My New Tires are s-t-i-c-k-y!

Let's see if I can make a fast post that's less than 500 words... that's gonna be a challenge. LOL. (ain't gonna happen, I just know it).

I just got my new Kumho Ecsta ASX All-Weather 225/50 tires installed today. In all fairness, I cannot even compare them with the 2/32" of tire tread I had left on my old stock Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 205/55 tires. But, I did drive this same Acura RSX when it was brand new with only 10 miles, and I know what a difference this new rubber makes!

First, they don't sqeal or spin when starting from a stop sign or red light. The Michelins simply didn't catch as fast as the (manual) gearing in my car- ever. And this isn't about whether I know how to control a clutch (if you're wondering).

I also know that entering on-ramps- like a full-cloverleaf shape turn- would make my wheels squeak in third gear at around 30 mph, even when the Mich tires were new. My Kumhos have yet to make a peep and I've tried to make them whimper already.

The slightly lower profile and wider footprint do make a few noticeable differences in ride quality also. One, the footprint is much more stable. Handling is simpler. Braking is improved. The turn radius might've increased a foot or two, but is nominal. The suspension feels a little "tighter," meaning it is a little 'bumpier' over soft ridges and rolls. Overall, the ride feels very comfortable still and not overly bumpy.

On to the best improvement... Noise reduction. Even when the Mich's were new, I could hear more road noise than I thought I should've. The Kumho's perform better here, I can hear my engine humming in 5th gear at 75 mph over many various qualities of highway pavement. That was one of my biggest wishes.

The other big priority was to reduce hydroplaning. The Mich's flat out... well, sucked. And I didn't like it. 'Specially in Florida during thunderstorm season, or the few recent rainy winters in hilly SF. Only time will tell, but I'm not in a hurry to get rain to find out.

Geez, I just can't write a short post, but those that know me prolly aren't surprised. Lastly, the good folks at J & K Auto Repair did an excellent job of getting my tires mounted, balanced, and aligned. They were very cooperative of letting me take some pics along the way, and watch them test the alignment on my car. Since it was time to get my brake pads replaced, I had 'em do that and replace my front rotors. They got the parts in about an hour and a half and even stayed late (past 6 pm closing) to finish the install. All told they were as great as could be, and gave me a price about $150 less on the work compared to my fave local Honda/Acura garage that does all my tune-ups and oil changes, Pat's Garage in SF. Don't get me wrong, Pat's Garage is very reasonable, their work is top quality, staff is very friendly & helpful, and they are honest. I still visit them for regular maintenance.

All in all, shame on Acura for not fitting better tires on their RSX (they've used these Pilots on other models too, like TSX and RL I think). Tires are the only contact your car has to the road, and these $69 Kumho tires show a remarkable improvement over the $158 OEM tires. The wider footprint adds a LOT of stability in cornering, shorter braking distance, and better overall traction; while still offering a more quiet ride. Sure, my mileage will likely suffer a little- but prolly not more than 2-3 mpg. I'd trade the performance and safety for the mileage any day. I am glad I didn't spend $139 per tire on the Goodyear F1 GS-D3's I was planning to get. The (literally) millions of miles driven for reviews on Tire Rack's site can't be wrong. Don't you dare buy tires anywhere else, thanks TireRack.
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