Advice Required...Please respond

[artkozak1]

So, as some of you may already know...I purchased a set of Motegi MR118 size 17 with a 45mm offset.



After purchasing them my first task was to decide what size tires I will wrap them with. I decided to go with 205/45/17.

The next task was to determine what brand of tire I wanted. Since I live in Philadelphia and travel to Ohio (hometown) during the winter, I decided to go with All Season Tires. I narrowed it down to three choices:

1. Kumho Ecsta 4X ultra high performance all season with a 88w rating.
2. General G-Max AS-03 ultra high performance all season with a 88w rating.
3. Goodyear Eagle GT high performance all season with a 88v rating.

I found them all on Tirerack and they all had great reviews. Anyone ever own any of the above? If so, impressions?

Next, I had to figure out where I wanted to go to get the tires mounted, balanced, etc...

I narrowed it down to two choices:

1. Firestone- I would have to bring everything and they could mount, balance and install tpms for a total of 100 dollars.

2. Local Rim Shop- I would bring in the wheels and the tires and they could install everything for 315 dollars.

Comparing the two options I selected, Firestone would be end up being several dollars cheaper than going to the local custom rim shop. However, I would have to purchase 4 centering rings and the lug nuts if I went that route. The 315 quote from the rim shop includes the required centering rings, installing the tpms, balancing, mounting, disposal and lug nuts.

So, I am left scratching my head. If I select to go to the rim shop, all I would have to do is purchase the tires. If I go with Firestone, I will have to purchase centering rings and the lug nuts which I will most likely get from Tirerack. Firestone offers free balancing and tire rotations. Not sure if the rim shop would offer that. However, the rim shop will most likely know what they are doing for that is their specialty.

Suggestions/advice?

[emotionCRZ]

I'd go to Firestone. You can get the lug nuts and hub centric rings for cheap. Also try looking on Tire Racks site, they list recommended installers in your area..

http://www.tirerack.com/installer/index.jsp

[CR-Z Canadian]

No Continental Extreme Contact DWS on your list?
Just wondering.
For me, it is between those and the Generals.

Since you didn't get the tires from Firestone (unless your local franchisee can also get you one of those makes), you probably don't get a warranty. If you go for the Goodyears, there are lots of authorized vendors from whom you can probably get a nationwide warranty???

I like the free balancing and rotation.

Just trying to make your decision more complex!

[wkqkqkfk]

I would stay away from Conti DWS. the tires somewhat low end of what they are making and they will wear down so fast not like what they are rated at. I had Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105 All seasons on mine and it was amazing tire. you can get them for $400 minus $100 rebates sometimes discont tire direct have them. I purchased Hankook Ventus V2 H437 for my next tire (more all season type than V4, it has higher mileage rating) from discount tire direct for $300 for set of 4 + free shipping when they had July 1st promo.
oh the size I bought was 215 45 17