Question/Poll: Before Fall/Winter, the miserable OEM Dunlop tires are going to require replacement on the Insight. Has a particular LRR tire in the 175/65R15 size proven exceptional and/or would "plus or minus" sizing benefit FE?
Background -- Previous Dunlop Experience: First, I'll admit to a previous terrible experience with OEM Dunlop tires on a new 1997 Honda Civic DX Coupe. With that vehicle, the passenger-rear tire's sidewall blew-out and separated the tire into two pieces while the vehicle was traveling at highway speeds -- I narrowly avoided losing control of my new car when the back-end let loose at 65 MPH. Close inspection of the failure and of the 3 other tires displayed a manufacturing fault when one of the others was noted to have started to bubble/deteriorate in the same circular region of the outward-facing sidewall. In the fewer than 10,000 miles of use, there was no improper inflation over the life of the comparator tire and no adversely-traumatic bump / hazard / rub / or broken belt history). This was
not a classic under-inflation/heat/blowout situation as was commonly thought.
Dunlop's "Specialist"So then, Dunlop's idea of "customer service" was to be forwarded to one of their "Customer Specialists" -- get this, an Attorney, to speak with via phone instead of Warranty Personnel. They wanted the tire pieces shipped to them for "analysis". I complied with the shipment, took photos for evidence, and never heard from them again despite follow-up and warranty reimbursement demands. The lack of replacement value precluded any further effort on my part. I dumped them, bought another brand that performed much more reliably, and vowed never to buy another Dunlop tire again (and to tell my story).
So, We Got Stuck With Dunlops on a New Vehicle -- Indirect Purchase The extensively-researched decision to purchase a new 2010 Insight EX outweighed the fact they came with Dunlop SP31 A/S treads ...maybe they improved
Now, even after reasonable rotation and alignment frequencies, they have worn very quickly. My biggest complaint, however, is with the overall quality. They have frequently suffered punctures from nails (etc), which is typical around here (but these models have a higher "puncture-per-mile experience" than all others we've owned. I repair all non-tearing damage with heavy-duty DIY plugs (I've done this numerous times over the last 20 years with no problems, whatsoever). All other tires have responded to the repair but these. After re-plugging the same nail puncture 3 times, I will be forced to have it professionally patched or to replace it, if repair is not possible. I currently air it up to 50 PSI, it drops to 25 PSI after 3 days, the tire-pressure warning indicator repeatedly illuminates and the resultant drop in FE ensues. Now, a second tire is having the same problem with a slower leak. Sounds too familiar
again
Personal Brand Preference: MichelinOver the last 10 years, we resolved to pay the extra cost to purchase Michelin replacements, with great results in each case (well worth it, IMO). We deviated once with another, cheaper brand on the TSX's front treads, and still regret it (completely messed-up the steering response, FE, and road noise). The back set needs replaced, with the Michelin "Green-X" series getting the stamp of approval for purchase for that car soon.
What is your experience with this tire style and/or what would you recommend?
Thanks in Advance!
-RH77