Better tyres than original Michelins?

[Daktari]

Hi there,

Our 2003 T-bird is due for a routine service but I remember being warned at the last one that we should be thinking of replacing the original tyres.

I know there is lots of info on tyres already on this site but from experience, do you think there is any one tyre that is as good or better than the original Michelin Pilots. Either for price, looks or performance.

Our car is used mainly in north Georgia so our winters are fairly mild and Summer's pretty hot and humid. I am now using our bird as my daily to/from work transport so it's getting a lot more use than first intended.

I guess what I'm asking: over the years this forum as been active, is there one favourite tyre that seems to come out on top besides the Pilots that is suited to this car?

Thanks in advance, Gordon.

[CnP]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

If you get 10 answers you will probably get 7 or more different opinions. LOL. Just last weekend I had Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires put on. The oem tires I guess lasted 51,000 miles. The reason I say "I guess" is because I just bought the car from a California Mercedes dealer. It is not really fair to compare tires with 51,000 miles on them to new tires however .............

the ride is nicer and quieter and the car seems more sure footed. It is a world of difference. In my opinion it is a nicer looking tire as well. Another reason the ride is a lot better is because I went to a 55 side wall (235/55 x 17).

[Daktari]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

Hi there,

Our bird already has Michelin Pilots and I always presumed they were the originals. Did some models have different original tyres?

Gordon.

[Lonestar]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

There are many flavors of Pilots. The Thunderbird did not have Pilot A/S as OEM. They had Pilot MXMV4s I believe or one of the "M" series Pilots.

[CnP]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

Our cars (at least mine) had Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 tires. Michelin has several different tires that have "Pilot" incorporated in the name in some way or another.

[Bill Brown]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

I'm considering Pirelli P Zero Neros for the 02 next month unless someone here can tell me this is a mistake.

[CnP]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

They're ok as long as the car isn't driven at all in even light snow. But if you are going for that type of tire did you check out the Goodyear Eagle F GS D3 tires?

[Wyo_Bird]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

My Daughter has the P zero neros on her 06 Mustang.
The ride was very good.They did great year round here in Wyoming.
Now she is in North Carolina and she said they hydroplane during heavy rains.

[eboose7]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

Gordon, in response to your question about tires, I know that opinions on the subject differ, but I really like the Goodyear ResponsEdge. I have a set on my 02, and they perform well and look great. The ride is a little harsher than the Michelins that originally came on the car when new, but the handling is a lot better. It is a tire that definitely merits your thoughtful consideration.

[DavidA]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

Gordon: Whatever you decide, make sure you go for the 55 series, not the OEM 50 series tires. They look better and ride better. I think the Michelins are the besst, but they are a lot more $$$ than the rest. I have heard good things about the Falcon tires too.

[Bradford]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

I'm considering Pirelli P Zero Neros for the 02 next month unless someone here can tell me this is a mistake.

I put Perelli P Zero Neros on mine when I replaced my original tires. I also went to a 235 / 55 - 17. A slightly higher sidewall and like the look of the tire as well as the slight increase in sidewall fills the wheel well better. I drive my car in all types of weather, I crossed the US from South Florida to the West Coast of California then from Southern California up the coast and across the Golden Gate to Muir Woods. I've been in heavy rain and have never had a reason to complain, this isn't my first time to put Perellis on a car and I'm sure it won't be the last.

[02TBIRD]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

I also put 235/55/17 Pierelli P Zero Neros on at 55,000
miles. I have 81,000 miles now have no complaints.

They also seem to have a little softer ride, and look less
than 1/2 worn. They also were a lot cheaper than Michelins.

Gary

[snippy]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

the only way to go is vogue wide trac you feel the ground omg in the rain i feel sure footed

[Ediron]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

I don't know about Vogue's. Cadillac just replaced 4 Vogue on my '07 DTS .They were wearing on the outer edges and this is checking pressure every week with 35 lbs. (Caddy recommends 32) .Cost me $100 per tire to replace . Caddy has 23K on it.I felt them spinning on light acceleration in the rain and dreaded a panic stop in the rain. Michlins the next time out.

[rodeknyt]

Re: Better tyres than original Michelins?

Take a look at the Bridgestone Potenza Grid019. Awesome tire.