My Parada Spec X experience/update

[broomco]

October 2009 I replaced the crap factory tires with 255/50/20 Paradas. Great improvement in ride, handling, and especially wet/snow traction. Only downside, I just replaced them after 22,000 miles. They were down to 4 and 5/32, and did not want my wife driving in the snow with low tread levels. Discount tire warrantied them and I got new ones for 50% off. Don't like having to buy tires every 2 years, but I don't see anything better out there in this size or price.

Just some info for people considering this tire.

 

[ceric]

Mine have about 22K on them also, but still 50% thread left.
By any chance, did you have them under-inflated for a longer period of time?

The wear index of Spec-X is 420, which should last about 40K+ at least (normal use),
which is about right in my case.

Anyway, not a bad deal to get 50% back.

 

[broomco]

Always inflated properly, I check both my vehicles every couple of weeks.

Had to ask my wife if she was autocross racing while I'm at work...granted 90% of her driving is purely city.

 

[table5511]

I think 22k is a little low, but my personal opinion and preference is that any tire which actually lasts longer than 30k (regardless of tread rating) has a tread compound that is too hard. My company vehicle has 51k on the original tires. The tires still have 9/32 tread left, 11/32 new. The softer the tread, the better they stick to the pavement, but the shorter they last. The harder the tread compund, the worse they stick but the longer they will last.

Again, this is just my personal preference: 25k miles real deal actual mileage (not rating). That's the sweet spot for me, when I know the tread compound is just right, regardless of summer or all season tires.

I usually read reviews on tirerack or other sites and read reviews on the actual life of folks tires, which is the downfall of new tires with no customer reviews.
I then look at the tread design and see if that suites my needs, based on feedback and actual mileage.

I'm sure someone on here may shoot me down, and that's fine because its more about personal preference.
My Nitto NT850's are a little too hard, with a 50k guarantee... just a little too slick in the rain. But, they are very very quiet which is why I like them so much.
I don't think they will get but 25 or 30k miles tops at the end of the day.

I'd rather have tires with a short life span that handle great and are relatively quiet. Good sticky tires save lifes.