Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum. I have a 2012 Honda Fit Sport Auto and I want to replace my tires. I am thinking about switching to 205-50's. Can you recommend any specific all season tires that would improve ride quality and highway stability without sacrificing any (or hopefully even improving) handling and fuel efficiency?

Thank you,
Jacob

 

I changed my stock 185-55/16 Dunlops for Kumho Ecsta 4X 205-50/16's. They get a good rating on Tire Rack and I have been happy with them. Others in the forum like the Continentals, but I think the Kumho's are quite good for the money. Wet performance has been excellent. I can't speak for winter snow driving because I switch to Blizzaks in the winter.

 

Thank you for your response Rampo. Did you notice any changes in ride/stability, handling or mpg's?

 

Many here seem to jump on the Continental DWS bandwagon, and my parents recently replaced their OEM tires for these on their GE8, but I think they're highly overrated.

On my GE8, I replaced my OEMs with 205/50 Kuhmo 4Xs, which are a great value, no noticeable compromise in FE and reduces body roll due to their stiff sidewalls, though make for more of a brittle ride over bumps.

I now have Michelin's new A/S3s, (205/50), and they are one of the best tires I've ever had, so far anyway. The word I continually mutter out loud while carving mountain roads in these is "sublime". Great steering feel, line accuracy and grip, and they absorb bumps very well, mitigating a lot of the sharpness over bumps, yet they make the car a cinch to drive compared to the Conti DWS, which seem nervous and not as plush over bumps. In the snow, I compared these 2 tires and to my surprise they are about the same in terms of traction and stability in snow. Still, neither are great in snow. If you don't jump on the Conti DWS bandwagon, you will thank me for the Michelin A/S3 recommendation if you decide to go with them.

 

I forgot to say that I am currently on the OEM Dunlaps. The Michelins sound like exactly what I'm looking for. The full name is Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3? The Kuhmo's sound good too except for the brittler ride.

 

I would agree with CrystalFiveMT's assessment on the Kumho's. Compared with the stock Dunlops, the ride did firm up. The road noise decreased. As I previously reported, wet handling was much improved. Gas mileage did decrease somewhat, but nothing objectionable. Some of the mileage decrease could have been attributed to the increased road holding that allowed me to drive more aggressively.

 

I kept the same size and went with Yokohama Avids. I can't speak for handling because I drive kind of gently (and the weather's been crap since I got them) but they are quieter and it seems to be about 3% better mileage, but that's just an estimation, I can't guarantee my driving has been exactly the same.