Tires Firestone or GENERAL TIRE
I have those Generals on my TDI. They're quiet, very resistant to hydroplaning, and have very good wet traction. I run them year round in the DC area. They are a light tire, which may affect their long term durability (potholes, and the such) They aren't performance tires, but they're very competent, and I push them up to, and often beyond their limits with confidence.
My Jetta had Altimax HP when i bought it. They rode very quiet and smooth, and helped return good fuel economy with a light foot. Not a sports tire but perfectly acceptable for normal driving.
The general altimax is the tire I fit on all my sedans. I used to run the Goodyear assurance triple tread, but I feel these are sportier, and have better wet traction. The sidewall is a little soft, so I run a little higher pressure. Between an Acura CL, Audi A4 and JSW the altimax have never let me down.
I'm running General Exclaim UHPs on my E30, I think in the same side you're looking for. Some say the sidewall is too soft, but I think it's fine for me. Road noise is a little high though. Grip is very good in both the wet and dry.
I've had it for 1 week now, the lackluster looks of the stock 16's and the squishy, uncertain ride of the Goodyear's was killing me. Discount Tire was quick to the rescue with a set of Faulken LX-10 wheels and they were nice enough to let me get the tires I wanted through Tire Rack. They advised me to avoid the tire size I selected, but I was certain that it would work. The wheels are 20x8.55\" with a 35 mm offset, gloss black backround, machined face with chrome lip. I wanted to fill in the expected wheel gap, so rather than lowering it, I stuffed more rubber into the wheel well 'cause I bought this car to avoid the tailpipe sniffing experience of my previous GTI. The car sits 1\" higher than before, no rubbing, nothing touching in full lock either direction. The tires are Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500, staggered to 245/45-20 front and 255/45-20 rear. My biggest concern was the front lower shock saddle, I clear it by the width of a credit card, an offset of 30-32 would have been perfect, these tires do not stick out at all. The ride and handling are huge improvements, the extra sidewall actually gives a more more comfortable ride than stock with none of the wandering from before. Handling is now crisp and defined, but I wish for a better feel from the steering wheel as it is so overboosted, the setup feels light, until braking, it seems I have to push the pedal harder than before, I'd like to hear your opinions as to why this is. Other than that, I'm quite pleased, $2100 later.
On my Sportruck (1980 caddy)(winter beater) I had Firestone Snowbiter studded snows all four. 155/85/13 HONEST to GOD! this truck would leave well set-up K-5 4x4 BLAZERS wallowing in it's dust as soon as the snow and Ice hit.
Firestone Winterforce snow tires with studs! Now I have that satisfying clicky clicky back. And the ability to drive through all the snow and ice EVER. Sure, the handling on dry roads is absolutely garbage now, but it's more fun in other ways!
here in MN were we rally-x in fields, clay, and grass....I use 185/60/14 winterforces....I run intertubes in the fronts to avoid debeading.
Yes, I have that size, there is some minor running when the steering is locked all the way..right or left - can't remember. But I've had them on the van for over a year now and they're fine. They're General Altimax RT. I'd buy them again.
I've had bad experiences with 2 out of 5 General Tire Exclaim UHP's I've bought. First tire had a terrible vibration from day 1. When the tire shop mounted my tires, they said one balanced fine, but may have a "hop" at highway speed. Well, the "hop" was very noticeable. When the wheel was on the back, the car shook so bad on the highway I literally could not drink coffee without spilling on myself. When the wheel was mounted on the front, the steering wheel would shake so bad my hands would go numb. I had this tire replaced under warranty and the car drove great. A couple weeks ago, after coming into town from a highway commute, I could hear a loud rhythmic humming at around 50 km/h. Tire shop again tried re-balancing this wheel with no improvement. Tire has hardly any wear and wheel itself looks to be in great condition. I didn't hit any rocks of potholes before this started. This is getting really annoying. I just want a reliable tire.
Write your review
Help others - share your experience with this part.