Guys, I Need Some Tires

[ArmyofOne]

and i will be honest, i dont think im gonna put the falkens on it. The falkens are fantastic on my FWD, no problems at all, but something tells me there is a better tire out there for an all around application.

I was looking at the BF Goodrich Traction T/A. around 90 a piece in my size (205/50/R16) so they dont break the wallet, and my friend has them on his olds alero (FWD) and they give him FANTASTIC traction, better than the falkens, and they arent all that noisy, but i have an issue with buying a BFgoodrick tire, as they have been notorious in the past for lack of comfort and increased road noise.

and while im at it, what is your opinion on the goodyear eagle RS-A's? thats whats on it now, from the factory, thats what was on my escort originally and for a FWD, i hated them, but for the matrix they arent aweful, but they arent directional, so grip isnt as good as it could be.

for the facotrs:

need traction

road noise is an issue, thye have to be an all season, cant be a winter only tire.

Safety is a 100% cocern, they are going on my wifes car.

comfort is not as important as a lack of road noise.

directional tire is preferred.

and they have to last at least a year (15-20K)

[Lexusfreak]

and i will be honest, i dont think im gonna put the falkens on it. The falkens are fantastic on my FWD, no problems at all, but something tells me there is a better tire out there for an all around application.

I was looking at the BF Goodrich Traction T/A. around 90 a piece in my size (205/50/R16) so they dont break the wallet, and my friend has them on his olds alero (FWD) and they give him FANTASTIC traction, better than the falkens, and they arent all that noisy, but i have an issue with buying a BFgoodrick tire, as they have been notorious in the past for lack of comfort and increased road noise.

and while im at it, what is your opinion on the goodyear eagle RS-A's? thats whats on it now, from the factory, thats what was on my escort originally and for a FWD, i hated them, but for the matrix they arent aweful, but they arent directional, so grip isnt as good as it could be.

for the facotrs:

need traction

road noise is an issue, thye have to be an all season, cant be a winter only tire.

Safety is a 100% cocern, they are going on my wifes car.

comfort is not as important as a lack of road noise.

directional tire is preferred.

and they have to last at least a year (15-20K)

Josh,

What is the factory size of the Matrix & are you sticking with the OE size? (I'm getting either 205 55 16 OR 215 50 17....not 205 50 16) Remember the AWD system on the Matrix is not a full time AWD system like Subaru's are. Having said that, I would stick with an OE size because of the AWD system......just my 2 cents.

Why are you only concerned that the tires last a year? Why not spend a bit more & get something that will last much longer? Give me the above details & I will be better able to suggest very good choices. B)

Not a huge fan of the GY RS-A's personally......but don't be overly concerned about a directional tire. On an AWD system, it's best to keep the tires on the same side of the car once they are mounted when doing rotations to begin with so it's just a front to back switch (no criss crossing).

[ArmyofOne]

and i will be honest, i dont think im gonna put the falkens on it. The falkens are fantastic on my FWD, no problems at all, but something tells me there is a better tire out there for an all around application.

I was looking at the BF Goodrich Traction T/A. around 90 a piece in my size (205/50/R16) so they dont break the wallet, and my friend has them on his olds alero (FWD) and they give him FANTASTIC traction, better than the falkens, and they arent all that noisy, but i have an issue with buying a BFgoodrick tire, as they have been notorious in the past for lack of comfort and increased road noise.

and while im at it, what is your opinion on the goodyear eagle RS-A's? thats whats on it now, from the factory, thats what was on my escort originally and for a FWD, i hated them, but for the matrix they arent aweful, but they arent directional, so grip isnt as good as it could be.

for the facotrs:

need traction

road noise is an issue, thye have to be an all season, cant be a winter only tire.

Safety is a 100% cocern, they are going on my wifes car.

comfort is not as important as a lack of road noise.

directional tire is preferred.

and they have to last at least a year (15-20K)

Josh,

What is the factory size of the Matrix & are you sticking with the OE size? (I'm getting either 205 55 16 OR 215 50 17....not 205 50 16) Remember the AWD system on the Matrix is not a full time AWD system like Subaru's are. Having said that, I would stick with an OE size because of the AWD system......just my 2 cents.

Why are you only concerned that the tires last a year? Why not spend a bit more & get something that will last much longer? Give me the above details & I will be better able to suggest very good choices. B)

Not a huge fan of the GY RS-A's personally......but don't be overly concerned about a directional tire. On an AWD system, it's best to keep the tires on the same side of the car once they are mounted when doing rotations to begin with so it's just a front to back switch (no criss crossing).

your right its the 55-16, not 50. the RS-a's are *BLEEP*ty all around. horrible wet traction and dry traction could use some help as well.

Im only concerned with tires that will last a year because that sall the longer i will be deployed. I was SERIOUSLY cosidering triple treads...but the price, i just cant stomach it. literaly cannot afford it.

I am concerned with a directional tire because of the grip they offer. i really dont want meghan stuck in a ditch somewhere while im gone in Iraq. the other thing is, i dont want MXV-4's...not in the snow.

[Lexusfreak]

your right its the 55-16, not 50. the RS-a's are *BLEEP*ty all around. horrible wet traction and dry traction could use some help as well.

Im only concerned with tires that will last a year because that sall the longer i will be deployed. I was SERIOUSLY cosidering triple treads...but the price, i just cant stomach it. literaly cannot afford it.

I am concerned with a directional tire because of the grip they offer. i really dont want meghan stuck in a ditch somewhere while im gone in Iraq. the other thing is, i dont want MXV-4's...not in the snow.

Josh,

As I mentioned due to the AWD system on the Matrix, insisting on a directional tire is redundant to begin with because you do not criss cross them anyway.....so a non directional tire will act as a directional tire. ;) That problem is solved.

- My suggestions (which will come as no suprise) would be the GY Triple Treads.....H speed rated here too bud with an 80,000 mile tread life! (740 rating). Never mind 1 year, these will be good for several my friend......is that not worth a few extra bucks? In the end, what will you save if you spend $15 - 20 less per tire only to have to replace all 4 in a year? Make 'long term' economic sense? B) They are on my wife's 2003 Subaru Forester & my 01 ES.......Safety & longevity were the top 2 priorities in this decision, cost was way down on the list & they are still MUCH cheaper than Michelins! .....Those who say the TT's are noisy need their hearing checked.....they are super quiet & the traction is absolutly fantastic...especially in bad weather! They are far & away my first choice (and currently on sale at Tirerack!). Your doing yourself a big dis-service if you don't seriously consider them........shop around for prices. B)

http://www.goodyearassurance.com/

- The BF Goodrich Traction T/A isn't a bad choice & you can get them in 1 of 3 different speed ratings (T,H, & V....at different prices remember) but they only have a 440 treatwear. No personal experence but I hear they provide very good results......but are more performance oriented.

- Another one to look at would be the Yokohama Avid V4S......very reasonable prices, fairly long treadlife (500) but winter traction is a bit questionable......very good value overall.

Stay clear of the MXV4's......for the prices they charge for your size, I don't know why the folks at Michelin don't just wear masks & carry shotguns! :whistles:

Other than that bud, you will get a year out of a set of the Falken's for a decent price......but your going to have to do this all over again upon your return as they are only good for 30k miles. Those are the best suggestions I can give out of all the selection you have in your size. Keep us posted on your decision......hope this was of help.

[SW03ES]

the other thing is, i dont want MXV-4's...not in the snow.

Why would you put MXV4s on it? They would totally be the wrong tire for that car.

Thats what I've been trying to tell you, certain types of vehicles are more suited to certain types of tires. Oddly enough the Matrix is a car I would probably put those Falkens on. Not the right tire for a ES or LS Lexus, but right up the alley for a Matrix. The Triple Tred would also be a good match for this car, again not for an LS or ES Lexus probably but right up the Matrix's alley.

[Lexusfreak]

the other thing is, i dont want MXV-4's...not in the snow.

Why would you put MXV4s on it? They would totally be the wrong tire for that car.

Thats what I've been trying to tell you, certain types of vehicles are more suited to certain types of tires. Oddly enough the Matrix is a car I would probably put those Falkens on. Not the right tire for a ES or LS Lexus, but right up the alley for a Matrix. The Triple Tred would also be a good match for this car, again not for an LS or ES Lexus probably but right up the Matrix's alley.

For once sw & I are on the (semi) same page! I concur.

And yes, the TT's were & are the correct tire.......at least for my gen ES no question about it. B) :whistles:

[SW03ES]

And yes, the TT's were & are the correct tire.......at least for my gen ES no question about it. B) :whistles:

We'll agree to disagree ;)

[Lexusfreak]

And yes, the TT's were & are the correct tire.......at least for my gen ES no question about it. B) :whistles:

We'll agree to disagree ;)

Fair enough. :D :whistles:

[ArmyofOne]

the other thing is, i dont want MXV-4's...not in the snow.

Why would you put MXV4s on it? They would totally be the wrong tire for that car.

Thats what I've been trying to tell you, certain types of vehicles are more suited to certain types of tires. Oddly enough the Matrix is a car I would probably put those Falkens on. Not the right tire for a ES or LS Lexus, but right up the alley for a Matrix. The Triple Tred would also be a good match for this car, again not for an LS or ES Lexus probably but right up the Matrix's alley.

For once sw & I are on the (semi) same page! I concur.

And yes, the TT's were & are the correct tire.......at least for my gen ES no question about it. B) :whistles:

I will probably put the lower profile falkens on it.

the reason behind insisting on a directional tire is because i like the way they look...thats pretty much the only reason.

the reason behind then only needing to last a year, is because when i come back, i will be putting new wheels on it, and PCS'ing (moving) to a warmer climate. They will give me station of choice when re-enlisting.

looking more and more liek the falkens may take it again...

[Lexusfreak]

I will probably put the lower profile falkens on it.

the reason behind insisting on a directional tire is because i like the way they look...thats pretty much the only reason.

the reason behind then only needing to last a year, is because when i come back, i will be putting new wheels on it, and PCS'ing (moving) to a warmer climate. They will give me station of choice when re-enlisting.

looking more and more liek the falkens may take it again...

Josh, your not making the wisest move here based on your reasons for a 'directional tire'. You don't need a specific directional tire on an AWD vehicle like the Matrix......they have to be rotated on the same side of the car regardless.

You mentioned Safety is high on your list for your new bride, considering the winters & such.....the TT's have that in spades, much better than the Falken's do (just look at the tread designs)......if you want to 'compliment' & take full advantage of it's AWD capabilities (and stay away from winter tires in the process) the TT's are the right choice for that car without question.....I can't stress that enough bud.

I could have got the Falkens for my wife's Forester........I thought about it, but knew it was not the right play. ;)

What's the worst that can happen? In a year, if you want to upgrade to larger wheels & such you sell the TT's (very popular size) with a good amount of tread remaining & recoup some of the money invested......it's a win-win situation. :D The Falkens won't be worth anything as their tread isn't designed to last much longer than 30k miles on 55 & lowers series tires......you have an 80k mile treadlife with the TT's. ;)

[SW03ES]

Josh, your not making the wisest move here based on your reasons for a 'directional tire'. You don't need a specific directional tire on an AWD vehicle like the Matrix......they have to be rotated on the same side of the car regardless.

Wasted breath ;)

[ArmyofOne]

Josh, your not making the wisest move here based on your reasons for a 'directional tire'. You don't need a specific directional tire on an AWD vehicle like the Matrix......they have to be rotated on the same side of the car regardless.

Wasted breath ;)

Not nessecarily, i understand this, and if I can get better traction out of a non directional tire, then please point me in the right direction, i just dont want to pay $200 or more a piece

[SW03ES]

Woah, he lives.

[Lexusfreak]

Josh, your not making the wisest move here based on your reasons for a 'directional tire'. You don't need a specific directional tire on an AWD vehicle like the Matrix......they have to be rotated on the same side of the car regardless.

Wasted breath ;)

Not nessecarily, i understand this, and if I can get better traction out of a non directional tire, then please point me in the right direction, i just dont want to pay $200 or more a piece

Welcome back Josh! B)

Goodyear Triple Treads my friend, they won't be near $200 a piece if you spend a little time getting prices. Long term, that's the smart move for your Matrix. ;)

[ArmyofOne]

Josh, your not making the wisest move here based on your reasons for a 'directional tire'. You don't need a specific directional tire on an AWD vehicle like the Matrix......they have to be rotated on the same side of the car regardless.

Wasted breath ;)

Not nessecarily, i understand this, and if I can get better traction out of a non directional tire, then please point me in the right direction, i just dont want to pay $200 or more a piece

Welcome back Josh! B)

Goodyear Triple Treads my friend, they won't be near $200 a piece if you spend a little time getting prices. Long term, that's the smart move for your Matrix. ;)

yes, we intend to have this car for 7-10 years. oddly enough, i find myself driving this car VERY differently from mine. mine i drive fairly spirited when alone...but hers i find i more just want to cruise. very different cars indeed. the inside of the matrix is QUIET. very comparable to my moms 05 Camry XLE.

does anyone have any more info on those TT's?, my buddy has them on a WRX and said they are one of the best tires he's ever had.

[Lexusfreak]

yes, we intend to have this car for 7-10 years. oddly enough, i find myself driving this car VERY differently from mine. mine i drive fairly spirited when alone...but hers i find i more just want to cruise. very different cars indeed. the inside of the matrix is QUIET. very comparable to my moms 05 Camry XLE.

does anyone have any more info on those TT's?, my buddy has them on a WRX and said they are one of the best tires he's ever had.

What more info do you need bud? They came in first place in the recent CR test of 18 all season tires, on my wife's Forester they are just awesome (can't tell you how good in the winter!) & not a single complaint on my ES........fantastic in heavy rain too. B)

That's the best tire for your Matrix.....I know safety is on the top of the list for you & your new bride.......that's exactly why I have em.......buy them again in a heartbeat for both vehicles.....but I won't have too for a long time.....80,000 mile treadlife. ;)