After doing extensive research for a couple of months I purchased a set of Kuhmo Ecsta SPT 205 50 15's for my Aerio.They will be mounted tomorrow.I will keep everyone posted on the outcome.I couldn't stand the stock tires any longer.I think Suzuki would sell more Aerio's if they were quieter and rode better.I think the tires are the culprit.I'll find out soon.Robert
I TOTALLY agree. Tire noise is the biggest complaint I have on my car. They are noisy as **** on anything but new or totally smooth pavement at freeway speeds. And I only have 3500 miles on them, while tires only get louder as they age, scary thought. I hope the Kumho SPT's are quieter for you, but I don't really see how they can be any louder. I have used Kumho 711 which is also a summer performance tire, and it was pretty loud, but it's been a few years so I don't remember exactly, plus obviously not on my Aerio. It's old tire tech though, the SPT is very new. I have Kumho Solus KH16, an H-rated all season, on my other car, and they are extremely quiet (one of the main reasons I bought them), no noise whatsoever. I also think the tires are playing a part in some of the minor rattles I have in my Aerio.
Surprisingly, I found the OE tires on a 2005 Civic to be even noisier than in the Aerio. But, a 2005 Neon was significantly quieter than either in all manner of noise at freeway speeds. The Aerio does has a fair bit of wind noise, but it's not too bad, no worse than my last car. So I will be happy if I can get rid of the ridiculous road noise. In addition to tires, I eventually plan to add dynamat type sound deadening material to the doors and floor at least, possibly elsewhere.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the SPT.
The tires are installed they look great and the ride and turn in response seem better already.I only drove a few miles on them so I can't comment on the noise yet but I understand it takes a few hundred miles for them to wear in a little before they quite down. Back soon- Robert
They used the geolanders because of the softness. The softer the tire the better the grip and handling. You wouldn't want a hard tire in the icey snowy climates, especially when taking advantage of the Aerio's AWD feature.
I replaced my Geolanders (which I loved) about a year ago with Falken Ziex, they are one of the softest tires and I have had awesome handling in the extreme weather climate of Massachusetts / New England Mountains.
Granted, I know I will have to replace my tires more often - but at least I know I will have the necessary traction I need when I need it the most.
Not to mention, not all the tire manufacturers make 195/55/R15 - So you get what you can for your money in the class that best suits your climate.
I have tried other tire brands with a harder rubber (even with some air let out of them for better traction) and found the car handles best with softer tires, overall.
Which Falkens do you have? I was looking at the ZE512 based on all the praised heaped onto them, along with the excellent price. Do you find your Falkens to be quieter than the Geolanders were?
They are the ZE512's. I love them!! They were highly recommended to me. I have not noticed a difference in the interior noise, due to the softness of the tire. I'm sure with a snow tire, a very soft rubber - you get alot of noise, no matter how you do it. The ZE512's are one of the softest in the Falken year round tires.
It's my understanding that the new 2006 aerio corrects the interior cabin noise control with sound absorbers.
I have had tires with a considerable harder rubber and longer tread life, however I do not recollect a sound difference - however I do clearly remember the lack of control I had with the BF Goodwich Traction T/A tires, these tires have a 60k warranty and during some snow flurries and a very light coating of snow - lost control going less than 10 mph!! There is something to be said here.
I love my 2004 SX with AWD, but if it's one thing I can't stand is the tires. It seems like I am adding air to the Geolanders every 4-5 days and the rims checked fine and the tires have no leaks (both professionally checked). And road noise? It is very loud. I love this car so much, but I have no faith in the Yokohamas. I too will be switching out to Kumho's as soon as I can. I've had Kumho's on three cars now (Mustang, Altima and Stratus) and in my opinion they are very solid. Only thing xetor... despite awesome handling, the ability to hold pressure, and a decent lifespan, every car I put Kumho's on only got louder. Now it may be that Geolanders stink so bad that Kumho's will improve the sound too, but I'm with you on changing them.
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