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Getting new snows mounted today...
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Expert
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 27,196
Likes: 2
From: Lexington, MA
Getting new snows mounted today...
after 3 seasons (two full and 2 half winters), it is time to replcae the Dunlop M3s. They still have just under 5/32" tread left, but they have totally lost their bite in the snow.
I have opted for the "updated" Dunlop 3D instead, and also went narrower 235 instead of the 255 for better grip (the 255s tended to float on top of the deep stuff). Tire Rack FTW! Ordered them Thursday, they arrived at the tire shop yesterday. Why buy tires anywhere else???
And YES, I am getting a 4-wheel alignment to see if that was the issue with the rear summer tire wear. I will post those numbers when the shop gives me the results of the alingnment.
Now I just need some more snow to break these new tires in!!!
I have opted for the "updated" Dunlop 3D instead, and also went narrower 235 instead of the 255 for better grip (the 255s tended to float on top of the deep stuff). Tire Rack FTW! Ordered them Thursday, they arrived at the tire shop yesterday. Why buy tires anywhere else???
And YES, I am getting a 4-wheel alignment to see if that was the issue with the rear summer tire wear. I will post those numbers when the shop gives me the results of the alingnment.
Now I just need some more snow to break these new tires in!!!
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,010
Likes: 192
From: Olney, MD
Only reason to buy elsewhere is price and road hazard warranty.
IF you could have gotten the tire you wanted from Discount Tire Direct, you could have gotten an unlimited road hazard warranty.
No tread depth pro-rata, etc.
Yes, TR is good for what they do...however, they show no flexibility in matching DTC's prices or warranty.
I've said before on this board that I've replaced at least 8 tires through DTC damaged by nails or blistered sidewalls (curbage counts...I've also got the rim repair receipts!) with none or little backtalk from DTD.
245/55-17 Dunlop M3 $199 at DTC....102H 850kg, H speed
235/45-17 Dunlop 3D $151 at TR...97V--730kg, Vspeed
Great price at Tire Rack for a V-rated tire, slightly less speed rating (although 130 is sufficient for winter IMHO)..the $50 per tire increase in price, 200/set, is probably enough to justify TR over DTD unless you tend to destroy tires/wheels (my wife will bend 4 rims per year!!).
I think it's very interesting that Dunlop is pricing the 3D so low relative to Dunlop's previous tire series...if anything it ought to be the other way around/closeout.
No tread depth pro-rata, etc.
Yes, TR is good for what they do...however, they show no flexibility in matching DTC's prices or warranty.
I've said before on this board that I've replaced at least 8 tires through DTC damaged by nails or blistered sidewalls (curbage counts...I've also got the rim repair receipts!) with none or little backtalk from DTD.
245/55-17 Dunlop M3 $199 at DTC....102H 850kg, H speed
235/45-17 Dunlop 3D $151 at TR...97V--730kg, Vspeed
Great price at Tire Rack for a V-rated tire, slightly less speed rating (although 130 is sufficient for winter IMHO)..the $50 per tire increase in price, 200/set, is probably enough to justify TR over DTD unless you tend to destroy tires/wheels (my wife will bend 4 rims per year!!).
I think it's very interesting that Dunlop is pricing the 3D so low relative to Dunlop's previous tire series...if anything it ought to be the other way around/closeout.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Expert
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 27,196
Likes: 2
From: Lexington, MA
I looked at Discount Tire Direct, and they did not have the tire I wanted...
...I would have considered it depending on the difference if they have the model/size I wanted. 245-55-17 is too big for my 4.2
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,010
Likes: 192
From: Olney, MD
Yup. Excellent price too1
I compared the M3 and the 3D on TR's website, not a whole lot of difference. $50 a tire is significant, though!!
Over 6 million M3 and around 1million 3Ds bought...the 3D seems to have a higher grade/satisfaction rating. I gotta question the Pirelli 210 sotto zero rank as first however, with Michelin Pilot Alpin so far down the list.
Over 6 million M3 and around 1million 3Ds bought...the 3D seems to have a higher grade/satisfaction rating. I gotta question the Pirelli 210 sotto zero rank as first however, with Michelin Pilot Alpin so far down the list.
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I get Discount Tire to match TR shipped prices and they will sell you a road hazard warranty on any
tire. Even if you didn't buy it from them. they just have to be full tread depth and not damaged already. Price of warranty is determined by price of tire, usually $10-15/tire.
It's really nice having Discount Tire retail stores all over the place here in MI. They are also the only shops in the area that have Hunter road force balance machines.
It's really nice having Discount Tire retail stores all over the place here in MI. They are also the only shops in the area that have Hunter road force balance machines.
