Tire Brands - which of these would you prefer/trust? (poll)

[GMTruckGuy74]

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred (Passenger All-Season):

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus (Ultra High Performance All-Season):

Cooper CS4 Touring V-Rated (Passenger All-Season):

Tax return is in and new tires for both vehicles was earmarked from that money. I'm going to start contacting local tire shops for price quotes on a set of tires for the wife's G6. I'm also going to get a set for the Envoy, and decided on the Goodyear Fortera TripleTred; that is, unless the Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor comes in at a much better price (though I need more Highway/All-Season than On-Off-Road/All Terrain tires). Since I think a shop may offer me a better deal if I get two sets of tires for both vehicles at the same place, and I like the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred ratings on TireRack, I'm leaning more towards the Goodyears. I'd just like a little input from posters here first.

Edited March 22, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[Drew Dowdell]

I'd go with the Goodyears, but the Michelins aren't at all bad.

<a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/2b74hz74z6MQSUSPRSMONQWVQTS?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tirerack.com%2Ftires%2Ftires.jsp%3FtireMake%3DGoodyear%26tireModel%3DAssurance%2BTripleTred&cjsku=Goodyear+Assurance+TripleTred+Tire" target="_blank" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.tirerack.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred Tire</a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/cq101snrflj48ACA79A4658ED8BA.jpg" width="1" height="1" border="0"/>

Michelin deal - ends in 3 days.

<a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3575245-10470862" target="_top">

<img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-3575245-10470862.jpg" width="468" height="60" alt="tirerack.com" border="0"/></a>

[vonVeezelsnider]

We've had the triple treds on three of our cars and they are a really good tire esp. in the snow. I'd go for it.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I'd go with the Goodyears, but the Michelins aren't at all bad.

<a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/2b74hz74z6MQSUSPRSMONQWVQTS?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tirerack.com%2Ftires%2Ftires.jsp%3FtireMake%3DGoodyear%26tireModel%3DAssurance%2BTripleTred&cjsku=Goodyear+Assurance+TripleTred+Tire" target="_blank" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.tirerack.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred Tire</a><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/cq101snrflj48ACA79A4658ED8BA.jpg" width="1" height="1" border="0"/>

Michelin deal - ends in 3 days.

<a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3575245-10470862" target="_top">

<img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-3575245-10470862.jpg" width="468" height="60" alt="tirerack.com" border="0"/></a>

We've had the triple treds on three of our cars and they are a really good tire esp. in the snow. I'd go for it.

Yeah, after reading about tires for almost two years, I'm inclined to go with the Goodyears, especially since I want to buy two sets (G6 and Envoy) and would hope that would give me a better deal.

[Northstar]

If you read nothing else from this post, DO NOT GET THE TRIPLETREADS on the Envoy.

Those Michelins you picked out are overkill for a G6.

I would HIGHLY recommend Michelins for both, and I have experience with both Epsilon and GMT360/370 vehicles. The Maxx had OEM Bridgestones, which my dad replaced with the same tires without consulting me with the same thing because they were really cheap and he didn't care I guess. Needless to say, those tires were garbage (poor in wet/snow, squealed if you took a turn at more than grandma speed), but the second time they needed replacing (after only 60k miles we went through two sets) we went with these:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Exalto+A%2FS

Highest rated High Performance All-Season tire on tirerack based on user reviews. I don't know how they were wearing on the Maxx when it got totaled, but they have an 8.7/10 treadwear rating. The highest in the class is 8.8/10 and only two other tires in the class are above 8/10. Here is a link to that page:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=HPAS

Anyways, those tires totally transformed the Maxx. It was like it was at totally different car. Handling in both wet and dry was much improved, and the ride was much smoother. I'm not sure what you have on the G6 right now, and if it's the same crappy Bridgestones they threw on the Maxx as the OEM tire, probably any tire will greatly improve the ride. That said, we put the TripleTreads on the Alero. It had Eagle RS-A's previously (OEM tire) and I didn't think the improvement was that great going to TripleTreads. I'm not sure how the wear is on the tires, however it gets an 8/10 on treadwear. There are 3 Michelins with 8.9 or higher in that class. The Goodyear is ranked 2nd in class, with the three Michelins 1st, 3rd, and 4th. So it looks like the Michelins get better treadwear, and I was very impressed with the Exalto's on the Maxx.

Here are the survey results for that class: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=AS (note the Exalto we put on the Maxx is High Performance All Season, not just All Season, so it is not listed on this survey, but the one I posted above).

As for the Envoy...

After the again crappy OEM Continentals wore out, we replaced them with Fortera TripleTreads. As I said in the first line of the post, DO NOT BUY THESE! They are actually very good tires (much improved ride/handling), but they wore out on our Trailblazer (we have a EXT, but same thing basically) after only about 35k miles. We bought them before they were out for very long, and they got very good reviews, but there obviously wasn't much information on tread life. As you can see at tirerack, they are rated 2nd in their category, but only get a 7.7/10 for treadwear (2nd lowest out of the top 10 tires in the class).

I believe we replaced them with Michelin LTX M/S2 (either M/S2 or M/S). As you can see, both of those are also highly rated and get 9.6 and 9.1 on the treadwear rating. We haven't had our on very long so I can't tell you how long they lasted on the TrailBlazer yet, except that I would say they made it ride and handle even better than the Goodyears. Of course, we're talking about worn out Goodyears vs. new Michelins, but both ride and handling vastly improved, and I think by a bigger margin than when the Goodyears were put on to replace the Continentals.

Here is the survey results on tirerack for the Michelins and Fortera in that class:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=HAS

Michelins do cost a bit more, but based on the information I've read and from my experience they are definitely worth it. They improved the Maxx more than the TripleTreads improved the Alero, and the Forteras didn't last long on the TrailBlazer. Note that the Michelins and Fortera have similar ratings (the top Michelin is on average about .2-3 better on most categories) except when you get to treadwear the Michelin blows the Fortera away.

[frogger]

Look into Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires as well. I was going to pick up a set for non-winter use but ended up ordering a set of summer tires today (Ventus V12 evo K110).

I ran a set of TripleTreds about 5 years ago and they served me well. Not sure how they compare to newer tech tires as I've been stuck on OEM's and winters.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Look into Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires as well. I was going to pick up a set for non-winter use but ended up ordering a set of summer tires today (Ventus V12 evo K110).

I ran a set of TripleTreds about 5 years ago and they served me well. Not sure how they compare to newer tech tires as I've been stuck on OEM's and winters.

Those Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires have some great reviews behind them, and the price for the size I need is great (P225/50-17). I may have to look into these a little more based on the price alone. Thanks for the input!!

[GMTruckGuy74]

If you read nothing else from this post, DO NOT GET THE TRIPLETREADS on the Envoy.

Those Michelins you picked out are overkill for a G6.

I would HIGHLY recommend Michelins for both, and I have experience with both Epsilon and GMT360/370 vehicles. The Maxx had OEM Bridgestones, which my dad replaced with the same tires without consulting me with the same thing because they were really cheap and he didn't care I guess. Needless to say, those tires were garbage (poor in wet/snow, squealed if you took a turn at more than grandma speed), but the second time they needed replacing (after only 60k miles we went through two sets) we went with these:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Exalto+A%2FS

Highest rated High Performance All-Season tire on tirerack based on user reviews. I don't know how they were wearing on the Maxx when it got totaled, but they have an 8.7/10 treadwear rating. The highest in the class is 8.8/10 and only two other tires in the class are above 8/10. Here is a link to that page:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=HPAS

Anyways, those tires totally transformed the Maxx. It was like it was at totally different car. Handling in both wet and dry was much improved, and the ride was much smoother. I'm not sure what you have on the G6 right now, and if it's the same crappy Bridgestones they threw on the Maxx as the OEM tire, probably any tire will greatly improve the ride. That said, we put the TripleTreads on the Alero. It had Eagle RS-A's previously (OEM tire) and I didn't think the improvement was that great going to TripleTreads. I'm not sure how the wear is on the tires, however it gets an 8/10 on treadwear. There are 3 Michelins with 8.9 or higher in that class. The Goodyear is ranked 2nd in class, with the three Michelins 1st, 3rd, and 4th. So it looks like the Michelins get better treadwear, and I was very impressed with the Exalto's on the Maxx.

Here are the survey results for that class: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=AS (note the Exalto we put on the Maxx is High Performance All Season, not just All Season, so it is not listed on this survey, but the one I posted above).

As for the Envoy...

After the again crappy OEM Continentals wore out, we replaced them with Fortera TripleTreads. As I said in the first line of the post, DO NOT BUY THESE! They are actually very good tires (much improved ride/handling), but they wore out on our Trailblazer (we have a EXT, but same thing basically) after only about 35k miles. We bought them before they were out for very long, and they got very good reviews, but there obviously wasn't much information on tread life. As you can see at tirerack, they are rated 2nd in their category, but only get a 7.7/10 for treadwear (2nd lowest out of the top 10 tires in the class).

I believe we replaced them with Michelin LTX M/S2 (either M/S2 or M/S). As you can see, both of those are also highly rated and get 9.6 and 9.1 on the treadwear rating. We haven't had our on very long so I can't tell you how long they lasted on the TrailBlazer yet, except that I would say they made it ride and handle even better than the Goodyears. Of course, we're talking about worn out Goodyears vs. new Michelins, but both ride and handling vastly improved, and I think by a bigger margin than when the Goodyears were put on to replace the Continentals.

Here is the survey results on tirerack for the Michelins and Fortera in that class:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=HAS

Michelins do cost a bit more, but based on the information I've read and from my experience they are definitely worth it. They improved the Maxx more than the TripleTreads improved the Alero, and the Forteras didn't last long on the TrailBlazer. Note that the Michelins and Fortera have similar ratings (the top Michelin is on average about .2-3 better on most categories) except when you get to treadwear the Michelin blows the Fortera away.

Thanks for the ton of information in your post.

Unfortunately, the Michelin Pilot Exalto's aren't available in my size (P225/50-17), otherwise I'd consider them (that's why I posted about the Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires). The '08 G6 came with crappy Hankook Optimo tires that currently have 40,871 miles on them but sucked after about 28k. The wife would not allow us to drive the G6 in any wet weather since October when we been commuting to work (the Envoy's OEM tires, the Michelin Cross Terrain SUV tires, have a tick over 47k on them and have been decent, but I only got 44k out of them on my '05 and the last 4-5k miles were not happy ones). caddycruiser put the Michelin LTX M/S² tires on his Avalanche with great results, but they don't offer them in my size (245/65-17). But again, I appreciate your input.

[Northstar]

That's weird they don't make them in that size. The M/S are available in that size, so that must be what we got. You might want to note that your Cross Terrain SUV tires get only an 8.1/10 on treadwear while the M/S gets a 9.1/10 (Fortera gets 7.7/10, which if you got 40k miles out of your 8.1 Michelins, 35k out of 7.7 Goodyears seems correct, which is about what we got out of them on the TrailBlazer).

They do make the Michelins that are ranked 3rd in the TripleTred's category in the correct size for your G6, and they're $143 per tire compared to $199 per tire for the TripleTreds. That's $224 less for the set, plus the Michelins have the $70 reward card.

[regfootball]

Look into Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires as well. I was going to pick up a set for non-winter use but ended up ordering a set of summer tires today (Ventus V12 evo K110).

I ran a set of TripleTreds about 5 years ago and they served me well. Not sure how they compare to newer tech tires as I've been stuck on OEM's and winters.

Those Continental Extreme Contact DWS tires have some great reviews behind them, and the price for the size I need is great (P225/50-17). I may have to look into these a little more based on the price alone. Thanks for the input!!

i had conti extreme contacts on my 99 sho. HUGE upgrade over the goodyear &#036;h&#33; tires......oops, RS-A's.........

Forteras we had on the Aztek were very good except for some cupping. Not a huge problem since we got so much tread out of them.

We replaced the Forteras with Hydroedge by Michelin, those were fantastic too.

I agree Pilot Sports are overkill for the G6. The other pilot suggested looks intriguing. the assurance looks like a great tire.

Just replaced tires on the Taurus X last summer. I've had two fords with the Pirelli P6. They get average reviews but I thought they were good. In fact, the P6 new version just came out when i needed them, it quickly became obvious to me they were the right blend of ride, handling, and price to replace the OEM P6's. Some have said its not good in wet or snow but i disagree.

Best tires i ever had on the 89 SHO ......Eagle GT's by goodyear.......stuck like glue. fantastic handling, not great treadwear. fantastic in wet and snow. I am sure these days the Eagles are very different.

Pilot Sports might be too stiff and overkill. The MXM or whatever are fantastic all season tires i hear from many. I would have gotten those over the P6 except they were 150 bucks more. 150 bucks I had no reason to spend.

[daves87rs]

CS4s, hands down.

[daves87rs]

Oh, the reasons why:

Goodyears- directional tread, as they only go front to back. Also poor at handling potholes, nothing like the comfort treads. Get ready for bent rims. Otherwise, a great all season tire.

Michelins- PRICE $$$$$! Great handling, but you can find other good handling tires much cheaper. Also wear a bit faster than they say...

CS4s- Great handing tire....also the best overall all season I've seen (falls just short of the TTs though) Also has a decent amount of cushion too....also priced a decent amount lower. USA made. The one thing I like about these tires is that they take a good amount of abuse. A co worker has them on her fusion...and these things have been tortured tested. Even though she drives like a Bat out of (you know where), they are wearing well @almost 12k......

[GMTruckGuy74]

Oh, the reasons why:

Goodyears- directional tread, as they only go front to back. Also poor at handling potholes, nothing like the comfort treads. Get ready for bent rims. Otherwise, a great all season tire.

Michelins- PRICE $$$$$! Great handling, but you can find other good handling tires much cheaper. Also wear a bit faster than they say...

CS4s- Great handing tire....also the best overall all season I've seen (falls just short of the TTs though) Also has a decent amount of cushion too....also priced a decent amount lower. USA made. The one thing I like about these tires is that they take a good amount of abuse. A co worker has them on her fusion...and these things have been tortured tested. Even though she drives like a Bat out of (you know where), they are wearing well @almost 12k......

I was waiting for you to chime in on the Cooper CS4s!!! I haven't forgotten your advertisement of them last year when I asked. My dad bought the basic Cooper Response tires at Sears for his '06 G6 V6 Sedan and has been happy with them on his car, so I know someone personally that's happy with the Cooper brand. I'd have to go with the CS4s though. Thanks for weighing in!

[GMTruckGuy74]

Well, a lot of information has been provided to me, so now it's time to hit the tire dealers and see what prices they quote. Based on the comments, here's my shopping list (in no particular order):

2008 Pontiac G6 V6 Sedan (size 225/50-17):

1. Continental ExtremeContact DWS

2. Cooper Tires CS4 Touring V-rated

3. Goodyear Assurance TripleTred

2006 GMC Envoy SLT 4WD (size 245/65-17):

1. Goodyear Fortera TripleTred

2. Michelin LTX M/S

New question: Road Hazard Warranty - yay or nay?

I would like to use Tire Rack for the purchase, but am not satisfied with any of the tire installers they recommended (nothing is close by). Also, many of the local shops advertise discounts to military/police/fire fighters, and I am a member of my township Emergency Services, so by wearing my t-shirt entitles me to an additional discount However, if I went the Tire Rack route, a Wal-Mart is close by... any advise on using them for tire installation services? I cannot find Tire Rack on C&G... is there a specific link or code so C&G could credit for my purchase?

Edited March 3, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[daves87rs]

If you have potholes (or some pretty rough roads), I'd say yes. Normally not a big fan of them, but the roads are so bad here in MI that they will pay for itself after a few road issues (potholes, stuff left after repairing the road)

[Croc]

I've always been a fan of Bridgestone/Firestone RADIAL ATX, RADIAL ATX II, and Wilderness AT tires. They seem to work best when slightly under pressure on top-heavy SUVs at freeway speeds. Really hard to find these days for some reason...

[Drew Dowdell]

I've always been a fan of Bridgestone/Firestone RADIAL ATX, RADIAL ATX II, and Wilderness AT tires. They seem to work best when slightly under pressure on top-heavy SUVs at freeway speeds. Really hard to find these days for some reason...

lol!

[GMTruckGuy74]

I've always been a fan of Bridgestone/Firestone RADIAL ATX, RADIAL ATX II, and Wilderness AT tires. They seem to work best when slightly under pressure on top-heavy SUVs at freeway speeds. Really hard to find these days for some reason...

You... you... you're a funny guy, you are!!

[smk4565]

I've read and heard from a local tire dealer than the Continental DWS is the best all season tire. It was sold out though when I needed tires so I got the same Pirellis I had. I did have Michelin Pilot Sport tires before, they were great, but cost near $200 each, so I don't think they are really worth that when there are good tires for a lot less.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I put out several e-mails to some tire places requesting price quotes... here's what I've gotten back so far:

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred (G6): $1,035.26 (with tax, all fees and install on 4 tires) + $40 Rebate Offer

Goodyear Fortera TripleTred (Envoy): $1,009.22 (with tax, all fees and install on 4 tires) + $80 Rebate Offer

Continental ExtremeContact DWS (G6): $N/A - dealer #1: on backorder/cannot quote; $723.12 (with tax, all fees & install w/ alignment on 4 tires) - dealer #2

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus (G6): $915.72 (with tax, all fees & install w/ alignment on 4 tires)

Pricey, no matter which tire.

Still waiting for a quote on Michelin LTX M/S tires (Envoy) and one for the Cooper CS4 Touring V-Rated (G6). Some other local places will not quote online, so I have to find the time to get there in person (problem is I work until 5PM, get home before 6PM and a lot of these places close by then). There is a local Sears Auto Center at the nearby mall; yay or nay on their service? Plus my Buick-GMC dealership keeps sending service announcements via e-mail, saying they match or beat prices on tires. At least they have longer evening hours

[Drew Dowdell]

Gosh... we spent less than $500 installed on a set of 4 Michelins at Costco for the CRV. I'll spend less than $600 on a set of custom width wide whites for the Toronado.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Gosh... we spent less than $500 installed on a set of 4 Michelins at Costco for the CRV. I'll spend less than $600 on a set of custom width wide whites for the Toronado.

I had a heck of a time finding white-wall tires for the '96 Caddy FWB in November '09 in the correct size, but did end up going with Kelly Navigator Gold's (W/W) for a tick over $500. Trust me, these tires I'm getting price quotes on are killing me!! I was hoping to spend $500-$550 for the the truck and car each, but I don't like the quality or ratings those priced tires have. And since it's my family riding on those tires, I want the best I can get for my money. The Continentals are getting my attention, waiting to see what the Coopers come in at (if the dealer replies to my email). I don't have a BJ's Wholesale Club or Costco membership anymore (both we thru my teaching job), and really don't want to join just to save $$ on tires (neither are close enough by that we would go shopping at to justify the membership cost, plus they never seem to offer the right types of foods we buy). Though my neighbor has offered to take us shopping at those clubs using her membership, and since I'm paying cash, maybe I'll have to inquire at those places to see what prices they're asking.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Just checked out the Costco & BJ's Wholesale Club sites... no tires available for the G6 in the size needed; the Michelin LTX M/S for the Envoy would run me approximately $920-925 at both places.

[Drew Dowdell]

No tires available for a G6?

[Northstar]

What about these on the G6: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Energy+Saver+A%2FS

Pretty cheap compared to the other prices you were quoted, and rated 3rd in class. Also many of the reviews claimed a nice increase in MPG.

[SAmadei]

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred (G6): $1,035.26 (with tax, all fees and install on 4 tires) + $40 Rebate Offer

Goodyear Fortera TripleTred (Envoy): $1,009.22 (with tax, all fees and install on 4 tires) + $80 Rebate Offer

Holey moley. What sizes are you looking for? The last time I priced Assurance TripleTreds for the GP and Fortera TripleTreds for the Caprice, I was looking at $600-$650 for each car.

[frogger]

A few months back on the radio news I heard tire pricing was going to be going up do to raw material costs but wasn't really paying attention to the timeline or to what degree. My summer tires are costing my $660 and if I'm lucky I'll get 3 summers out of them.

Edited March 8, 2011 by frogger

[GMTruckGuy74]

Holey moley. What sizes are you looking for? The last time I priced Assurance TripleTreds for the GP and Fortera TripleTreds for the Caprice, I was looking at $600-$650 for each car.

G6: 225/50-17

Envoy: 245/65-17

Not "big" tires by today's standard (18, 19 or 20").

My wife asked me last night why our tires are so expensive. She said her co-worker/friend was able to buy a new set of tires for $300 recently... I told her that's because: (1) her friend has an older Toyota Echo with 13" tires, and (2) her friend is cheap and likely bought the cheapest tires she could find.

No tires available for a G6?

That's what their websites said. Only 17" size available is a Michelin ice & snow tire. If I had the 18" tires of the GT/GXP, then they have my size available.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I put out several e-mails to some tire places requesting price quotes... here's what I've gotten back so far:

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred (G6): $1,035.26 (with tax, all fees and install on 4 tires) + $40 Rebate Offer

Goodyear Fortera TripleTred (Envoy): $1,009.22 (with tax, all fees and install on 4 tires) + $80 Rebate Offer

Continental ExtremeContact DWS (G6): $N/A - dealer #1: on backorder/cannot quote; $723.12 (with tax, all fees & install w/ alignment on 4 tires) - dealer #2

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus (G6): $915.72 (with tax, all fees & install w/ alignment on 4 tires)

*3/8: Michelin Energy Saver A/S (G6): $765.92 (with tax, all fees & install w/ alignment on 4 tires)

[Drew Dowdell]

No tires available for a G6?

That's what their websites said. Only 17" size available is a Michelin ice & snow tire. If I had the 18" tires of the GT/GXP, then they have my size available.

Uh.... I'm coming up with 16 tires for the 17" G6 on Costco's website.

[GMTruckGuy74]

No tires available for a G6?

That's what their websites said. Only 17" size available is a Michelin ice & snow tire. If I had the 18" tires of the GT/GXP, then they have my size available.

Uh.... I'm coming up with 16 tires for the 17" G6 on Costco's website.

http://tires2.costco.com/SearchResults.aspx?SearchID=70b3bb18-867e-44ee-9ef1-b5b1cc265de0

Shows just one for 225/50-17... what am I doing wrong compared to you?

Edited March 8, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[Drew Dowdell]

No tires available for a G6?

That's what their websites said. Only 17" size available is a Michelin ice & snow tire. If I had the 18" tires of the GT/GXP, then they have my size available.

Uh.... I'm coming up with 16 tires for the 17" G6 on Costco's website.

http://tires2.costco...f1-b5b1cc265de0

Shows just one for 225/50-17... what am I doing wrong compared to you?

Go by tire size... not by Model/Year...

For some reason they only show snow tires for 2008 Pontiac G6. If you flip it to 2007 (the exact same tire size), you get the 16 variants I mentioned.

You should always search for tires by the recommended size and NOT the Year/Model method. You don't know if their database is exactly correct.... but a 225/50-17 will fit a 225/50-17 every time.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Go by tire size... not by Model/Year...

For some reason they only show snow tires for 2008 Pontiac G6. If you flip it to 2007 (the exact same tire size), you get the 16 variants I mentioned.

You should always search for tires by the recommended size and NOT the Year/Model method. You don't know if their database is exactly correct.... but a 225/50-17 will fit a 225/50-17 every time.

Gotcha, and thanks. Funny thing is that on other sites (TireRack, Goodyear, Cooper, etc) I've searched by both - vehicle and tire size - yet on Costco and BJ's I just searched by vehicle make. D'oH!

[GMTruckGuy74]

Okay, need to spend under $800 for the Pontiac G6's new tires... here's what I can get for that amount:

Michelin Energy Saver A/S ($766 total; $70 Rebate)

TireRack's rating: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Energy+Saver+A%2FS

Continental ExtremeContact DWS ($724 total; though most dealers say these are on backorder one dealer said he can get them)

TireRack's rating: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ExtremeContact+DWS

Goodyear Assurance ComforTred Touring ($880 total; $40 Rebate) <-- this one pushes the $800 limit

TireRack's rating: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Assurance+ComforTred+Touring

Goodyear F1 All Season ($775 total; $80 Rebate)

TireRack's rating: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Eagle+F1+All+Season

Which would you go with???

Edited March 14, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[Northstar]

Those energy savers got surprisingly good reviews for wet and snow traction, and some of the tirerack user reviews said they saw 2-3mpg increase. Personally I'd probably go for those. I'm guessing the F1 A/S are overkill just based on their name. The Michelins are also the cheapest.

What did you end up with on the Envoy?

[GMTruckGuy74]

Yeah, I'm leaning more towards the Michelin's for the G6, Continentals next (though I know no one personally that owns Continentals).

Nothing for the Envoy yet, but soon. Against your recommendation, I'm going with the Goodyear Fortera TripleTred's. A couple of posters on a GMT-360 forum have been very happy with them, and I know several people personally that own them and are happy (some are firefighters at my firehouse where I'm a Fire Police Officer). A lot of teh Michelin dealers are pushing the Cross Terrains (OEM tires), and after two sets I can't say I like them after 35-40k miles. I know what TireRack's survey says about treadlife on the Fortera's, but I think I'm willing to give them a shot.

I want to make a decision by tomorrow this time so I can call and get the dealers to make sure they hold the tires for installation on Saturday for both vehicles.

BTW, here's a Word document of the TireRack surveys for these four tires:

TireRack.com Survey Results.doc

[GMTruckGuy74]

Well, I've made my decision for the Pontiac G6 - the Michelin Energy Saver A/S. I spoke with the Michelin dealer yesterday afternoon that gave me the best price on them and he highly recommends them. When asked about the Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires, he said that they have great ratings on TireRack.com but he's been replacing a lot of them installed this past fall because the abuse they suffered after the winter storms (he said something about the sidewalls are very soft). I made an appointment for this Friday to have them installed and an alignment done.

He also supplied me a price on the Goodyear Fortera TripleTreds, though he was pushing the Michelin Cross Terrains over the Goodyears (these are the OEM tires for the GMT-360s). I told him I've had two sets of these tires on Envoys and have not gotten more than 40k mileage out of them, plus I've felt they aren't great wet traction tires after 32-35k. I told him that if I had an option for Michelin tires it would be the LTX M/S² tires, which they don't offer in my size. He agreed that the M/S²'s are a better tire over the regular M/S tires, and said that Michelin is in the process of developing the M/S² in my size but not any time soon. He said if I wanted those tires, that the Michelin LTX A/T² would be a good tire to consider. Even though the LTX A/T²'s are an All Terrain tire, he said the tread is just a little heavier than the LTX M/S²'s and are very similar to the Goodyear Fortera TripleTred but cheaper than them. I've checked them out online and many people say they're happy they bought them and they're not as All Terrain as the LTX A/T (first series) tires (MPG's aren't as affected and road noise is no worse than the OEM Cross Terrains). I have to make a decision today because I want them installed on Saturday and if I went with the Goodyears he'd have to order them (2 days max to get them he said). Here's the two tires:

Michelin LTX A/T²:

Goodyear Fortera TripleTred:

I thoughy I had my mind made up on the Envoy, but not now. The other thing to consider is the price difference between these two tires: Goodyear's will run me $971 (Sears Auto Center's price, which the Michelin dealer will match); Michelins are $828 (Goodyear has an $80 rebate, Michelin has a $70 rebate). Care to weigh in with your thoughts on these two tires?

Edited March 16, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[GMTruckGuy74]

Oh, and of course as I read this morning's newspaper there's a flyer/insert for Pep Boys which is offering a buy 3 get the 4^th tire free deal (rebate), and they carry the Cooper CS4 Touring tires:

This would be a much cheaper option than the Michelin's, but of course I couldn't have gotten this information a day earlier to consider/check out before calling the Michelin dealer and making the appointment

I may just call the local Pep Boys place to see what the price would be on these.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I've decided on the Michelin LTX A/T² tires after doing some additional research and comparisons today. Saving $133 over the Goodyears, plus the extra treadlife reported on the Michelins, is what swayed me. I prefer the sidewall design/style of the Goodyear Fortera TripleTreds to the plain/boring Michelins, but that's no sensible reason to spend an extra $133 I made the appointment for Saturday morning for the Envoy; the G6 is going in Friday afternoon. I'll eventually make a post with reviews of both tires in case anyone cares.

Oldsmoboi, please feel free to close this thread. Thanks to all that contributed you insight & input!!

Edited March 16, 2011 by GMTruckGuy74

[Northstar]

Hope those Michelins work out for you. I was going to suggest that you could play around with the width and sidewall ratio on the M/S 2's and see if you could get it to where your speedometer wouldn't be off by much, but too late now I guess.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Again, thank you for all of the responses to my tire questions, within this thread and all the others over the past year(s). I finally went ahead and made teh purchase for both vehicles this past weekend.

Pontiac G6 - Michelin Energy Saver A/S (225/50-17):

Old tires (Hankook Optimo):

GMC Envoy - Michelin LTX A/T² (245/65-17):

(sorry, for some reason I didn't take a close-up of the tire)

Old tires (Michelin Cross Terrain):

I'll post a review one month/1,000 miles from now. I will say that I'm happy with both tires, and the Energy Saver A/S handled Monday's rain drenched ride to work perfectly.