Originally Posted by Poker450H

I am new to this forum - although I have read this entire thread & the previous one devoted to this topic. Thank you Anita for starting this thread.

I need to replace the tires on my 2010 450H. I am replacing the dealer installed Dunlops, which we put over 45k miles on. Like everyone else, didn't like those, so will be replacing with something else. Based on the info on this thread and reviews on TireRack, I think I have it narrowed down to 2 models:

Bridgestone Dueler Ecopia 422
Michelin Latitude Tour HP

I have the 19" rim. I live in CT. We do get a lot of snow, and the local roads are very curvy and narrow. I would also prefer a softer ride vs. a harder, sportier ride. Based on info, I ruled out the Pirelli's as people said they had a harder ride.

Seems like the majority were putting on the Michelin's for a while. Now seems like there has been a switch to Bridgestone's.

An suggestions as to which would be better in the bad weather & offer a softer ride?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Originally Posted by lexus114

not a Bridgestone fan what so ever. dont like the looks, the ride, or the handling.

Originally Posted by jdshaw

That's quite a generalization. All major tire companies have a broad range across categories - from excellent to poor.

Originally Posted by lexus114

hey, its how i fell about them. to each they`re own right?

Originally Posted by NorthGa

It does appear that the Pirelli's or the Bridgestones are the 'Peoples Choice'.......at the moment. My concern is that my RX has 235/55/19 tires. When I look at the Bridgestones they are speed rated at 'H'. I've been told NOT to go DOWN in speed rating??? But, Tirerack has advised me that Lexus is OK with one going with a "H" rated tire??? Is that really so???

If that is so, The Bridgestones will probably be my choice......IF......... the reviews are accurate/true on T.R. website. Are they really that quiet and really that good on ride comfort. If so that is what I probably will go with..................

unless I get replies from y'all that say DON'T DO IT...................................

Originally Posted by AJ@TireRack.com

Speed ratings are somewhat a sticky subject. I hope to curb some things...

Lets start by saying that tires are a global product. The same tire you drive on in small town USA is also used in Stuttgart, Germany or Nagoya, Japan. In North America, we will likely never see the actual rating that tire is speed rated for. In other parts of the world, they do.

Of course you will never see 130mph, but why does your vehicle require a tire that is rated for such? As weird as it may seem, and for North America, it really isn't about the speed the tire will see on your vehicle. It is more about the stability of the tire at speed. If the vehicle requires at least a V rated tire, and you install a T rated tire, the tire can feel very lazy when driving at highway speed. The best way to describe it is that once you make a steering input, you need to wait for the tire to catch up as the vehicle makes its move. Making a lane change at 70mph can be quite uncomfortable feeling with a lesser speed rated tire.

Maybe I should try to describe this a different way. Think that a V rated tire needs to have a certain level of construction to maintain a 149mph/240kph speed so it doesn't destroy itself at that speed. The construction in a T speed rated tire (118mph/190kph) will be significantly lower because it is not rated to move that fast. If you use a lesser rated tire than the vehicle calls for, this difference will be felt in the vehicle. Also don't forget that the tire is the first part of a vehicles suspension system and the original equipment tire speed rating was taken into account when the vehicle was designed.

All of that said, speed rating variances will be different for every vehicle and sometimes some sub-models within the same model. Generally speaking, you can drop 1 speed rating without issue.

Here is some more information about speed ratings on our website

I hope that helps!

-AJ

Originally Posted by kitlz

True, but it helps if you list a specific model you had issues with. Bridgestone isn't high on my list either. Still I had a great experience with their Dueler Alenzas, a recommendation from my favorite tire guy whom I trust. And he knows I do not take tire selection lightly at all.

Originally Posted by lexus114

Honestly Anita, I don't like any of they`re tires.

Ryan

Originally Posted by kitlz

Ryan, fair enough. I only ask since this is a tire thread and some members are looking for recommendations, both good and bad. The more specific the better.