Tire choices

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Just looking for a little input from people who have used or know about these certain model tires. Vehicle is the little Mazda P5. 2700lbs soaking wet, will gain a few when I finally get around to the audio. Size is 195/50/16. Currently, I am doing a lot of high way miles, much of it stop and go. No plans to track the car in the near future. Bad weather is prevalent in this area of course, but not super bad. Biggest needs are all around traction, braking, durability and light weight for the MPG'z. Price is a factor, as I have something coming that will hit me quite hard $$$ wise so I cannot get the Michelins I would like to get. Currently, only one tire is in short term need of replacement, but the other drive tire could get a switch at the same time. The rear pair are fine, and yes, I did rotate the tires when I bought the car last year. This is a new tire segment for me as I have been buying tires for heavy German sleds or the explorer for a long time, so mostly Yoko's/Michelins/BFG's with the occasional Flaken. The OEM tire has horrible reviews, Dunlop SP Sport 5000M. Here are a few I am peaking at right now, but I am open to suggestions as I have not used any of these in the past:

Click the pictures for tire specs

Dunlop Direzza DZ101:

General Exclaim UHP:

Continental ExtremeContact DWS:

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

You shot me down on the Michelin's before I could even say it.lol.

Out of the tire's you listed I would get the Continental's bc they are all-seasons and have better sipping.

[REVpuggie 23]

I'm very pleased with my Dunlop sportmaxx at the moment , used to have toyo proxes t1r's , pirelli p-6000 and the zero's ... like the dunlops much much better in the rain ...

obviosly not the same model as posted in the initial post , positive feedback on dunlop !

[edouble101 314]

I have General AltiMax HP tires on my 08 Elantra. My size is 205/60-16 92H. Treadwear rating 420 for the HP's in my size. The AltiMax HP is not made in 50 series though but the Exclaim UHP is.

With this vehicle I have went through Goodyear and Hancook in 20,xxx miles (8 tires in 40,xxx miles)! As of my last oil change at 64,000 miles my tread depth was still in the 5-6mm range with the Generals. Good wear with the Generals 20,xxx.miles later.

Wet road performance is phenomenal! Through (guessing) 0.5-1.0" of water I experienced no hydro planing or steering wheel jerk whatsoever at any speed (<70mph). Serious wet road performer!

Snow traction is ok at best. The tread is not cut for serious winter weather diving.

I worked at a tire store for a year part time. From my experience there I can tell you Generals and Michelins are top for all season passenger car tires. Toyos #1 for performance and off road. 38" Toyo MT getting +40,000 miles....woowzaa!!!

Edited January 14, 2011 by edouble101

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

I had Toyo Spectrum's before and they were way to soft for me. They did handle great, but I think they were bald in 20k miles. I think you would be way happier with an all-season's over a summer or touring tire based on what you described your needs were.

Sounds like a General all season may be worth checking out.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Unless there is a really superior choice that anyone has, I will be ordering the Conti's here soon. Will be my first set from them.

[j-roadtatts 1,129]

[altoncustomtech 773]

I have Goodyear Assurance Tripletread's on the van and LOVE them. They offer fantastic traction no matter the road conditions, are 80,000 mile rated tires, not too bad on price and have so far outlasted any tire I've had on the van yet. They've got a little over 50,000 on them now and still have ~half tread, so they're keeping up with their rating so far too.

[cheese20323 13]

some toyos are good and cheap. My dad has continentals and hasnt had a problem just normal wear from over the years but nothing bad.