Why you should consider other tires if you drive in this particular type of weather.
Website: www.yokohamatire.com/tires/avid-touring-s
Earlier last week I came across a Slickdeals deal on a set of Yokohama Avid Touring-S tires in 185/65/R15 for less than $100 out the door.
Since that was the exact size for our family’s Corolla CE, and I’ve heard of Yokohama, a Tier-2 tire before, it was a no-brainer putting in my Credit Card number and clicking order.
Shortly after, I decided to find out just what kind of tires I bought, and I can’t say my research didn’t turn up some concerning points I’m sharing with you know.
I’ll update this blog post once I install them with my first impressions and at mileage milestones but for now, here’s what I found out.
Where are Yokohama tires made
Influenced by Initial D animes and JDM car culture with Yokohama’s popular Advan lineup, I just assumed all Yokohama tires were made in Japan.
Well, egg on my face as I learned that most Yokohamas sold in the United States are made in the United States.
Yokohama has two tire factories in Salem, VA and West Point, MO.
Here’s a “Made in U.S.A.” stamp on an Avid Touring-S I found on eBay.
Rest assured when you buy Yokohama you’re buying American made, supporting Americans and their families.
The same can’t be said for other value tire brands and models.
Yokohama Avid Touring-S Specs and Pros
Avid Touring-Ss are part of the AVID series, Yokohamas bread-and-butter all-season offerings that include the Avid Touring-S, Ascend LX, Envigor ZPS, and Ascend GP.
Touring-S is the bottom of the totem pole in the AVID lineup on par with Bridgestone Ecopias and General Atlimax RT43s.
Touring-Ss come in 14″,15″,16″, and 17″ sizes from 195/70/14 to 235/65/17, pretty much the small car to crossover market.
They come with a 620 UTQG Rating with a 65,000 mile warranty.
Here are the Avid Touring-S’s features and benefits.
As the features and benefits show, this tire can supposedly do it all, providing a quiet ride while offering decent wet and dry weather grip.
Yokohama Avid Touring-S Cons
You have to take tire reviews with a grain of salt as you get both side of the satisfaction spectrum. That being said there were two concerning cons worth pointing out.
I got my reviews from Tire Rack.
Concerning wet weather performance
Several Avid Touring-S reviews noted how bad they are in the wet and snow.
“Dry traction is sub par and wet traction is nearly none existent. Even moderate throttle application will cause wheel/tire spin. These tires constantly hydroplaned and slid all over the road even at slower speeds. No one else on the highway appeared to have the same issue. I didn’t think I was able to get back home without crashing,” said a 1991 Mazda MPV owner from February 1, 2016
“Did not handle rain and hydroplaning as well, definitely more careful and concerned during rain. Actually did hydroplane and get into accident towards end of wear. Not fun,” said an ’05 Civic owner on May 22, 2014″
Don’t last 65,000 miles.
Another potential con is these tires don’t last as long as they claim.
“After only 25,000 miles of mainly city driving they are shot and need to be replaced,” said a 2007 Honda Fit owner from May 2023.
“Tires lasted 40K at best, lousy in the corners, constant loss of traction when accelerating from a stop. They are soft and quiet so that’s a plus. I wouldn’t buy again,” said a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan owner from November of 2018.
“After 20,000 miles mostly highway easy going driving I had to replace two tires. Wet traction was poor,” said a 2007 Honda Odyssey owner from July 12, 2017.
Again, tire wear is dependent on what kind of tire but also how well you maintain them, keep them at the proper pressure, and if you rotate them which, I can’t confirm from reviews alone.
There were plenty of reviews where they lasted up to and beyond 65,000 so YMMV, literally.
My personal experience and review
Stay tuned for my first impressions and updates at 5,000 miles and etc.
Should you buy Yokohama Avid Touring-S tires?
Generally, I’d recommend these tires to anyone as they’re made in the United States from a reputable tire company.
Plus, the Avid Touring-S comes with a warranty with clear instructions how to redeem your new, pro-rated discount if and when they drastically don’t even come close to its 65,000 mile claim.
However, if you live in a place that gets a lot of rain like Washington or Florida or snow like Minnesota, and/or you commute on wet roads a lot, I wouldn’t recommend these to you.
I’ve e-mailed Yokohama re: their supposed poor wet weather performance but have yet to hear back from them.
