More Tire Questions Goodyear Eagle GT's

[Zuhalter]

Looking at getting the Eagle GT's for the RX8. $711 installed. What do you all think? Good Price? Better suggestions?

[milehighspeed3]

I'm looking at getting those for my speed3, good reviews at tire rack and decent price...

[Huzer]

I just put a set of these on my car yesterday after reading the reviews and with the decent price point of 'em.

[Stealth01]

I'm getting those on my MS6 in mid-July. The reviews I've read -- both by professional reviewers and people driving with them -- are all pretty good. Supposed to be good in just about all conditions.

[6i_guy]

i too might be picking up a set shortly....my current set of yk520's, a 60k mile tire, are about done in 1/3rd that time....last winter was a scream and not in the good way.

[6i_guy]

picked up a set. I will update in about 10-15k miles

[Huzer]

I parked next to a winning blue RX8 (with the unfortunate condensation in the tail light issue) that also head the Eagle GTs on em. Popular tire, it seems. Don't forget to send in your rebate!

[6i_guy]

rebate?

[Huzer]

Yup, there's a $20 mail-in rebate when you buy a set of 4. There was also an "instant" $20 rebate. You can download the form from Goodyear to print and mail in:

http://www.goodyeartires.com/cfmx/web/gytires/tire-promotions/Tire-Rebate/index.cfm?campaign=WebNPP1

[Cesaros]

i plan on getting these. i know a few people who have used them and all said good things.

probably around september, i use the stock RSA's right now.

[6i_guy]

thanks for the link...I need to find my receipt now. :)

[Stealth01]

Guess I'd better get them before they're all gone!

[Stealth01]

OK, here's my initial review of the Goodyear Eagle GTs:

First off, I got mine from Bob Penkhus Mazda at Powers Motor Park for $689 installed (it was actually $653, but they did a half-price alignment for me...). Went with 225 40 ZR18s. I kind of wanted 45s, since we have potholes galore around here, but I forgot to tell them that. They replaced my General Exclaim UHPs that wore out after...uh...11K miles. :(

Anyway, I put probably 50 miles on them so far, in around-town and highway driving, and a brief moment of off-roading (lol...see below).

First thing I noticed about the GTs was that they're quieter than the Exclaims. Way quieter. And they ride softer -- take bumps much less severely.

I also like the way they look -- aggressive, variable tread with a nice rim protector as well.

So far, I've only driven on dry roads with them, and while they're better than the Kumho Ecsta ASXs I had on my old 6, they're NOT as sticky as the Exclaim UHPs were. They're close--really close--but in tough turns they start to squeal a little sooner than the UHPs. There's one turn in particular, a sweeping 90-degree downhiller, on which I LOVE to push the MS6 to its limits. On the UHPs, when they had decent tread, I would get about an extra 5 mph out of them in the turn before they started to squeal. However, that could simply be due to weather conditions, surface conditions, etc at the time I tested the GTs. So I'll have to try it again a few times, but the results have been generally the same on the other turns I've taken with the new rubber.

Launching the car is different with the GTs than it was with the UHPs. With the UHPs, when they had tread, there was usually a little "chirp" and then the whole car jumped forward, often shuddering like the damn rear end was coming off. With the GTs, there's no chirp, no shudder, and a bit softer start. I'm betting that's because they're new and need some time to break in -- we'll see. It isn't necessarily a SLOWER launch...just a different one.

I did manage to do a quick slip test on some gravel on the side of Hwy 24 tonight. I was pulling off so I could turn around and head home, and ended up on some dirt and gravel. DSC was already off, so I gunned it. The GTs gripped MUCH better than the UHPs had on dirt or gravel, and it took a second or two to get the back end to break loose. Then I slid up onto pavement, and it only took the tires a second or two to bite the asphalt and right the car, even with DSC off. So at least on gravel/dirt, they seem like they're better tires than the UHPs. Not that I drive on those surfaces much...that's why we have a Jeep. :)

Hopefully we'll get some rain this weekend, so I can test out this allegedly GREAT wet-surface traction for these tires. Doesn't look like we'll get much snow this winter, but who knows? Maybe mother nature will cooperate...these things are supposed to have very good snow traction, as A/S tires go.

[Stealth01]

Well, I obviously got to test them on wet roads today, and they COMPLETELY made up for the slight loss of dry road performance over the Exclaim UHPs. No hydroplaning, even when I hit a deep puddle at 45 mph. Sent water shooting probably 8 feet in the air on either side, but no noticeable loss of control. They held the wet surfaces nicely in turns, too -- much better than the UHPs did.

[6i_guy]

good to hear you like them. the tread is very aggressive and with the rim guard, I am glad i rolled my rear fenders.

[MazdaTom]

Don't forget that you are probably comparing worn out UHPs to brand new GTs. Apples and oranges. A worn out tire of the same type will be much louder than a new one. An old tire will perform horribly in the rain compared to a new tire- partly because of the lack of tread depth but also because as a tire gets older, the rubber gets harder and harder. A hard tire is not good for any kind of grip- dry, wet or snow. And a new tire still has some residual mold release from the factory on it. Until that gets scrubbed off, the tires won't be as grippy as they will be a few hundred miles from now. Back when I was autoxing, I would get a new set of tires mounted, inflate them to like 20 psi and go for a drive where I was always swerving and then come home, put the car up on stands and remove the tires and lay them flat for 12 to 24 hours or so. That's how I would get a set of rubber scrubbed in before an event.

[6i_guy]

20 psi seems really low, did you increase the psi a bit when your put them back on?

[MazdaTom]

yeah, 20 psi was to let the rubber really flex and heat up. This helps the heat cycle the tire. If you do that and then let it cool, it will actually make the tire last longer and wear better. Tire Rack, and other tire places, offer heat cycling services- they do it all on a machine before they ship it to you. This is only benefiical for autox or race tires though. Doing this on a pure street tire is a little bit over the top.

[Stealth01]

No, I remember the UHPs when they were new, and I'm comparing to that. They didn't grip worth CRAP during the last two months, when they had next to NO tread on them. They were great for straigh-line acceleration, but the back end started to slide a LOT during cornering, so I am comparing to what they were like earlier on. But they were loud from the get-go, and only gave me...errr....14K miles of life. Since the UHPs only lasted me a little over a year, I still remember what they were like new.

I thought about the break-in on the GTs, too, so that's why I put that I only have 50 miles or so on them. You may be right -- they may grip better on dry roads once I have worn off that mold release compound, so I'll update that in a month or so.

I can't wait for some snow...these are supposed to be pretty damn good in the snow, at least for A/S tires. So I should get to have some fun on them. Unfortunately, looks like El Nino is going to make this a warm, dry winter. :(

[dommo_g]

I can get these tires in, and probably for a better price if anyone still needs them.

[Stealth01]

Another chance to play around a little on these tires on wet roads today, as my neighborhood got a quick thunderstorm.

This time, it was pretty wet, with a little standing water. No deep puddles, just that right-after-the-rain kind of wet. Again the tires were VERY good. I took one turn that was very wet much quicker than I could have with the Exclaims. Very impressed with their wet-surface grip.

[bellalyssa]

Does anyone know how well they perform in the winter? I'm getting a set put on on Friday and the shop wasn't quite sure how they performed in snowy wetness.

[6i_guy]

Does anyone know how well they perform in the winter? I'm getting a set put on on Friday and the shop wasn't quite sure how they performed in snowy wetness.

they are supposed to be all seasons, I imagine they will be okay for the first winter, not as good as a dedicated snow tire.

I run a/s all year long, I find I am only in trouble about 5 days a year.

[dommo_g]

Does anyone know how well they perform in the winter? I'm getting a set put on on Friday and the shop wasn't quite sure how they performed in snowy wetness.

Where are you getting your tires and how much are you paying?

[bellalyssa]

I'm getting them from Tire Rack. They're being installed at SCR Performance. I'm paying about $850 because I'm also getting some suspension work done and a laser alignment.

[dommo_g]

I wish people would think to consider their Mazda dealership when looking for tires. Mazda has a wholesale program with Tire Rack, and I can meet or beat most of the prices you pay by buying directly from Tire Rack.

[kingtut]

Unfortunately, dealerships got the nickname "stealerships" for a reason. But its nice to see Dommo (and other members associated with dealerships) offer help/advice to fellow members.

Knowing this, I'd consider pricing a dealership for tires in the future.

[AIM WO4]

This is incredulous! :o

Never heard of this before. I'm so used to Saab trying to rip me off, that I never even considered a dealership.

I wish people would think to consider their Mazda dealership when looking for tires. Mazda has a wholesale program with Tire Rack, and I can meet or beat most of the prices you pay by buying directly from Tire Rack.

[MazdaTom]

Unfortunately, dealerships got the nickname "stealerships" for a reason.

Yep. It's true. I know too many people that as soon as their car is out of warranty, it never goes back to the dealership. The "stealership" nickname isn't completely unfounded- the dealerships have brought it onto themselves over many years of charging high prices for just about everything.

You know, I bet if a local dealership made a commercial for the local market addressing the "stealership" nickname and asking for people to give them a second chance- assuming of course that their prices aren't totally out of whack and they don't try to upsale people things they really don't need, they might get some business back. In this economy people seem to be holding onto their cars more (aside from this "my tax money for your not-so-clunker" program that is more of a waste than a benefit- but that's beside the point) and are looking to repair their cars. Repair shops were not really hurt by the economic downturn at all because everyone was fixing their cars instead of trading them for new.

[bellalyssa]

I would probably go to a dealership if I had a good relationship with them. I've known the guys at this shop for awhile and we hang out outside of the shop. They give me discounts and treat me right so I'll stick with them until they screw something up on my car.

[kingtut]

You know, I bet if a local dealership made a commercial for the local market addressing the "stealership" nickname and asking for people to give them a second chance- assuming of course that their prices aren't totally out of whack and they don't try to upsale people things they really don't need, they might get some business back.

In this economy people seem to be holding onto their cars more (aside from this "my tax money for your not-so-clunker" program that is more of a waste than a benefit- but that's beside the point) and are looking to repair their cars. Repair shops were not really hurt by the economic downturn at all because everyone was fixing their cars instead of trading them for new.

Lol, nice Tom...well said.

It's funny you mention the "dealerships trying to get business back comment". I recently got a flyer in the mail from McDonald Audi (who totally butt-raped me in the past on repairs). They listed some common problems with Audis (which I'm surprised they could fit them all on one flyer, haha) such as timing belts, synthetic oil changes, suspension stuff, etc....AND listed a handful of independent Euro shops, along with a comparison of their charges (for that service) along with McDonald's. It was kind of cool to see a refreshing attempt at marketing, but you could still tell they were full of it. Dealerships (or at least this one) is known for "finding" 'x' many other "issues" that need immediate $attention$

[bobopud]

Sorry Dommo, but I will never take my car to a dealership for anything other than routine maintenance, especially if I have an out of warranty repair.

Just the other day the wife got a CEL. I figured it was probably the gas cap, but she wanted to take it in and get the code read just in case. The dealership wanted $120 to read the code and diagnose the problem. I literally laughed at the guy and walked out. We just went to Pep boys and got the code read and cleared for free.

Now, if I could find a dealership that won't charge such rediculous prices and try to sell me a $150 fuel injector cleaning service or a $120 CEL check, then I might consider giving them some business, until then I'll stay away and do repairs myself.

[6i_guy]

mcdonald sends me flies with coupons for oil changes, i paid full price once....once.
and tut, you know you like the butt raping... ;)

[kingtut]

shhh...don't tell anyone (and that happened once...once;))

[6i_guy]

shhh...don't tell anyone (and that happened once...once;))

your secret is safe with me rump ranger. :lol:

what was the topic here, tires?

[AIM WO4]

It's strange... I was a mechanic, and don't understand why so many try to sell you more maintenance than you need.

I remember trying to get my ABS Module replaced in my Saab. They wanted $3000!!! I called Saab USA, and they said they'd help by paying $1250 towards the fix. I laughed, and told them I'd fix it myself. That shocked the crap out of them! I saved a lot of $$ and posted my DIY instructions for all my fellow Saab owners to read.

I spent $65 on my own OBDII reader as well. No $120 fees to diganose anything at the shop.

As for tires, I get a cheap deal with the military AAFES store.

[dommo_g]

This is incredulous! :o

Never heard of this before. I'm so used to Saab trying to rip me off, that I never even considered a dealership.

Well....I'm only talking about tires here heheh. Our dealership charges $34.95 for a lube, oil and filter, which includes checking/topping off other fluids and usually a car wash. I know you can find $20 oil changes all day long driving down a main street, so why pay more than you need to?

Here's a story from today....I had an appointment to put some tires on a car. (Goodyear Eagle GTs lol). Guy calls in the morning, I tell him we had a customer drop in for the same tires and we were putting them on as we were speaking. He says no problem, he wanted to come in later in the afternoon anyway. I say cool, I can have another set of tires in by then. It was early enough to where I could still get a set delivered before him getting here. He gets here, and he's driving a 6i sedan. 215/50-17s. I was expecting a CX-9 with 245/50-20s. Damn. I don't have the guy's 17" tires, they're on a freight truck scheduled for Monday delivery. I explain to him the story, tell him I'll do his oil change at cost. So I change his oil, and when I removed the filter housing, the O-ring on there was too big and was way loose. Could have bunched up in there and caused a leak, or could have not. Regardless, it didn't fit right. I noticed his filter was some aftermarket one. Says he got the last change at Grease Monkey. I charged him for parts only, and even gave him the wholesale discount. It STILL came up to $19. I know why the term 'stealership' exists, and I use it too. But since I've been working in dealerships, I know why genuine parts cost more. So it's not really that dealerships are ripping people off...a big thing is that most dealerships use genuine parts in their service bays, and genuine parts are most of the time more than the cheap aftermarket parts you'll get elsewhere that may or may not work properly.

On the other hand, there's not a whole lot of work that I wouldn't go to a dealership for. It's too damn expensive usually. :lol: So you can get an oil change for cheaper, but at what expense? Maybe they use a cheaper filter that might not fit right. Maybe they don't change the O-rings, maybe they don't use a new drain plug gasket, maybe they use a cheap house-brand oil. It just comes down to what's important to people.

[MazdaTom]

I've been changing my own oil for....... 15 years now and have changed the drain plug o-ring gasket thing like 3 times total. I have a stack of them sitting around, I just forget. Never have any leaks so when I remember about not changing the gasket (after the crankcase is full of fresh oil), I'm never worried about it.

[bellalyssa]

I got my new tires put on and oh my god! I don't know if it's because I was riding on incredibly bald tires but I love the way these tires handle. For all seasons they're pretty damn good.

[mOOsE]

I wish people would think to consider their Mazda dealership when looking for tires. Mazda has a wholesale program with Tire Rack, and I can meet or beat most of the prices you pay by buying directly from Tire Rack.

seriously, Mazda needs to give this dude a raise...

[4doord]

If anyone is interested in the Eagle GT tire in the 225/40r18 you can let me know, my show can do those for 656.00 out the door with road hazard warranties and full install so let me know. David at Coloradoland Tire 8100 W. Crestline Ave Littleton Co 80123 303-973-3332 or PM me. Thanks

[tbot]

dave u know when i need tires i'll be hitting u up ;) wanna get rims tho too

[4doord]

No problem just let me know

[Stealth01]

Time to resurrect this thread.

Now that we've had three days of ice and snow this season, I can report a little on the performance of the Eagle GTs under these conditions.

When we had that ice storm last week, I took the MS6 out a couple of times. THe roads were icy with some blowing snow, so I took it kind of easy. Did test things a few times and found that the Eagle GTs provide VERY good stopping power for all-season tires. Starting was good too. Where they lacked a little (and only a little) was in the lateral grip. It was pretty easy to get the back end moving sideways, but all I had to do to correct was let off the gas and between the grippy tires and the MS6's AWD/TCS systems, it righted itself immediately. Much better than the old Exclaim UHPs did.

On snow and ice today and yesterday, I found the same thing. On icy roads, of course, NO tire without chains or studs is truly stable, but these felt pretty damn good, considering they're not winter tires. I tried several times to get the MS6 moving sideways, and while getting the back end to break loose wasn't terribly difficult (just took boost lol), letting off the gas righted the car each and every time. Not much deep snow to drive through, but I did take it through some 2-3-inch areas and the tires were very stable. No slippage whatsoever, and I had a hard time in the accumulated snow getting the back end to slide. Stopping was really nice...much better than I expected in an All-Season tire.

So what I gave up in dry pavement performance, I REALLY feel like I recovered and then some in bad weather handling. Good tire.

[6i_guy]

i was going to ask for an Eagle GT snow report. Thanks.

[tbot]

Earlier this year when I had my 3 and the Eagle GT's the only time I ever had a problem was trying to get thru about a foot of snow (so i was plowing it w/ my bumper anyways) and the snow was super wet and heavy and just built up in the tread. Other than that, I had really no problems what so ever w/ those tires. I'd be really interested to try them on the MS6, but don't have the money and the tires on there are doing very very well themselves.