satxrx

Okay, I know most everybody here really like the Michelins. I have no issues with that. What I don't like is the relative cost of the tires.

Now, I've got a set of Bridgestones on one RX and Goodyear Integrity on another. I'm looking to replace the GY's and I've really liked the ride on the Bridgestones. Another thing I like about the Bridgestones IS the price.

So here's some questions?

How do the Michelins really compare with the Bridgestones for ride and noise?

Are the Michelins worth the price as compared to the Bridgestones?

Thanks in advance for everyone's advice.

P.S. I've also included a poll (for fun) to see which tire really rates big here...

MikeK

As long as the surface you're riding on is smooth, you won't be able to tell the difference. If rough, a tad more harshness is detectable. Handling, however, is major improvement due to a stiffer sidewall (mush vs. control) on the CT as compared to the GY.

fantom

The ONLY major difference between the H/L and the CT is $35. They are both fine tires IMO with the Stones being a bit more performance oriented so slightly faster wearing. Same on wet pavement, equal noise level, better looking RWLs on Stones along with much better 60,000 mile coverage.

Name recognition of Michelin gives some more peace of mind, which is not to be discounted. Edmunds archive search should tell you all you want to know.

satxrx

I seem to agree with you about the small differences in the two tires, Fantom.

The $35 difference x 4 tires is almost enough for me to go with the Bridgestones.

Thanks.

sleepybobcat

Make sure the tire shop that you go to has a 30-day test-drive
full refund policy. I tried the Michelin CTs on my '01 RX300
and felt the ride was much harsher than the stock Bridgestone
H/Ls... Of cousre, if you live in an area where the roads are
smooth, you probably won't notice much difference. The roads
/highways I drive on everyday are littered with potholes, bumps,
washboards...(I'm referring to I-95/I-495/I-66 in the Washington
/Baltimore area)

After a few days, I went back to the shop and they gave me my
money back.(minus $27 for the labor)

If ride comfort is your main concern, then stay with the
Bridgestones... After all, most owners pick the RX300 because
it's cushy ride.

satxrx

Thanks for replying.

Ride comfort is definitely on top of my list along with noise levels. I'll have to admit that the Integritys do well in these categories but I believe I need something with better traction all around.

Interestingly, I had a loaner RX300 the other day and I noticed it had Bridgestone HT's. I've looked up the tire differences and the HTs are about $30 less than the H/Ls. Only other difference I found was in treadwear and bit lower traction. What's your take on the HT vs. H/Ls?

sleepybobcat

Yes, the H/T costs $30 more than the H/L...

The H/T's tread wear rating is 300 and the H/L's is 460.

Not sure if there are any real difference between the two.
Bridgestone has a 30-day test-drive policy, so you can try
whichever tire you want...

I'll ask my TireRack salesperson and get back to you...

P.S. If you really want maxium traction in winter, the
solution is getting snow tires.(on steel wheels with
wheel covers. Or another set of alloy wheels, if that's
within your budget)

Nothing beats a set of real snow tires. As of matter
of fact, I have an extra set of snow tires/wheels for
my Mercedes E320(rear-wheel drive). It has slightly
better traction on light snow than my RX300 with
regular tires.

satxrx

At most, I deal with rarely icy roads and mostly wet roads.

It seems the Bridgestones (H/Ls or HTs) are better than the Integritys.

And if the H/L's are not much improved on the HTs - the HTs seem to make better economic investment.

Thanks again.