New Shoes (Tires) for the Big Mercedes

Goodyear Eagle GT on Mercedes S500

After one scary hydroplane a few months back and an increasing amount of screeching from the nearly bald tires, I finally went out and purchased a new set of Goodyear Eagle GTs for my 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500. 

I shopped around for several weeks online and checked out some of the local tire shops. In the end I went with Discount Tire after -- believe it or not -- seeing an ad on the front page of the Seattle Times for a rebate. I was able to select the tires and make an appointment at a nearby shop online the night before.

On Saturday morning, I headed over to the store in Renton, Wash., expecting to drop off the car and then pick it back up later. I was surprised to find the shop busy but efficient. The initial transaction took less than 5 minutes and the replacement took less than 45 minutes. It felt like Nascar pit crew fast compared to some of the other work I've had done.

Goodyear Eagle GT on Mercedes S500

It probably helped that I had already selected the Eagle GTs after doing some research on tire sites. They seem to be the best balance between dry and wet performance, wear and noise. I've only driven about 30 miles on them, but I'm very pleased so far. I even popped the extra $60 to get the warranty from Discount Tire, which was frivolous, but might be worth it.

Goodyear Eagle GT on Mercedes S500

With all the rain we get around here, the deep channels look comforting. I'm thinking about getting the interior detailed on the Mercedes and getting new mats to replace the decrepit originals. If I can fix an annoying fault with one of the lights that keeps nagging me, I might put off serious car shopping for another year.

Of course, if gas prices continue to go higher, I might get tired of $70-plus receipts to fill the tank with premium fuel.