Beginning in the 1960s I had (key word: had) been impressed with Michelin tires. But something in the quality changed. None of the Michelin tires I've bought over the last 15 years were worth the price paid. At every purchase, years apart, I just thought that the past Michelin purchases of bad quality tires were flukes. Then, in 1998 I bought a new Honda Accord LX sedan equipped with Michelin Energy MXV4 tires. The tires wore ok, but the car always had a very slight pull to the right that could not be corrected with alignments, rotating, air pressures, and what ever else I did. My wife didn't notice, but I did. The very slight pull was a very slight pain. The tires were also a danger on wet surfaces and easy to hydroplane.
I traded the '98 for a new 2000 Accord with the same tires and same pull problem. I went thru the same scenario. Alignments, rotating...nothing would stop the pull. Other Honda Accord drivers voiced the same problems in various forums, but no one had a definitive cause or solution. The wet traction on these Michelins was also nonexistant and easily hydroplaned.
I bought another new Honda Accord in 2004. EX-V6. Great car. Again, GREAT CAR AND A PLEASURE TO DRIVE. Again, essentially the same Michelin tires, updated to "Plus". And, yes, it pulled to the right. My wife always said that she didn't notice the pull on any of the Accords. In addition to the pull, the Michelins on the '04 Accord developed bulges without any insult of our making to the tire. At about $196.00 per crappy tire, I was done with Michelins and could hardly wait to change tires. But, I had to get some value out of them, so they stayed on for a bit longer. Also no wet traction and hydroplaning.
Enter Bridgestone
A few months ago I began web researching tires, looking for ones with high marks in tread wear, handling, wet traction, and good reviews from tire owners. I found the solution. Bridgestone Potenza G019-Grid tires. A set of four ended the problems I'd been having. My wife then said she could perceive a difference. Aha! That's what I've been talking about. The Potenza G019 Grid is Bridgestone's High Performance All-Season tire. I now have about 3,000+ miles on these tires and they have been worth every hard-earned penny at HALF the price of way overpriced Michelins. Great handling, no pulling to any side, and no hydroplaning, even at interstate speeds. The difference is amazing. BRIDGESTONE!
