Just put on some new tires to replace the existing Michelin Cross Terrain's.
The Cross Terrains were "good" tires. With a 5,000 5-way tire rotation, they lasted 62,000+ miles. They weren't down to the wear bars so could have gone another 5,000-10,000 miles. But I did get a 1" long chunk plastic/epoxy in one, taking it out.
When tires get worn, their wet (rain/snow) performance drops. I used to do 50MPH comfortably in R2 chain conditions in the Sierra's (US 50). But after 60k miles - the tires began to slip and fishtail in certain sections. Losing control puts you comfortably into the mountain or uncomfortable off a cliff into a river.
So, using the Cross Terrains as the comparison after 250+ miles.
Got the tires installed at Adds Wheel Warehouse in Sunnyvale CA. They had the road force balancer and I was done in less than 1.5 hours (went to get lunch and they were done when I came back). Cost was $15/ea + $2 for tire disposal fee. Kept the best tire as a spare (only ordered 4) and they were smart enough to mount the black side out (OWL on the inside) with me forgetting to tell them.
Apologies to the other 4Runner drivers who I blasted past last night
The Cross Terrains were "good" tires. With a 5,000 5-way tire rotation, they lasted 62,000+ miles. They weren't down to the wear bars so could have gone another 5,000-10,000 miles. But I did get a 1" long chunk plastic/epoxy in one, taking it out.
When tires get worn, their wet (rain/snow) performance drops. I used to do 50MPH comfortably in R2 chain conditions in the Sierra's (US 50). But after 60k miles - the tires began to slip and fishtail in certain sections. Losing control puts you comfortably into the mountain or uncomfortable off a cliff into a river.
So, using the Cross Terrains as the comparison after 250+ miles.
Looks: Larger, more aggressive lugs.
Noise: Highway noise is *maybe* 1-2 decibels than the Cross Terrains.
Wet road & puddles in the SF Bay Area: Same (no problem)
Fit: 275/65R18 is larger by ~1.6" than the 265/60R18's. There is a little rubbing on the UCA and the front bumper liner. Not enough to cause worry, just a little noise with a 1" long clean spot on the UCA when it does rub.
Snow: This is what REALLY matters to me. Getting to Tahoe with chain controls in place is a matter of patience. With the prior tires, I'd feel comfortable doing 50MPH on US 50. Last night I was hitting 65 MPH (except for that 30MPH section which goes R->L->R->L at 6000' which I did at 30MPH with the falling snow)
I didn't clear the driveway last weekend and drove over 1.5' of snow (need to get off the street to open the garage door and get the snow thrower). Went both forward and back 70'. I high centered last time with ~6" more so didn't want to take the chance.
Went down to the ski lodges parking lots with ~1' of snow to see how wild I could get (Boulder and Stagecoach lodges). These tires held traction VERY well.
Noise: Highway noise is *maybe* 1-2 decibels than the Cross Terrains.
Wet road & puddles in the SF Bay Area: Same (no problem)
Fit: 275/65R18 is larger by ~1.6" than the 265/60R18's. There is a little rubbing on the UCA and the front bumper liner. Not enough to cause worry, just a little noise with a 1" long clean spot on the UCA when it does rub.
Snow: This is what REALLY matters to me. Getting to Tahoe with chain controls in place is a matter of patience. With the prior tires, I'd feel comfortable doing 50MPH on US 50. Last night I was hitting 65 MPH (except for that 30MPH section which goes R->L->R->L at 6000' which I did at 30MPH with the falling snow)
I didn't clear the driveway last weekend and drove over 1.5' of snow (need to get off the street to open the garage door and get the snow thrower). Went both forward and back 70'. I high centered last time with ~6" more so didn't want to take the chance.
Went down to the ski lodges parking lots with ~1' of snow to see how wild I could get (Boulder and Stagecoach lodges). These tires held traction VERY well.
Got the tires installed at Adds Wheel Warehouse in Sunnyvale CA. They had the road force balancer and I was done in less than 1.5 hours (went to get lunch and they were done when I came back). Cost was $15/ea + $2 for tire disposal fee. Kept the best tire as a spare (only ordered 4) and they were smart enough to mount the black side out (OWL on the inside) with me forgetting to tell them.
Apologies to the other 4Runner drivers who I blasted past last night
