Un Cachito

Cameron's Links

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• CNN
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• America First Credit Union WebAccess

On Saturday, I went and bought a new set of tires. I haven't had them for long now, but have been relatively happy with them in the few tests I've put them through. I just noticed that Goodyear (who's probably a little biased) also gave them good marks in most categories. Mine are the Assurance model at the top.I bought them at Discount Tire, who I've patronized for years and who I generally trust. I also visited Les Scwab (who I've used also), but decided on Discount, partly because I had a coupon for $50 off. But anyway, I was looking for a passenger all-season tire. There is a special Michelin model that came with my car, but replacements were fairly expensive ($179/tire). Since I need traction in snow and ice, as well as on dry pavement at high speeds :), this Assurance was the recommendation (at $117/tire). I was also told they were pretty quiet, which mattered to me.Well, my first experience, driving home, was pleasant as the tires were pretty quiet, solid and comfortable. The roads were a little wet, but there was no problem with traction (didn't expect there to be). Over the weekend, I found some dry pavement with corners, and took that as an invitation to corner at relatively high speeds. My previous set of tires (worn down and needing replacement), would squeal and I was happy to hear nothing as I cornered. There was also no slippage or fishtailing (note that I don't have a performance car, so this isn't an extreme test). Then today I was happy to wake up to snow and slush, taking it as my next road-test invitation. I tried some quick cornering as well as hard stopping. Again, there was no slippage, with the understandable exception of my anti-lock brakes engaging. The tires held fast. The only ding I'd give them is that as I traveled on the freeway for a while yesterday, they were a little noiser than I had hoped for. Not too bad, but I'd like them to be quieter. It looks like Goodyear admits that as well. However, I do get a $40 cash card from Goodyear and, mixed with the $50 back from Discount, isn't too bad of a deal. The biggest noise maker on my car is still my roof-rack (for my bike), so if I take that off for the winter, I think I'll be happy on noise as well. Also, as we start to get real snow and ice, I'll be able to really test their traction.