After just 26,000+ miles, the OEM Dunlap Sport 5000M tires were down to their wear markers. I am always happy to take care of my ride and was diligent about rotating the tires every 7500 miles or so.
After much research, I found a good deal on the Michelin Sport A/S 3 from America's Tires for the Labor day weekend. The Michelin just came out this summer to replace their all-season Pilot line. According to Michelin, they have used several new technologies like the asymmetric read pattern and high silica compound to give summer tire performance with all-season versatility. Are Michelin's claims true or are they all just marketing jargon?
As soon as I pulled out of the tire shop, I immediately noticed that the ride and steering feel were completely transformed. Even when the Dunlaps were new, the ride on the Genesis was always a bit choppy going over larger bumps. As the OEM tires wore out, expansion joints and even smaller bumps and potholes sent unpleasant shocks through the chassis. The worst part was perhaps the bad case of bump steer the car exhibited on the worn out tires. With the fresh set of Michelins, however, just about ALL the harshness disappeared over all but the largest bumps and dips. Road noise had also substantially been reduced and the bump steer is non-existant. Just with the brand new set of tires, the car felt completely different. Although I have not pushed the car hard enough around any corners, I am confident that handling is much improved as well.
I have always been a skeptic when it comes to the importance of tires, particularly on ride quality. I always felt that the ride quality sole depended on the suspension and chassis design. Although this is still true, I can humbly say that the new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 has made a believer out of me. It combines the wet and dry traction of summer tires (traction rating = AA) with durability (wear rating = 500), ride, and noise reduction of high-end all-season grand touring tires. At roughly $200 per tire, it is certainly one of the more expensive tires in its class (compared to Pirelli P Zero Nero A/S at ~$150 and Continental ContiProContact DWS at ~$180), but the extra cost is well justifiable for the extra performance and ride improvements. I would highly recommend it to all Genesis owners out there.
I noticed that you posted the comments about your new tires about 1 month ago and was curious to see what your latest thoughts on the new tires were. I'm looking at buying a 2011 Genesis 4.6L and have read the many harsh reviews about the ride quality. My hesitation with buying the car would be greatly alleviated knowing that a simple tire change could vastly improve upon a widely known issue.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Well the new tires definitely helped but they didn't solve the ride issue completely. I believe Hyundai just did not put stiff enough springs on this car. Although that might seem counterintuitive, a lot of the harshness in ride comes from the car bottoming out because the suspension is overloaded. I've driven the 2013 model in 3.8 trim and the ride was a bit better with less tendency to crash over larger bumps. I'd recommend you test drive and see how you feel about the ride. The 2012 and on models will give you better ride and refinement so it might be worth the extra money for you. I am seriously considering installing lowering springs from Ark since those would be stiffer and supposedly improve ride and handling. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks for the reply! I've driven the car I'm thinking about purchasing and love the car, although the ride is a little harsher than I'd like. However, I have the ability to purchase this car for a REALLY good value, so if it's the matter of spending a little more on suspension upgrades, that is definitely doable. Are you at all concerned about speed bumps with the new lowering springs? I'm not 20 years old anymore and don't want to have to do the "drive over the speed bumps sideways" thing.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, are you still living in SoCal?
Yep, in SoCal.
ReplyDeleteNice! I didn't think the ride was really a big deal breaker, especially if you're already getting a good deal on the car. There are a LOT of other attributes that this car has to make up for the ride. Just yesterday, I was getting on the freeway and had to go around a big semi and it just made me smile. In just a few seconds, I left everyone behind with a distant V8 intake rumble. =)
That is one major concern I have on the lowering springs, plus it'll probably cost ~500 bucks, which is doable, but not very high priority for me at this point. In the end, I think I'd rather save the dough to go towards a proper sports car.
Thanks again for all the info. Last question, any regrets buying the car? Would you buy it again?
ReplyDelete