Best tires for 2010 LTZ with 18" rims?

[nick2010MalibuLTZ]

I am shopping for tires, size 225/50/18, for my 2010 LTZ. Anyone bought tires they really liked? I know I'm staying away from the Goodyear Eagle LS2s.

Looking at:

Falken PT722
Michelin Hydroedge
Michelin Primacy MXM4
Michelin Pilot Sport 2
Michelin Pilot Super Sport (read great reviews on these)
General GMax AS-03
General Altimax RT
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS

I just want to further update I will only be using these in dry and rainy weather, because I have dedicated winter 17" rims/tires. I would like a good tire that's pretty quiet and handles well, along with good tread wear. That might be too much to ask but I'll try.

Thanks!

[SeaRay245se]

Why staying away from the Goodyears? I had them on my impala and loved them,they wore out a little fast in my opinion but the traction and handling was great.

[DrivenDaily]

Most of the comments on this forum about the stock GY Eagle LS2 tires, including mine, say they're junk.

Mine would do only okay when dry and convert to dangerous when the roads were anything other than dry. I've driven many years and they were the worst tires I've ever had, bar none, including the slicks I used to run on my '66 Chevy II.

To make a suggestion, there are a number of comments from other users that Michelin MXM4 do quite well. If you search the forum you'll find numerous other posts with recommendations and cautions.

[nick2010MalibuLTZ]

Originally Posted by DrivenDaily

Most of the comments on this forum about the stock GY Eagle LS2 tires, including mine, say they're junk.

Mine would do only okay when dry and convert to dangerous when the roads were anything other than dry. I've driven many years and they were the worst tires I've ever had, bar none, including the slicks I used to run on my '66 Chevy II.

To make a suggestion, there are a number of comments from other users that Michelin MXM4 do quite well. If you search the forum you'll find numerous other posts with recommendations and cautions.

Right, I have read multiple comments that say the LS2s are junk. I will look into the MXM4s. I also was researching the Falken PT722, looks like a good tire.

[cp-the-nerd]

MXM4 is better for the V6.

For the 4-cylinder, the MXV4 is a better match. Michelin does not make a bad tire as far as I'm concerned. The new Michelin Defender or the tried and true Hydroedge (which is on clearance wherever you can still find them) both offer excellent foul weather grip, as well as great dry weather ride and handling.

Continental is also a good brand of tire.

[nick2010MalibuLTZ]

I will see if I can find a price and availability on the MXM4s and the Hydroedge.

I just want to further update I will only be using these in dry and rainy weather, because I have dedicated winter 17" rims/tires.

[DrivenDaily]

Then consider the Michelin Pilot Sport 2. They're not for winter and they supposedly hold like glue. I was thinking about getting them but I don't have winter tires and it snows here, sometimes a little, sometimes a lot.

So my aim is to get some MXM4's sometime this year.

[09LT2]

I would get the Defenders. 90,000 mile warranty and they will ride the best. You have no need for MXM4 or MXV4 as you have a 4-cylinder sedan, unless you drive very aggressive. The defender would suit you best. IMO stay away from Continental, I don't see much good coming from them.

[cp-the-nerd]

Originally Posted by 09LT2

I would get the Defenders. 90,000 mile warranty and they will ride the best. You have no need for MXM4 or MXV4 as you have a 4-cylinder sedan, unless you drive very aggressive. The defender would suit you best. IMO stay away from Continental, I don't see much good coming from them.

Defenders are pointless, he added to his post that he has dedicated winter tires. MXV4s would be great for the 4-cylinder, if he even wants all-season capability.

Since he said he has winter tires, I'd go with Michelin Pilot Sports.

Why don't you like Continentals? They're a great brand.

[09LT2]

Defenders are not for winter, they are all seasons. They are extremely quiet and the most mileage for your $$$. Why does he need MXV4's or Pilot Sports on a 4 cylinder family car? I sell tires for a living, please explain.

Pilot sports are for fast, sport handling cars who need to grip the road at high speeds around corners. They have very low mileage guarantee (to lazy to look up right now lol).

Yes, I do like the MXV4, I have a set that came on my wife's G6. They are a nice tire but I would think he would want higher mileage for the same or less cost? Unless he drives very aggressive then yes he might want to look at the MXV4. Pilot sports are highly unnecessary for the Malibu. G8 or Camaro...sure.

As far as Continental, I see a lot of separations with their tires. The belts break in them a lot. Now, this is my own experience and I'm not hating on them, just my opinion.