2003 Chevy Astro
215/70R16
After some soft research (internet searching), I have narrowed my choice for All-Season tires to either:
*Bridgestone Dueler Alenza, or
*Michelin LTX M/S
There may be other superior possibilities, but based on local availability and preferences, these are my choices.
I do no off-road driving. In fact, no "spirited" driving, either. Very soft, smooth, and conservative. I do want safety. In my location, it rains a lot. More than Seattle. Some of the roads have what I would describe as depressed tracks that can collect water. So, I want good wet road traction. Also have to deal with frequent, usually wet, snow (actually more like slush). Comfort is important after safety. I'd like to float down the street on a silent cloud. Would also like to maximize gas mileage. Don't care about performance (as in high speed, or cornering, or off-roading, etc.). Cost is also only a secondary consideration. I do want to deal with a local, brick & mortar business. That restricts my universe of choice severely, so, although I would appreciate the intent, please let's stick to the above two choices
.
I have consulted Consumer Reports to assist with comparison. Figured I can apply my own weighting to their factors. Their latest LT/SUV tire ratings (11/04) include the Michelin LTX, but not the Alenza (only an older Dueler model). Looking at the older Dueler ratings, it appears to me that the Bridgestone and the Michelin are similar in functional characteristics, but may differ in comfort (edge to Michelin) and gas mileage (edge to Bridgestone).
The unkowns are how the new Dueler Alenza differs from the older Dueler H/T D684. Perhaps, the noise and comfort have increased, while the superior rolling resistance is retained. For me, this would make the Dueler Alenza the clear choice. If not, perhaps the LTX M/S, purchased through Costco, would be a better value proposition.
There are many rave reviews for both of these tires at tirerack.com. There are certainly more reviews for the LTX, and they are uniformly glowing. But the LTX is an older product, and therefore an older design and older technology. I emailed Michelin to inquire whether the design had changed at all since the Consumer Report article of 11/04. They were kind enough to reply, and told me that the LTX has not changed. The Alenza, on the other hand, is a much newer design and although having fewer reviews at Tiere Rack, it seems that the reviewers are very, very positive for wet and snow conditions, and some specifically mention improved gas mileage.
Regarding gas mileage, I don't know how to interpret Consumer Report's ratings that show the Dueler with 'Excellent' rolling resistance, and the LTX with 'Very Good' rolling resistance. In the first place, I don't know what kind of percentage difference (all other things being equal) may be ascribed to the two tires. In the second place, I don't know how the new Dueler Alenza may be different from the CR-reviewed Dueler H/T D684.
So, I solicit any comments regarding how these two tires might contrast, especially in terms of wet/snow driving, gas mileage, and comfort (noise and smoothness).
Thank yoy for any thoughts or experiences.
Regards,
DG
215/70R16
After some soft research (internet searching), I have narrowed my choice for All-Season tires to either:
*Bridgestone Dueler Alenza, or
*Michelin LTX M/S
There may be other superior possibilities, but based on local availability and preferences, these are my choices.
I do no off-road driving. In fact, no "spirited" driving, either. Very soft, smooth, and conservative. I do want safety. In my location, it rains a lot. More than Seattle. Some of the roads have what I would describe as depressed tracks that can collect water. So, I want good wet road traction. Also have to deal with frequent, usually wet, snow (actually more like slush). Comfort is important after safety. I'd like to float down the street on a silent cloud. Would also like to maximize gas mileage. Don't care about performance (as in high speed, or cornering, or off-roading, etc.). Cost is also only a secondary consideration. I do want to deal with a local, brick & mortar business. That restricts my universe of choice severely, so, although I would appreciate the intent, please let's stick to the above two choices
I have consulted Consumer Reports to assist with comparison. Figured I can apply my own weighting to their factors. Their latest LT/SUV tire ratings (11/04) include the Michelin LTX, but not the Alenza (only an older Dueler model). Looking at the older Dueler ratings, it appears to me that the Bridgestone and the Michelin are similar in functional characteristics, but may differ in comfort (edge to Michelin) and gas mileage (edge to Bridgestone).
The unkowns are how the new Dueler Alenza differs from the older Dueler H/T D684. Perhaps, the noise and comfort have increased, while the superior rolling resistance is retained. For me, this would make the Dueler Alenza the clear choice. If not, perhaps the LTX M/S, purchased through Costco, would be a better value proposition.
There are many rave reviews for both of these tires at tirerack.com. There are certainly more reviews for the LTX, and they are uniformly glowing. But the LTX is an older product, and therefore an older design and older technology. I emailed Michelin to inquire whether the design had changed at all since the Consumer Report article of 11/04. They were kind enough to reply, and told me that the LTX has not changed. The Alenza, on the other hand, is a much newer design and although having fewer reviews at Tiere Rack, it seems that the reviewers are very, very positive for wet and snow conditions, and some specifically mention improved gas mileage.
Regarding gas mileage, I don't know how to interpret Consumer Report's ratings that show the Dueler with 'Excellent' rolling resistance, and the LTX with 'Very Good' rolling resistance. In the first place, I don't know what kind of percentage difference (all other things being equal) may be ascribed to the two tires. In the second place, I don't know how the new Dueler Alenza may be different from the CR-reviewed Dueler H/T D684.
So, I solicit any comments regarding how these two tires might contrast, especially in terms of wet/snow driving, gas mileage, and comfort (noise and smoothness).
Thank yoy for any thoughts or experiences.
Regards,
DG
