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I have a 2008 Honda Accord Euro sedan which I purchased new. It has now done 55000kms and is up for a new set of tyres. We live rurally and have always considered that the original tyres were quite noisy for NZ roads. What brand of tyre would you recommend as replacements ? The current tyres are Yokohama DB Decibel E70 225/50 R17.
Many Thanks

It's fair to say that NZ course chip roads cause quite a lot of road noise whatever tyres you use, especially on 17 inch low profile tyres.
If you want to stay with an OE brand, the Accord also came on Bridgestones, which may be quieter. We're told the Bridgestone Ecopia (while not the specific tyre that the Accord came from the factory on, but the same brand) is a particularly quiet tyre and well is suited to the Accord.
Rear alignment can also be an issue with the Accord, that can potentially lead to tyre noise.

In your tyre size, Bridgestone RE050 tyres are also a great option. They have slightly softer sidewalls which help to damper the imperfections in the road and minimise road noise. They are about $900 for a set on trademe, or about $250 retail each.

Bridgestone tyres were also the type fitted to alot of NZ new Hondas as well.