. They've performed so well up until this point, I couldn't imagine buying a different set.

Initial Review, 9,400 Miles on Tires
June 10, 2012

I have now used about 6-7 sets of these on my old M3. They are the best tire I have had so far. The original Pilot SX MXX3 that came on the car had fabulous lateral drip and straightline braking, but the PS2 was a better road tire in every way.

I was ready to cry when they said they were going to stop making this tire, but I just put a set of the new Super Sprts on my '06 Evo and they are every bit as good and supposedly last longer.

This tire is the first street tire that started me 'cheating' and driving my street tires at the autocross track instead of dedicated race tires. At the BMW Performance Center at BMWCCA events I can get within 2 seconds of my time on slicks with these tires. Yes, slicks allow a violence and fun factor that exceeds any street tire, but to save a ton of money and have almost as much fun, I'll stick with these for now!

The hydroplane resistance is terrific all the way down to the last 20% of tread depth. These tires are expensive because they are good!

Initial Review, 1,000 Miles on Tires
June 21, 2012

I've always opted for cheaper tires, but decided since I finally got the car I wanted, I'll get the tires I want. So I decided on the Michelin Primacy MXV4 after weeks of competitive shopping and review reading. I kept coming back to the MXV4.

My Altima came stock with the Bridgestone Turanza EL400, which are not *bad* tires, but really don't hold a candle to the MXV4.
After switching to the Michelins, the ride was much quieter, much smoother, just as responsive (even going from a V to a Q rated tire), and overall gave the car a much more enjoyable and stable ride.
This was the first time I've been this "excited" about a set of new tires. But they really have exceeded my expectations. All areas of handling have improved: dry traction, steering response, emergency braking, wet traction and road imperfections.
They are quiet, smooth riding and really improved the overall ride of my Altima SE.