New tires for Chevy Equinox

[Dave Lehnert]

I have a 2013 Chevy Equinox. They came new with Michelin tires. Without a question some of the best tires Ive owned. Time for new.

I have a 10 year power-train warranty on the Equinox. I plan to trade the car off at the end of the warranty Aug 2023.
With that said, I don't feel I need to spend the money on Michelin tires for just 2 1/2 years of use.
Looking for recommendations on a less expensive brand tire. Extra points if you have used them on an Equinox.

On another car I purchased Kelly tires, A brand pushed by a local tire dealer and they wore down faster than I thought they should.

[Nathan Johnson]

I've had really good experiences with General.

[Jim Becker]

The conundrum with buying "less expensive" tires is that they often have far shorter "real world" tread life, so you buy a second time much sooner. That could actually cost you more. For long life, I like Michelin Defender LTX, but am currently running the BFG Advantage T/A Sport because of OEM size availability. I had the Defenders on the Grand Cherokee I previously drove and have the T/A Sports on my Subaru Ascent. These are both similar sized vehicles to your Equinox.

That said, if you only need two years, there are lots of choices. Do some shopping on Discount Tire Direct's website...or Tire Rack if you prefer. (I buy from Costco so it's Michelin, Bridgestone or BFG, but with lifetime rotation/balancing/road hazard)

[Jim Matthews]

The first time your expensive tires keep you out of a ditch, they pay for themselves.

You don't see NHL pros on rusty skates.

[Mike Soaper]

Keep in mind that tire rack has " tire rating charts" comparisons based on user feedback, and also tire testing done by tire rack.

[Michael J Evans]

The conundrum with buying "less expensive" tires is that they often have far shorter "real world" tread life, so you buy a second time much sooner. That could actually cost you more.

I second this. For my wife's rig we bought some general walmart special tires. Barely got 25k out of them.

[Robert Engel]

I only put about 5000 miles a year on my 97 Powerstroke, so my tires “expire” before they run out. I found out tire shops will not dismount a tire over 5 yrs old. At the time they were 11 yrs old!

I’ve always run Firestone, but $900 for a set of tires was a bit much. I found some on sale for almost 1/2 that. They are called Primewell and they are excellent tires. I wouldn’t be scared to go off brand then again, prorate the cost out 30 months it might. Ot make much of a diff.

The story I was told when they put the tarrifs on Chinese tires, everyone else jacked their prices to match.

[roger wiegand]

I tend to buy tires more for their handling characteristics than lifetime or cost effectiveness, so no way would I choose to drive for 2-1/2 years on tires I didn't like the feel of. So unfortunately my tires tend to be both expensive and relatively short-lived-- but fun in the meantime! For me putting "bargain" tires on my car feels a lot like putting a $10 no-name saw blade from the dollar store onto a good table saw. (We're talking a 13 year old Mini here, not a Lamborghini, lest anyone get ideas!)

[Ronald Blue]

I only put about 5000 miles a year on my 97 Powerstroke, so my tires “expire” before they run out. I found out tire shops will not dismount a tire over 5 yrs old. At the time they were 11 yrs old!

I’ve always run Firestone, but $900 for a set of tires was a bit much. I found some on sale for almost 1/2 that. They are called Primewell and they are excellent tires. I wouldn’t be scared to go off brand then again, prorate the cost out 30 months it might. Ot make much of a diff.



The story I was told when they put the tarrifs on Chinese tires, everyone else jacked their prices to match.

Sounds like you need a different tire shop. I've never heard of such a thing. I suppose in an urban area you might get away with such silliness but here in farm country they won't be in business if they don't take care of the customer. I could just see them telling the farmer that his tires are to old and what the response would be. On top of that and you can google it for yourself but some tire companies were selling tires that were older than that right off the rack. Check the date code on new tires and make sure you are actually getting new tires. They deteriorate just setting on the rack.

[ChrisA Edwards]

I can see a policy off not remounting old tires, but dismounting them? Once you let the air out the only way that tire is going to hurt you is if you drop it on your foot.

Being an avid sport motorcyclist, where a pair of tires cost $350+ and lasts 1000 miles, I don't like to scrimp on quality tires whether it's for two or four wheels.

[Michael J Evans]

I can see a policy off not remounting old tires, but dismounting them? Once you let the air out the only way that tire is going to hurt you is if you drop it on your foot.

Being an avid sport motorcyclist, where a pair of tires cost $350+ and lasts 1000 miles, I don't like to scrimp on quality tires whether it's for two or four wheels.

Being a diesel truck owner when a set of tires costs 1500 or more, it makes you think twice about that saving 100.

I used to buy really cheap until someone said " I would never put cheap tires on my car, outside of the brakes the tires are what's keeping your wife and kids on the road."

[Michael J Evans]

I'm regards to the date codes, I would assume tires are much like the rubber hose business. The tires / hoses last much much longer than the mfgs intented date.
I think the mfg date has more to do with how long it should sit on the shelf before effecting service life.

[Warren Lake]

I put the LTX on the wallywagon and like Jim was happy with them. Concerned they would be noisey and they were not at all, did shocks and coils and the three made it a different car. One extra sidewall on an already too high sidewall helped. Car was firmer right away but not harsh. I can go up to 50 PSI and 2271 lbs load rating. Car is 4.600 lbs not sure about the Equinox. I drove a 2016 Equinox for maybe three months and it was offered to me for free. I passed and said id only sell it and get a better wally wagon. I know what I drove was low option one but geez no comparison id take the car any day. Equinox was 25k in 2016 Wallywagon 29k in 92 so not cheap. I cant remember what was on the Equinox maybe a cheap michelin not sure whatever on it was noisey, then snows noisier still.

[Jim Becker]

Yes, the Defender LTX were not noisy at all. Neither are the BFG Advantage A/T Sport's I'm running currently on my Ascent. Some tires tend to get noisier as they wear...something to look for in any "real" reviews. The JGC was 5300 lbs and my Ascent is not quite 4800 lbs.

[Curt Harms]

Sounds like you need a different tire shop. I've never heard of such a thing. I suppose in an urban area you might get away with such silliness but here in farm country they won't be in business if they don't take care of the customer. I could just see them telling the farmer that his tires are to old and what the response would be. On top of that and you can google it for yourself but some tire companies were selling tires that were older than that right off the rack. Check the date code on new tires and make sure you are actually getting new tires. They deteriorate just setting on the rack.

There is at least talk in Pennsylvania of a 5 year life limit on tires. The supposed concern is sidewall dry rot. This was from an independent shop that doesn't sell tires but does state inspections. I'm currently running Cooper from Walmart but they're not Walmart exclusives, I'd seen the same model from other sources. The only downside was when they were new braking on wet/snowy roads was not good. It seems like that has gone away with a little wear. They seem to be wearing OK though I haven't had them long.

[Jim Becker]

I've seen tires degrade from dry-rot, etc., but it was mostly on trailer tires. It's pretty much a "rule" that one replaces them on horse trailers every five years, regardless of how they physically look for safety reasons, for example. But I'm also sure there is some wiggle room, especially if a vehicle is garaged, etc. Mandating a 5 year limit would have some complications because as someone has mentioned, inventory isn't sold immediately after manufacture so a 5 year limit would really be shorter for many folks. I do understand the reasoning, however...there are folks out there running "very scary" tires for sure!

That reminds me...I really need to replace the tires on my utility trailer. They are the originals and I've owned that thang since early 2006. LOL My bad...

[Ronald Blue]

I'm regards to the date codes, I would assume tires are much like the rubber hose business. The tires / hoses last much much longer than the mfgs intented date.
I think the mfg date has more to do with how long it should sit on the shelf before effecting service life.

This is one of many articles about tire life. You apparently have never owned an RV or boat trailer. I learned first hand about tire failure pulling my daughters boat to Florida. The boat and trailer was purchased new. RV magazines stress not running on tires 6 years or more in age on RV's. Tire failure is almost never just the loss of the tire. Damage to the trailer/or coach is almost always involved as well. The boat and trailer and tires were 6 years old. Not one but 2 blow outs in 900 miles. I'm a believer now in not running on old tires. There are many articles on the subject. Believe what you want though.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/a25577/how-to-make-your-tires-last-10-years/
https://www.utires.com/articles/how-long-do-tires-last-if-not-used/

[Warren Lake]

had long trail TA for a while on a buick one mechanic recommended it hated them for 2 weeks then okay noisey as hell but firmed the car up. That was long ago different now im sure. I have a friend works on race cars and high end stuff, more work than he can handle cause of his quality. when he came here to park he always asked to park on my lawn under the big maple tree so his tires were not in the sun. People might laugh but when he had his heads done 20 plus years ago maybe 30 he sent them to Ed Pink. He won every slalomn race I ever saw his car in no matter who drove it. One a pro driver, one his friends wife in the ladies class.

[Patrick McCarthy]

Big Michelin fan here. I have put them on all my vehicles and on my 4 daughters. Never a problem. My 2015 Silverado 4x4 has them; OEM went 49k - don’t recall brand - and then i put Michelin LTX on and currently at 101k overall, so 52k on the Michelins and then look maybe 1/2 way worn.

My dad used to say not to skimp on your teeth, shoes or tires. For me the added safety margin for the 2 - 3 years would be worth it. JMHO, YMMV. Patrick

[Jim Becker]

I generally like Michelin, too...but not all of their tire models are "worthy", which is consistent with every other manufacturer, too. The Defender LTX is exceptional, IMHO, for Mid-size and larger SUVs.

[Jerome Stanek]

Daughter had a Saturn Vue that came with Cooper tires they lasted a long time and she ended up getting another set.

[Dave Lehnert]

The conundrum with buying "less expensive" tires is that they often have far shorter "real world" tread life, so you buy a second time much sooner. That could actually cost you more. For long life, I like Michelin Defender LTX, but am currently running the BFG Advantage T/A Sport because of OEM size availability. I had the Defenders on the Grand Cherokee I previously drove and have the T/A Sports on my Subaru Ascent. These are both similar sized vehicles to your Equinox.

That said, if you only need two years, there are lots of choices. Do some shopping on Discount Tire Direct's website...or Tire Rack if you prefer. (I buy from Costco so it's Michelin, Bridgestone or BFG, but with lifetime rotation/balancing/road hazard)


Jim

At Discount Tire the BFG Advantage T/A Sport tire is about $40 cheaper per tire vs the Michelin I have now.
Would you still go with the Michelin or you happy with the BFG?

[Jim Becker]

I’m very happy with the BFG to-date including in snow last week.

[Warren Lake]

chances are zero with me

plus they would be on my 72 GMC as well if they came fat 275 rear 60 x 15 they dont

[Kev Williams]

as to the reason tires are date coded: Because time and the elements also wear tires out--

This tire, a Goodyear Marathon trailer tire, is one of 6 holding up our 32' Party Cruiser pontoon boat.
--It obviously suffered a blowout...
453351
But the unusual thing is, the blowout happened while parked. I took this pic in Sept. 2015, the boat- and tires- were made/sold in 1995. These tires had less than 2000 total miles on them, but simply being 20 years old, age did them in....

Closeup of the deterioration--
453352

Note that the main reason for the failure was because the steel cords were broken due to extreme sidewall 'squish' that happens to radial tires on multi-axle trailers during hard parking lot turns...
453353 453354
But the bad rubber is why it failed while just sitting parked, couldn't even hold back 50psi of air pressure...

[Dick Strauss]

You might check out the General Altimax rt43 tires. I had a set on an older sedan and they improved the handling but weren't too noisy (though a little louder than the Michelin Defenders I have on another car). They run $30-40 less money than the Michelins IIRC.

[Ronald Blue]

as to the reason tires are date coded: Because time and the elements also wear tires out--

This tire, a Goodyear Marathon trailer tire, is one of 6 holding up our 32' Party Cruiser pontoon boat.
--It obviously suffered a blowout...
453351
But the unusual thing is, the blowout happened while parked. I took this pic in Sept. 2015, the boat- and tires- were made/sold in 1995. These tires had less than 2000 total miles on them, but simply being 20 years old, age did them in....

Closeup of the deterioration--
453352

Note that the main reason for the failure was because the steel cords were broken due to extreme sidewall 'squish' that happens to radial tires on multi-axle trailers during hard parking lot turns...
453353 453354
But the bad rubber is why it failed while just sitting parked, couldn't even hold back 50psi of air pressure...

Exactly! My experience was with 6 year old tires with about the same mileage. First one slung the tread off. Second sounded like a gun shot going down the road. There are doubters on this but just sitting on the shelf they deteriorate. You don't want to put tires on that are already pushing 5 or 6 years since manufacture. It doesn't matter how good the tread is. The carcass can still fail without warning.