I just ordered a set of the Michelin Premier A/S (V-Rated) in the 215/45-17 size to replace my current set of tires. My current set of tires are the Michelin Primacy MXM4 (V-Rated) that were OE fitments from a Lexus CT200h. They wore down to 3/32" after 32,000 miles and were very noisy during the last third of their life. But then again, they were OE tires and not aftermarket, so the compound was probably different. I have read that the Premier A/S delivers phenomenal wet traction and steering feel, but can be a bit lacking in rolling resistance and dry traction. I will keep everyone updated on my findings - but I am curious if anyone out there has experience with the new Premier A/S tires. Thanks!
H rated or V rated? Locally at Discount Tire, for whatever reason the V rated is $140 and the H rated is $145. I am at 3/32nds on my OEM Toyos and I am torn between the Premier AS and the Ecopia EP422. Let us know how much MPG hit you are taking!
V-Rated - it was the speed rating on the OEM tires in this size. I would jump on the sale now. DT is running a $70 rebate on Michelin AND an additional $60 back if you make the purchase using their credit card. All together, my out-the-door price was well under $600 installed! I think the promotion ends at the end of this month. If you are deciding between the EP422 and the Premier A/S, the Premier A/S will be much better in every area except for fuel economy. I also read somewhere that they are coming out with a new version of the EP422, but I can't find the article anymore.
Look forward to your observations on the Premiers, they're high on my list of replacement tire contenders. Our current tires, came on the car when new, are Michelin Pilots. The car's just hitting 50,000 kms, with maybe 20,000 kms on separate snows. Remaining tread depth on the Pilots maybe 7/32", so a while yet. May replace in a year just due to age, though.
I don't think you could get both rebates. You need to pick one of them. Confirm with the store to avoid misunderstanding. It may describe on the rebate paper to not combine with any other offers etc.
I checked - they can be combined. The $60 rebate is from CarCareone and is independent of the one offered by Michelin.
About 900 miles now. In-town mileage is about 43, highway is 46-47. Great ride and wet traction. YMMV, but I would get them. They did take about 500 miles to really wear in though.
Oh, and while the car tracks fairly well (and rides amazingly well), the overall dry traction is a bit lacking compared to some other tires in its class.
My TPMS came on last night and I found a nail in one of the rear tires. At 49K I decided to not bother to fix and went for the Premiers. $140 each + mounting + road hazard + TMPS kits, they were just shy of $800 out of the door. There is a $70 rebate. I read the DOT codes and three of them are 5214, and one is 4314. One of my tires is 9 weeks older than the others. Oh well. More observations to come.
I wonder about the TPMS "kit". Seems like they're hurting, missing valve replacement charge. I'd be inclined to decline it. Do they hard sell it?
TPMS kit involves replacing the rubber grommet, washer and nut that is on the sensor. These are in theory, disposable parts that will affect how well the sensor seals on the wheel. Some OEMs, such as Nissan, advise that this should be done with every tire replacement. I have not checked Toyota's position on this.
I have mine pumped to 44F/43R, down from 46F/45R of the Toyos, because the Premiers max out at 44 PSI. The ride is better, and quieter. I can dial down my talk radio and still make out the content at the same speed. So far so good.
The colder weather is over and the tires have 1K miles on and the MPG is coming back up, but not as good as before for sure. Click on my fuelly icon and you can tell exactly when I installed these tires! Running 44PSI front, 43 rear. But these tires are superior to the OEM Toyo's in every way, except for MPG, of course.