New Tires - Yokohama Geolandars

[MightyMo]

I would do it similar to Tire Rack, just of course populated with data with a Murano-centric perspective. Maybe instruct voting users that the stock GoodYears are 5.0 in all catagories and rate other tires relative to that baseline.

[hfelknor]

How about separate threads by Manufcturer/type?

Then maybe we can have a "sticky" index to the various files.

So we can have a thread titled "GoodTear Eagl LS" and another with Yoko Geolander.

Then in the stcky we can have the URL for each

GY EAGLE LS
www.nissanmurano.org/blah blah blah/threadid=777

YOKO GEO
www.nissanmurano.org/blah blah blah/treadid=543

That should work until jaak moves things..............


I don't like rating the LS a 5 in everything since it is one of the most comforatable tires on the market.
But I have no suggestion on how to try and make it more objective.


Homer

[MO in TO]

I think there would be an essential requirement to separate snow tires, all season tires, and all out summer performance tires, unless a combination chart can be developed to provide the separation. Also, choices for summer/winter rims would be helpful too. I am in the final stages of snow tire choices at this time, which has been difficult given the limited choices and availabilty.

[Kris]

1,600 miles update

Ok, 1,600 miles so let’s update the review.

Just drove to Indiana and back this week. I have done this trip at least three times before with GDY LS fitted. All other trips were during summer time with AC on. This time as temps were in 30’s and 40’s the AC was off. From my experience AC lowers fuel economy by 1 – 2 mph. So here are the results:

a) 900 miles trip with cruise control mostly at 76 mph
b) very disappointing fuel economy 21 mph (previous trips 24 mpg)
c) relatively harsh and noisy drive
d) Murano does feel more sure footed
e) through entire trip I could feel vibrations which would increase with speed
f) every imperfection in the road was transferred throughout steering and suspension (not a pleasant feeling)

After the trip I took the MO to the tire place to check the tire balance. I have to say they did a very good job with precision, dynamic balancing of the wheels mounted on the car with speed up to 110 mph. After that the car drives somewhat smoother at higher speeds.

CONCLUSION

I have not changed my “first impressions�. These are truck tires and as such not suitable for Murano. Murano requires passenger car tires, most likely what TireRack describes as touring or high performance highway tires. Going with Yokos was a mistake. Also, I have lost trust in TireRack ratings and reviews. They simply suck, are not scientific, not measurable. They are more expressions of someone feelings that stating facts.

I cannot say with confidence if dry and wet tractions are better or worse that OEM as I would simply state my feelings, not the true facts. I do not have test equipment to do so. However, I did have an emergency, dry braking last Friday (some idiot in a white box van cut me off!) and the performance was probably on par with GDY LS. I have to say however, that I can spin the Yokos at take offs I would say easier than GDY LS.

Cornering is better with Yokos, it most likely has something to do with stiffer tire walls or simply the size (wider), not Yokos themselves.

Back to fuel economy – down by 12.5%. It is a lot. If we assume tire life of 30,000 miles, average mileage 20 mpg, gas price $1.90/gallon, the extra cost will amount to $356. A significant amount. I would not mind that if I got in return a good, well handling, quiet, nice riding tire. I did not.

I took your advise and placed 2 posts on TireRack (got message – post successful). Noting shows on they website! Suspicious?

These are only my opinions. I do not work nor have any association with a tire company or a tire retail or fitting place. I have not been paid for this review and my opinion has not been influenced by anyone. You make your own mind when selecting a new tire for Murano.

Happy motoring!

[Eric L.]

Thanks for the update Kris. It takes a week or two before ratings go up on Tirerack after submitting the survery.

[EdMPT]

Thanks Chris,

This is good info to know, I suppose the ratings on Tire Rack are probably from people who drive trucks. So it's good to hear this info from a reliable source .

[senza]

Kris - a drop in mileage of 12.5% is hard to believe for changing tires... did you take into account the 2.5% increase in tire size... maybe you drove a little further and a little faster than you thought in comparison to OEM tires??....

[GripperDon]

Sounds like the "YoKo-Hama Mama's" are not for the MO. Sometimes that stuff on the other side of the fence is digested grass.

[Eric L.]

Yokohama mamas - hehe I like the name.

[ekaxel]

What comparison was made with the Toyo Proxes ST, which is also a "truck" tire?
The way I understand Proxes, the ST is NOT the high performance touring tire of the same name.

[Kris]

Senza
yes, it is hard to believe but the only real variable were the tires. I still cannot believe it, but even around town the mpg suffered, 2 mpg would be my guess.

Don
I like your comments, though about the pasture – I really tried to by an American car, I mean car, not an SUV or a Truck. Could not find one….

ekaxel
I have no idea how the Yokos would compare to Proxies or the Kumho……..

In retrospect it was an expensive lesson. I did my research though I failed to follow genchi genbutsu principle…….

[GripperDon]

I'll bite what is the genchi genbutsu principle…….?

[hfelknor]

Go to the source and see.


Homer

[Kris]

Originally posted by hfelknor
Go to the source and see.


Homer

Congratulation Homer! You got it right!

[dmako]

genchi genbutsu (hands-on experience)