Car Tyres

[matt]

I'm just about to buy a couple of new tyres for my car and thought I would do more research than usual. The manufacturers descriptions pretty much all use varying words to say the same thing (i.e. all the "safety" things you want to hear about a tyre) and some perhaps add in a little extra USP like "quiet".

Then there are the reviews by motorists. I thought there would be the usual mix of those products that are universally disliked, those where there is a mixed bag, and then the cream that most people love. Not with tyres so far... Every single one tyres I read reviews on seems to have polar opposite views about it's performance - "great grip in the wet" v. "very poor wet grip".

I think I might just stick with Continentals . :shock:

 

[jlawrence]

The thing with tyres is that their performance will varying massively based on a) your driving style, and b) the car you're putting them on.

 

[RogerS]

Is there a drivers forum for your vehicle?

 

[matt]

Is there a drivers forum for your vehicle?

Quite likely there is. The brand and series does seem to attract petrolheads, although the recommendations on a forum might relate more to the coupe and/or "M" versions rather than the more practical Touring... Good call though, I'll do some checking.

 

[devonwoody]

I think the tyre trade sucks.

Some countries sell tyres with a mileage guarantee, example guaranteed 20K.

I think the EU could get my vote for a change if they enforced something like that.

 

[RogerS]

I think the tyre trade sucks.

Some countries sell tyres with a mileage guarantee, example guaranteed 20K.

I think the EU could get my vote for a change if they enforced something like that.

It's your bad driving, dw :wink: All those wheelies and emergency stops

 

[devonwoody]

No Roger its driving behind you, you and your carbon emission conscience careful driving tactics.

 

[Dibs-h]

Is there a drivers forum for your vehicle?

Quite likely there is. The brand and series does seem to attract petrolheads, although the recommendations on a forum might relate more to the coupe and/or "M" versions rather than the more practical Touring... Good call though, I'll do some checking.

Take it your not on runflats then! I suspect alot of posts on those sorts of forums are from folks who need to get a life and realise it's only a car.:roll:

To be honest I've just stuck to one of the bigger brands and too some degree ended up with a range of brands\models that I've relatively happy with.

For example on the "other" car, Pirelli P-Zero or something similar. I'd be happy to sacrifice longevity for a softer compound tyre (i.e. better grip). On that car I've had Fulda Extremo's and they are good too(softer compound). Bu that's a RWD and it isn't for tootling about.

On the Daily car - at the moment it's got some budget tyres (but that's what it came with). But when they need replacing - I've a got full set of Pirelli P-Zeros, but that's only because I needed 1 alloy and I ended up buying a set of 4 with 1 week old tyres (owner upgraded to 18") for less that what the alloys were worth. Normally on the daily car - Firestone, Bridgestone, Hancook or similar - depending on what the shop has in and if an offer is on.

I'll probably sell the spare set or probably put some proper winter tyres on them.

 

[RogerS]

My Hyundai Santa Fe comes with Bridgstones. As a working 4x4 there has to be a compromise between driving down rutted farm tracks and gripping in the wet on normal roads. The ABS kicks in far too early IMO and I put that down to the tyres. Having watched the Santa Fe's in the Swedish Wallender there certainly are some much better tyres out there especially when it comes to snow and ice.

 

[Loz_S]

I found this tyre test from Auto Express last year to be very comprehensive.

It allows you to review all of the brands and pick out the tyre that suits you based on your requirements not just a simplistic ranking.

AutoExpress 2009

 

[devonwoody]

Thanks Loz.

I have book marked it.