Advice request regarding tires

[Thanatos]

Hi everybody:

I have a 2012 Mazda5 GT and one of my tires needs to be replaced (the car is currently running with the spare tire). I have been looking and it seems that the original Toyo Proxes A18 are no longer available new. The other three tires are still in good condition (about 55%). Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[Perro del Sol]

Look into Continentals. I have access to a program where you can get $80 VISA Gift Card when you buy a set of 4 and $40 for a pair of tires. If you are interested, PM me. Check out the link: www.myconticlub.com

 

[Silentnoise713]

There is no right answer b/c EVERYTING will have a trade-off: price, grip, noise, longevity, etc.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/index.jsp
Look under "Passenger Tire Surveys" to identify what category of tire you want for the purpose of your car. Tire Rack also has some nice test reviews and user feedback reviews. Once you identify what catagoy you are after, then feedback will be more meaningful.

 

[Thanatos]

Actually, what I would like your advice on is whether I should replace just the one, a pair or the full set. I personally would prefer to replace just the one because I don't want to expend too much money and the other three are still in good condition, but I don't know how feasible or even advisable that would be. I even thought of getting a used tire for the same model/brand.

I apologize if this seems like a stupid question but I have no experience on the issue, which is why I am asking.

Thanks,

 

[mazdadude]

Actually, what I would like your advice on is whether I should replace just the one, a pair or the full set. I personally would prefer to replace just the one because I don't want to expend too much money and the other three are still in good condition, but I don't know how feasible or even advisable that would be. I even thought of getting a used tire for the same model/brand.

I apologize if this seems like a stupid question but I have no experience on the issue, which is why I am asking.

Thanks,

I see several options:

Buy a used tire to replace - $ 60 :
Buy a new exact OE replacement - $ 150
Buy 2 tires of your choice and replace as a pair- $ 150-300
Buy 4 new tires $300-600

The OE tires are not impossible to find yet... used or new. You would notice a nice improvement in noise and ride quality if you upgraded to a different tire.

If I was penny pinching, but wanted the best bang for buck, I would replace 2 tires now, and do the other two next year. This lessens the blow by not having to buy 4 at once. The only downfall to this is that you really prefer to have a matched set of 4 tires, and until you buy the final two tires, you will not have a matched set. And in addition, sometimes if you buy only 2 tires of a older or less popular brand, finding the matching set can be hard.

 

[Silentnoise713]

+1 mazdadude

There’s also the option to sell the 3 tires locally to help offset the cost of getting 4 new ones
Personally, this is what I would do. Sell for cheap if necessary.

Actually, what I would like your advice on is whether I should replace just the one, a pair or the full set. I personally would prefer to replace just the one because I don't want to expend too much money and the other three are still in good condition, but I don't know how feasible or even advisable that would be. I even thought of getting a used tire for the same model/brand.

I apologize if this seems like a stupid question but I have no experience on the issue, which is why I am asking.

Thanks,

Ah ok, that's totally different. I think we are use to jumping on the "throw away the stock crap" bandwagon. For budget, getting a single tire is most cost effective but a couple of things to consider.

1) You should look for the exact same used tire, which can be difficult if looking locally to save shipping a used tire –sounds kind silly even saying that.. A different thread pattern causes terrible harmonics! I am ridding on one odd tire now due to a side wall bubble and waiting for new set of tires to arrive since the other 3 are down to 4/32.
2) If getting a new replacement (not sure if you can even get them new anymore), you should take it to a tire shop and have them shave it down to match your existing tires (cost and time).
3) You should always replace tires in pairs and stay in the same category.
4) Since you are not familiar with tires, how do you know you are at/about 55%?? Do you have a tire depth gauge, if so, what depth is left? If the other three are in really good (deep threads and even wear) AND you can get new tires for CHEAP (b/c they are junk), then I would suggest getting two new same tires and put them on the front (b/c FWD will eat away at the fronts more).

 

[Thanatos]

Thank you very much for the advice mazdadude!

That is actually my biggest concern with buying a pair now as I will always have two tires that have been used more than the other two. I am leaning towards getting just one tire now and replace the set next year. On this note, do you think it is necessary that it be the same OE original, or could it be another brand? Also, would you advice against buying a used tire?

Thanks again!

 

[mazdadude]

Thank you very much for the advice mazdadude!

That is actually my biggest concern with buying a pair now as I will always have two tires that have been used more than the other two. I am leaning towards getting just one tire now and replace the set next year. On this note, do you think it is necessary that it be the same OE original, or could it be another brand? Also, would you advice against buying a used tire?

Thanks again!

I would only use an odd treaded tire if it was a temp fix. (Why does your tire need to be replaced?)

USED tires can be subject to drying, cracking, and aging, not to mention flat spotted from skidding, previous repairs, etc.. They made this tire for several years, so there is a lot of them out there. You can also use the DOT code on the tire to give you an idea of how old they are.

 

[mazdadude]

+1 mazdadude

There’s also the option to sell the 3 tires locally to help offset the cost of getting 4 new ones
Personally, this is what I would do. Sell for cheap if necessary.

YES! great idea! I am embarrassed for not thinking of that too.

I have 3 used rims with 3 crispy 2005 tires on them...

 

[Thanatos]

Thank you silentnoice713!

You are absolutely right, I am having hard time finding the exact OE tire used, or even new, locally (I'm in Chicago). I found a couple of sites (champtires-com and baytires-com) that sell used but nothing really locally.

I actually don't know exactly where my other tires are at as far as depth, the service person at Costco told me that they were still at least 55%. Also, I know that visually they appear to have deep threads and they should have even wear as I rotate them every six months. I have about 17500 miles in the car, I don't know if that helps.

Your advice to buy two cheap tires and put them on the front is interesting, I will explore this venue and could then keep the one OE left as a spare just in case.

 

[mazdadude]

For the NEW OE I was able to find 4 on tirerack, and also some on treaddepot, both of those are dot coms

 

[Thanatos]

Thank you very much to both of you, I overlooked that advice. That could work well. Would I sell them to local shops? (Once again, sorry if the question is silly).

 

[Silentnoise713]

Not to shops. 17s are a pretty common size and there are a lots of desperate people on craigslist. Set the price right and it should go fast. Just expect to get low-balled. I can't suggest a price.

 

[Thanatos]

Alright, I'll give it a try, thanks silentnoice713.

mazdadude, I did not find the OE at treaddepot but did find Proxes 4 Plus at $88 each, which seems to fit the bill.

 

[Premacy5]

This one might fit the bill for temporary55% thread Toyo Proxess A18 They are really expensive for what you get. Remember 50% thread are actually only 15-20% life left. You should replace the tires when it reach 4/32 if you want decent traction when it rain.

I just got rid a set with about 5/32 thread last week because it start feeling really slippery.

I just get a set of Pirelli Cinturato P7 all season plus and it seems to be really good tire. Could not give you full review yet since I have 2 bent wheel at this moment that I am trying to fix.

 

[markuszoom5]

It seems he must be living in a non-snow climate. Well, if that is the case why not try to find a close match at a junk yard or a used tire place. I don't think it will make a big difference.