1
Automotive Forum / Re: Tires?
« Last post by scuzzy on January 16, 2021, 15:51 hrs »Curly Bill sounds dangerous. Lol.
I just modified my last poast by adding a Google search.
I just modified my last poast by adding a Google search.
Recent Posts
2
Automotive Forum / Re: Tires?
« Last post by Bill on January 16, 2021, 15:49 hrs »In the G & K household I am known as Curly Bill! George has found a local shop that he is happy with so far. They have done brakes and minor servicing on his Toyota truck. Maybe I'll ask.
3
Automotive Forum / Re: Tires?
« Last post by scuzzy on January 16, 2021, 13:13 hrs »I say that I wish I was much closer to you. I could do both axles with high-quality new rotors and pads for far less $$$.
The price you were quoted sounds like the going rate, albeit expensive. Actual shop cost is likely to be less than $50 per axle, including turning the rotors, so the rest is overhead and profit. Depending on the shop, you may also not get the best parts value for your money. However, I no longer recommend turning rotors as the savings is minimal for what you get in return. Of course, I do my own work. If you buy new rotors from a shop, they are going to want their "fair share."
My favorite brake kit is Powerstop OE Replacement ($150~), or better yet the upgraded Powerstop Geomet ($275~). Prices include front & rear axles, with new rotors and pads. I believe they are mostly available online, but local shops may carry the brand. I've had good results with Centric brake parts as well, but will always defer to Powerstop when given the choice. I usually shop brake parts at www.carparts.com.
I recommend that you shop around, and AVOID the national chains as if they were herpes. You probably have an independent shop nearby that will treat you and your car much better. This Google search shows many options in your area. Some rate pretty high, but have very few reviews. Others like Hays Tire Pros, Judy's Brakes & Alignment, Bruce's Auto & Muffler, and Simmons Service Center look promising.
No need for slotted or perforated rotors, unless you plan to tow things around, race on weekends, or drive like Steve McQueen. When he was alive, that is.
Scuzzy; you could be known as "Bullitt Bill."
The price you were quoted sounds like the going rate, albeit expensive. Actual shop cost is likely to be less than $50 per axle, including turning the rotors, so the rest is overhead and profit. Depending on the shop, you may also not get the best parts value for your money. However, I no longer recommend turning rotors as the savings is minimal for what you get in return. Of course, I do my own work. If you buy new rotors from a shop, they are going to want their "fair share."
My favorite brake kit is Powerstop OE Replacement ($150~), or better yet the upgraded Powerstop Geomet ($275~). Prices include front & rear axles, with new rotors and pads. I believe they are mostly available online, but local shops may carry the brand. I've had good results with Centric brake parts as well, but will always defer to Powerstop when given the choice. I usually shop brake parts at www.carparts.com.
I recommend that you shop around, and AVOID the national chains as if they were herpes. You probably have an independent shop nearby that will treat you and your car much better. This Google search shows many options in your area. Some rate pretty high, but have very few reviews. Others like Hays Tire Pros, Judy's Brakes & Alignment, Bruce's Auto & Muffler, and Simmons Service Center look promising.
No need for slotted or perforated rotors, unless you plan to tow things around, race on weekends, or drive like Steve McQueen. When he was alive, that is.
Scuzzy; you could be known as "Bullitt Bill."
4
Automotive Forum / Re: Tires?
« Last post by Bill on January 16, 2021, 12:38 hrs »Local shop carries Continental but of course were out of stock, ordered for Tuesday. Then off to the hand wash place and now the GMC feels better.
BTW local shop quoted me "about" $200 per axle for brakes which struck me as high. Turned rotor, not new.
What say you?
BTW local shop quoted me "about" $200 per axle for brakes which struck me as high. Turned rotor, not new.
What say you?
5
Automotive Forum / Re: Tires?
« Last post by scuzzy on January 16, 2021, 09:55 hrs »If you choose Michelin, I'm sure they'll be fine. I don't have any experience with the LXT or H-T line, at least not that I recall.
I had a bad Michelin experience in the mid-nineties, thanks to CR (I'm noticing a theme here). The tires were rated for around 90k miles, and I bought them at Discount Tire. The tires had excessive siping and felt mushy on my '90 Accord, and negatively affected the car's handling. I headed straight back to Discount and exchanged the Michelin tires for my first set of Yokohama.
BTW, my second favorite tire to the Continental Contacts is Yokohama. I think the model is YK740, and they might be exclusive to Discount Tire. If I had to, I wouldn't think twice about going back to Yokohama.
When I was in the SO, the maintenance shop favored Goodyear tires. We had Pirelli tires as well, but only because that's what came preinstalled on the Impala patrol cars.
I had a bad Michelin experience in the mid-nineties, thanks to CR (I'm noticing a theme here). The tires were rated for around 90k miles, and I bought them at Discount Tire. The tires had excessive siping and felt mushy on my '90 Accord, and negatively affected the car's handling. I headed straight back to Discount and exchanged the Michelin tires for my first set of Yokohama.
BTW, my second favorite tire to the Continental Contacts is Yokohama. I think the model is YK740, and they might be exclusive to Discount Tire. If I had to, I wouldn't think twice about going back to Yokohama.
When I was in the SO, the maintenance shop favored Goodyear tires. We had Pirelli tires as well, but only because that's what came preinstalled on the Impala patrol cars.
6
Automotive Forum / Re: Tires?
« Last post by Bill on January 16, 2021, 09:18 hrs »Thanks for the brakes offer, I wish you were closer too. There is a Discount Tire but no very close. The Michelin dealers is 10 minutes. Both Continental and Michelin are in the same price range. I will see if the local guy carries Continental.
7
Automotive Forum / Re: A new Ride! NOT
« Last post by scuzzy on January 15, 2021, 17:43 hrs »I hate to hear that, but I'm glad you caught it before buying. Good for you for taking the initiative of a second test drive.
I'm one of those types who keeps his old car maintained and running as long as reasonably possible. My 2005 RAV4 has 175k miles on it, and I figure it's probably good for another 175k.
Scuzzy; more or less.
I'm one of those types who keeps his old car maintained and running as long as reasonably possible. My 2005 RAV4 has 175k miles on it, and I figure it's probably good for another 175k.
Scuzzy; more or less.
8
Automotive Forum / Re: Tires?
« Last post by scuzzy on January 15, 2021, 17:36 hrs »Is there a Discount Tire store (AKA America's Tire) near you?
Over the decades, I've always shopped tires with a lot of care and research, but I no longer take CR into account when buying anything. Not even a toaster. Years ago I bought CR top-rated Falken all-season tires, and then got rid of them as fast as I could. They were the worst tires I have ever experienced. They were extremely noisy, slippery when wet, worthless in snow, and constantly pulled to the right. After that miserable experience, I canceled my CR subscription and tossed them to the curb along with the tires.
Anyway, a few years ago I discovered Continental Contact series tires, and I love them. I'm on my second set on my Toyota, and my father-in-law is on his second set on his Subaru. I will unquestionably buy Continental Contacts again, and so will my FIL.
I know that no tire is perfect in every situation, nor for every car. There is always some sort of tradeoff. However, I find that the Contact series strike a perfect balance for my needs. The pricing is acceptable, they are long-wearing, reasonably quiet, provide good traction, and give confidence in foul weather. I love that they consistently track straight. I've had too many tires that favor drifting the car to the right, which I find exceedingly annoying. Aside from an occasional, strong side wind, I've never had that issue with the Contacts.
Anyway, that's my opinion. YMMV.
If I was close enough, I'd happy replace your brakes. I spent over 20 years as a mechanic, and brake systems are my specialty.
Over the decades, I've always shopped tires with a lot of care and research, but I no longer take CR into account when buying anything. Not even a toaster. Years ago I bought CR top-rated Falken all-season tires, and then got rid of them as fast as I could. They were the worst tires I have ever experienced. They were extremely noisy, slippery when wet, worthless in snow, and constantly pulled to the right. After that miserable experience, I canceled my CR subscription and tossed them to the curb along with the tires.
Anyway, a few years ago I discovered Continental Contact series tires, and I love them. I'm on my second set on my Toyota, and my father-in-law is on his second set on his Subaru. I will unquestionably buy Continental Contacts again, and so will my FIL.
I know that no tire is perfect in every situation, nor for every car. There is always some sort of tradeoff. However, I find that the Contact series strike a perfect balance for my needs. The pricing is acceptable, they are long-wearing, reasonably quiet, provide good traction, and give confidence in foul weather. I love that they consistently track straight. I've had too many tires that favor drifting the car to the right, which I find exceedingly annoying. Aside from an occasional, strong side wind, I've never had that issue with the Contacts.
Anyway, that's my opinion. YMMV.
If I was close enough, I'd happy replace your brakes. I spent over 20 years as a mechanic, and brake systems are my specialty.
9
Automotive Forum / Tires?
« Last post by Bill on January 15, 2021, 13:35 hrs »I need tires for the Terrain -17? | 235/60-17- and been using Consumer Reports for ratings and found lots of dissenting user reviews on their choices. I think I have settled on Michelin Defender LXTs or maybe the less expensive H-Ts, LXTs run $125 vs. H-Ts for $70. Reviews say good thread wear and low noise for both models.
My inclination is the LXTs.
When I was younger I was an early adopter of Michelin radials and had good experiences on a 1967 Mustang, and a Triumph TR3A.
Do you have an opinion or experience?
My inclination is the LXTs.
When I was younger I was an early adopter of Michelin radials and had good experiences on a 1967 Mustang, and a Triumph TR3A.
Do you have an opinion or experience?
10
Automotive Forum / Re: A new Ride! NOT
« Last post by Bill on January 15, 2021, 13:24 hrs »Second test drive this morning, about 15 miles. Glad I did that, big disappoint with amenities that I didn't pay too much attention to the first time. Driver seat felt like a board after 10 minutes. Stereo very tinny, got worse as volume increased. I found it easy to get it, uncomfortable getting out. I am certain I will be unhappy with manual hatch opening, and of all things, gas pedal is too short, my foot slipped off 4 or 5 times on a short drive.
I have decided to invest what's needed in the Terrain and enjoy the luxury I already own.
I have decided to invest what's needed in the Terrain and enjoy the luxury I already own.