Tire upgrade 2015

[mjbuck]

2015 Genesis with Signature, Tech and Ultimate packages. 11,200 miles. Just took my car out of winter storage two days ago. Yes, we still have some snow on the ground here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan along the Lake Superior shoreline. We average 220 inches of snow with totals as high as 400 some years. That means a lot of road salt and slop and I don't drive my Genesis in that. I store it all winter. As you can tell by the low mileage, it is not a daily driver either. After not driving it for that last six months, I forgot how fantastic this car feels each time I drive it. Anyway, getting to the tires. With the low mileage, I was a long way from needing new tires, but I wanted to upgrade to a dedicated summer tire. I have no complaints about the Michelin Primacy all-season tires that came with the car, but since I don't drive it during the winter months, I felt I didn't need them. After a lot of research, I opted for the Firestone Indy Hawk 500 summer tires. When the technician at the tire center swapped them out, he asked me if I was heading to the track. He said he mostly sees these tires going on high-performance cars, which people run around the track. He added that he doesn't see a lot of them, but complimented me on my choice, adding that they are excellent tires. I don't notice a lot of difference with the new tires. Yes, a little, but it is hard to exactly explain. One of the reasons I opted for the Indy Hawk was there performance on wet roads. I had a near accident hydroplaning last summer and wanted a little more assurance on wet roads. The tires look nice and are a small step better than what was on my car. That is my opinion anyway.

 

[1FstYota]

340 treadwear rating, you gonna get probably 15k miles out of a set of these. How's lateral grip on these? The awd 3.8 front end pushes hard on the front.

 

[mjbuck]

340 treadwear rating, you gonna get probably 15k miles out of a set of these. How's lateral grip on these? The awd 3.8 front end pushes hard on the front.

After my research, I am well aware that 15-20k is about average wear. I am not the least bit concerned with that. If I was, I would have gone with another tire. Being that I only drive this car 5k miles a year, makes me worry even less about the that. These tires serve a purpose. I bought a 55k car. I want the best tire to enhance my driving experience.

 

[KOpunch]

Hey mjbuck, where abouts in the UP are you? I'm in Sault Ste Marie myself !

 

[inmanlanier]

I have a good friend in the tire business and I have just done my research. We both are road racers, starting with solo events and eventually road racing. Yes, the Firestone Indy 500s (if that's what you're describing) do test well in the wet when new, but his experiences is once their worn a bit, the limited rain grooves (I think only 3) start to show issues in the wet. I very much prefer Bridgestones, but they are a good bit pricier than other options. If a good bit less money, I'll likely get Toyo Proxes Plus. I've had very good results with Toyos in the past (used to drive on race tracks on Proxes RA1s). Another good one is the Yokohama S drive, but if it matters to you they are directional. They are well priced and have good test results.

 

[mjbuck]

Hey mjbuck, where abouts in the UP are you? I'm in Sault Ste Marie myself !

I'm in Hancock. We had a lot of snow this year and the one of the worst winters in the last six years. Finally, I can see grass in the yard....

 

[mjbuck]

I have a good friend in the tire business and I have just done my research. We both are road racers, starting with solo events and eventually road racing. Yes, the Firestone Indy 500s (if that's what you're describing) do test well in the wet when new, but his experiences is once their worn a bit, the limited rain grooves (I think only 3) start to show issues in the wet. I very much prefer Bridgestones, but they are a good bit pricier than other options. If a good bit less money, I'll likely get Toyo Proxes Plus. I've had very good results with Toyos in the past (used to drive on race tracks on Proxes RA1s). Another good one is the Yokohama S drive, but if it matters to you they are directional. They are well priced and have good test results.

Thanks for the information. I will keep that in mind as the miles pile up on these Indy 500's. I did a lot of research and read more than 300 reviews and none referred to what you said about the diminished water shed when worn. I will watch for that. Appreciate it.

 

[1FstYota]

Can't be as bad as mickey Thompson drag radials in the wet.

 

[BlancaGenny]

Can't be as bad as mickey Thompson drag radials in the web.

You have a death wish or what?

 

[1FstYota]

haha, no I did get caught in rain before. it was not fun.

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[BlancaGenny]

haha, no I did get caught in rain before. it was not fun.

LOL, I was driving in the rain with Nitto Invo's and they weren't the best. Not as bad as MTs but it's noticeable from a car that has all-seasons.

 

[1FstYota]

LOL, I was driving in the rain with Nitto Invo's and they weren't the best. Not as bad as MTs but it's noticeable from a car that has all-seasons.

I know right, nothing like doing 35 in a 70 lol.

 

[kavisic]

Hey mjbuck, where abouts in the UP are you? I'm in Sault Ste Marie myself !

Hey guys, I drove my 2015 3.8 Genny up to Sault Ste Marie last year all the way from San Angelo, TX. It was a great trip. Genny did very well. You have beautiful country up there!

 

[inmanlanier]

Thanks for the information. I will keep that in mind as the miles pile up on these Indy 500's. I did a lot of research and read more than 300 reviews and none referred to what you said about the diminished water shed when worn. I will watch for that. Appreciate it.

Please do keep us posted. By the time I need tires, you may have enough experience that I'll get them. So far, bang for the buck it's my number 1 choice.