MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: andrewparker on August 31, 2010, 09:02:54 am
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Hi guys, I'm looking to buy a new set of tyres and had decided on the Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas. I've ran them before so know they offer great performance, and value. However for not a lot more I could buy Goodyear Eagle F1s. I've read rave reviews for them, but I've also heard of 'issues' running them on a MK5.
What are these issues and has anyone experienced them?
Oh, and before anyone mentions PS3s, I'm running them on my 17s at the moment so I'm fully aware how good they are, but sadly at £140 a corner at the moment they're just too expensive.
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I've only got direct personal experience of the GY F1 Asymmetrics (3 pairs) and it's nothing but positive about their performance. However, I was very frustrated by their lack of supply earlier this year.
I don't know how the Vreds compare but reports are excellent with the only practical negative I've heard being that they need to warm up to work best.
I've used the GY through a season of extremely heavy rain and on track days at Nurburgring (Nordschleife and GP circuits) and a wet day at Spa where I lost count of my laps after 15 but was overtaking most other cars in the wet because they were running slicker tyres. What surprises me most is that they don't lose as much grip as I expected when the tread diminishes. Best tyre by far for me so far but will try the PS3's next. The GY's are quite long lasting too and confidence inspiring in the dry.
EDIT:
I drive about 20k a year on all kinds of roads... Well, all except country 'C' roads which are only one car width and have a ridge in the centre!
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Like RR has said I too have only had F1 Asymetrics and cant say anything bad about them. Be plenty of reviews on the sites you can order from.
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I reckon it may be a close call between the F1's and Vreds rather than one standing out strongly against the other. This thread needs input from more than one driver (with a GTI/Ed30) who has used both tyres.
Asymmetric treads are definitely better than directionals in my experience - Better performing, better grip.
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The difference in the two tyres is negligible if you look at all the reports. Vredesteins will not last quite as long as the GYEF1's, but that is reflected in the price difference. Usually 10% less distance onthe VUS's but they cost around 10% less. :smiley:
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The difference in the two tyres is negligible if you look at all the reports. Vredesteins will not last quite as long as the GYEF1's, but that is reflected in the price difference. Usually 10% less distance onthe VUS's but they cost around 10% less. :smiley:
That's spot on regarding the cost, at the moment I'm looking at £424 plays £472. One of the things that disappointed me most about the Vreds was the wear rate - I got about 8000 miles out if my fronts.
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I too love my Goodyear F1's, but I am also near the end of life on them, and fancy trying PS3's
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The only negative I can think of for the F1s is that traction isn't great in very cold weather. Bear in mind that the F1 is a summer tyre and Goodyear themselves acknowledege this Achille's heel in their literature.
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@ bacillus:
When you say "very cold weather" do you mean anything sub zero?
I must admit I tend to drive slower and with extra care when my dashboard display shows low temperatures, and also my TyreSure tyre temperature monitor shows low numbers.
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The difference in the two tyres is negligible if you look at all the reports. Vredesteins will not last quite as long as the GYEF1's, but that is reflected in the price difference. Usually 10% less distance onthe VUS's but they cost around 10% less. :smiley:
That's spot on regarding the cost, at the moment I'm looking at £424 plays £472. One of the things that disappointed me most about the Vreds was the wear rate - I got about 8000 miles out if my fronts.
@ AndrewParker where can you get them from for £424? I'm assuming that for 4 and fitted??? As I'm in need of some new fronts and might give these a go at that price.
Cheers
Nads
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^^^^
My VW dealer always matches the cheapest price I can find the tyres I want, whether online or shop. He doesn't ask for proof either - We have a trusting relationship. :notworthy:
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my vreds lasted about 10k. the treadware rating is 280, so compare that to the F1 to see how they actually compare wear wise. different driving styles make it difficult to compare between peoples experience's.
they also a very good tyre in the wet. id echo what the others say. There will be very little difference between them, so either way id go with what ever is available/cheapest/nearest.
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@ AndrewParker where can you get them from for £424? I'm assuming that for 4 and fitted??? As I'm in need of some new fronts and might give these a go at that price.
That's the cost for 4 Vreds from mytyres.co.uk
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I really liked my gyf1's however in 2 years I've replaced 3 fronts all with sidewall damage....now I am nuts avoiding potholes and cannot remember ever ditching any front wheel down one since I put on my pescaras.
I am not saying that there is any manufacturing issue with the tyre, I have not enough objective evidence to prove it....I am sure all tyres are subject to "snake bite" damage....just recently though I noticed some Internet chatter about this issue with this particular tyre. Doh sorry forget where.
Fookin great tyres though, but before I had them (and when I got the car) there were tyres on there you couldn't spell and the car wass totally transformed in terms of acceleration, braking and cornering as a result of the gy's.
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Fookin great tyres though, but before I had them (and when I got the car) there were tyres on there you couldn't spell and the car was totally transformed in terms of acceleration, braking and cornering as a result of the gy's.
....Were they called Ditchfinders?
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different driving styles make it difficult to compare between peoples experience's.
....Agreed :happy2: All we can do is gather and process various bits of information.
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different driving styles make it difficult to compare between peoples experience's.
....Agreed :happy2: All we can do is gather and process various bits of information.
I barely do any motorway mile so it's hardly surprising I
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^^ Sorry, it's impossible to post to this site on an iPhone when there are a few quotes inserted.
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I really liked my gyf1's however in 2 years I've replaced 3 fronts all with sidewall damage....now I am nuts avoiding potholes and cannot remember ever ditching any front wheel down one since I put on my pescaras.
I am not saying that there is any manufacturing issue with the tyre, I have not enough objective evidence to prove it....I am sure all tyres are subject to "snake bite" damage....just recently though I noticed some Internet chatter about this issue with this particular tyre. Doh sorry forget where.
Fookin great tyres though, but before I had them (and when I got the car) there were tyres on there you couldn't spell and the car wass totally transformed in terms of acceleration, braking and cornering as a result of the gy's.
Our of interest were these Goodyear F1 Asymmetrics or Goodyear F1 GSD3's you had problems with?
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^^^^ gyf1 assymetrics....never had so many tyres go in such a short period of time .... I've been driving 28 years....Jesus !!! that long :sad1: how'd that happen :sick:
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^^^^ gyf1 assymetrics....never had so many tyres go in such a short period of time .... I've been driving 28 years....Jesus !!! that long :sad1: how'd that happen :sick:
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Me and wayne have been experiencing the same problems. Used to be a die hard GY Assy fan, but that is no longer the case. We both avoid that tyre now. They are a stand out tyre in the wet and comfy, but for serious driving the sidewalls are too soft, and they give away too quickly. Also not that communicative compared to other tyres.
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can one of you guys with eagle F1 assymetrics check your tyres to see what treadware rating is written on the side.
that will be the easiest way to see how well the tyres wear,as its the industry standard. if its less it should wear more than the vreds and vice versa
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can one of you guys with eagle F1 assymetrics check your tyres to see what treadware rating is written on the side.
that will be the easiest way to see how well the tyres wear,as its the industry standard. if its less it should wear more than the vreds and vice versa
240 iirc
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can one of you guys with eagle F1 assymetrics check your tyres to see what treadware rating is written on the side.
that will be the easiest way to see how well the tyres wear,as its the industry standard. if its less it should wear more than the vreds and vice versa
240 iirc
well the vreds are 280 so it would seem they are better when it comes to the wear rate
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Sorry to confuse the situation, but does anyone have much dealings with Toyo T1r tyres? Seen a set of 4 on e bay for £360, cannot stand the Falkens I have on at the moment.
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@ bacillus:
When you say "very cold weather" do you mean anything sub zero?
I must admit I tend to drive slower and with extra care when my dashboard display shows low temperatures, and also my TyreSure tyre temperature monitor shows low numbers.
iirc temp <6C is considered cold weather by Goodyear. The rubber doesn't flex as much/well at those temps so you get less traction.
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Thanks for your help guys, I think I'll go with the Vredesteins. You can't argue with the cost, and my past experience of them has been good, so it's a no brainer for me.
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Sorry to confuse the situation, but does anyone have much dealings with Toyo T1r tyres? Seen a set of 4 on e bay for £360, cannot stand the Falkens I have on at the moment.
dont start me on T1Rs, id never buy them again. They took nearly 400miles to scrub in. up until that point the understeer was bad, way worse than with the standard exaltos. so much so that i had the car checked for problems.
they also over heated around the nurburgring, the only good things were they lasted well, and were good in standing water.
in comparison the vredesteins were grippier after 50 miles than the toyo's were at their best.
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Ive run a full set of the f1's and I'm currently running a set of vreds. Seriously, I'll only buy vreds from now on because they are as good but work out cheaper so it's a no brainer.
Wet and dry grip are equal. Ride is marginally better on the f1's but this is because vreds have a stiffer side wall, upside being the steering feels slightly sharper. F1's have better sidewall protection. Vreds are quieter. Vreds look better and are fantastic in the snow - f1's were lethal in the snow!
In my experience the vreds are lasting longer!
Hope this helps
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after reading a tyre test done by evo magazine where the goodyear,vred and conti took the top 3 places i decided on a full set of vreds(price,quietest),
have done 4000 mls on them so far and have nothing but praise for them.tons of grip .and when you do reach the limit the breakaway is gradual and
controlable with plenty of feel.great fun! dont know how long they will last,depends how you drive.
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Me again, daft question number 2. Is there any difference between Vredstein Sessantas, and the ultrac sessantas?
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Me again, daft question number 2. Is there any difference between Vredstein Sessantas, and the ultrac sessantas?
....No difference according to her:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FRED_INK%2FGoogleIsYourFriend.jpg&hash=ee30121c4117466da0014da223fb03f87a36d7ac)
Vredestein is the name of the manufacturer.
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Cheers Robin, What I meant was is there difference between the Vredstein Ultrac Sessantas or just the Vredstein Sessantas? Think the seller just ran out of letters for the ebay title.
:drinking:
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Cheers Robin, What I meant was is there difference between the Vredstein Ultrac Sessantas or just the Vredstein Sessantas? Think the seller just ran out of letters for the ebay title.
:drinking:
They are one of the same, but be warned the Sessantas are being slowly replaced with the Ultrac Cento (I think), which is directional, not assymetric and doesn't seem to get as good reviews.
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^^ What makes you think that?
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Cheers Robin, What I meant was is there difference between the Vredstein Ultrac Sessantas or just the Vredstein Sessantas? Think the seller just ran out of letters for the ebay title.
:drinking:
They are one of the same, but be warned the Sessantas are being slowly replaced with the Ultrac Cento (I think), which is directional, not assymetric and doesn't seem to get as good reviews.
Not true. The ulrac cento is their premium tyre which tackles low rolling resistance for improved fuel consumption etc. The sessanta is their ultra high performance tyre which will continue. see...http://www.vredestein.co.uk/Banden_Bandgroepen.asp?BandgroepID=1&BandtypeID=3&UsersessionID=49483454
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I'm just passing on info from my local Vredestein dealer who hasn't said that in so many words, but implied it and they only seem to stock the Cento. They can still get hold of sessanta but direct order from the factory in Holland (could just be how they prefer to hold stock)
The last time a situation like this happened with another manufacturer (can't remember who, sorry) the pattern that was direct order was shortly taken out of production.
It would seem a very silly business plan from Vredestein, as the Sessanta is building up a loyal following, but Vredestein has been taken over by the Indian tyre manufacturer Apollo Tyres within the last 8 months(ish) so a new owner might want to put their own mark on the brand?
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^^^^
Someone senior in Goodyear-Dunlop (same company) was telling me that tyre manufacturers have a lot of problems with dealer's stories and their attempts to only sell what they have in stock themselves regardless of brand. It's the same old story about greedy middle-men who don't care what they sell as long as they sell.
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:fighting: :fighting:
Aaaaarrrrghhhh!!!! Two new ps3's on Monday from Costco, MOt on Saturday then on way back with window down hear...tick.tick.tick!!! Bleeding screw in new tyre!!! Off to friendly fitter guy's who are spot on for a quick repair £10...
Convinced that tyre companies are incentivizing employees to go out of an evening and spread nails and screws on the highway to drum up business. In the past 3 weeks I've had 2 punctures and 2 new tyres.. :sad1:
The miches are excellent though, can recommend...even for the back wheels only (I've got gyf1) on fronts.
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Thanks for your help guys, I think I'll go with the Vredesteins. You can't argue with the cost, and my past experience of them has been good, so it's a no brainer for me.
Camskill had them for £92 a corner with delivery inclusive.
much cheaper then your £424 quote.
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Thanks for your help guys, I think I'll go with the Vredesteins. You can't argue with the cost, and my past experience of them has been good, so it's a no brainer for me.
Camskill had them for £92 a corner with delivery inclusive.
much cheaper then your £424 quote.
My fitter charges £13 a corner so the Camskill cost only comes in £4 cheaper, but I have to faff around with taking delivery then arranging fitnent.
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:fighting: :fighting:
Aaaaarrrrghhhh!!!! Two new ps3's on Monday from Costco, MOt on Saturday then on way back with window down hear...tick.tick.tick!!! Bleeding screw in new tyre!!! Off to friendly fitter guy's who are spot on for a quick repair £10...
Convinced that tyre companies are incentivizing employees to go out of an evening and spread nails and screws on the highway to drum up business. In the past 3 weeks I've had 2 punctures and 2 new tyres.. :sad1:
The miches are excellent though, can recommend...even for the back wheels only (I've got gyf1) on fronts.
The exact same thing happened to me a few years ago, brand new michelin primacy's at about £140 a corner, 2 days later I hear this tick tick noise and found a coach bolt sticking through one of them. Gutted wasn't the word ...
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Thread bump!!!
Vreds for £100.80.... or F1 aysms for £97!
What would you do?
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Never had Vreds, but the asyms were excellent - not PS2 excellent, but not PS2 prices either.
In the real world they're probably very similar in performance, what would swing it for me is the fact you can fully rotate the GYs, the Vreds are directional - in theory you can get much better use out of the 4.
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Thanks mike! Im thinking of getting the GY, and putting them on the back bringing the conti 2s to the front, then changing them for GY Asyms once there are on the limit (so ending up with a full set of matched tyres.)
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Buying new tyres in pairs rather than a full set at a time is much easier on the wallet.
GY have recently brought out a new version of their F1 Asymmetrics. By the time you're ready, prices may have dropped. You can mix GY Directionals with Asymmetrics (not each on the same axle!) but will get the ESP twitching in occasionally. I did so as a transition.
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Never had Vreds, but the asyms were excellent - not PS2 excellent, but not PS2 prices either.
In the real world they're probably very similar in performance, what would swing it for me is the fact you can fully rotate the GYs, the Vreds are directional - in theory you can get much better use out of the 4.
The Vred Ultrac Sessanta is an assymetric pattern, the newer vred pattern is directional called the Cento.
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I just got the GY Asys, DEFO a softer ride than the PS2s.
Wonder how long these will take to "bed in"?
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Ahh, cheers Kings - not sure where I've got that from then! Not sure I'd call them a typical asym though..
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fj-w-racing.co.uk%2Fshopimages%2Fproducts%2Fthumbnails%2Fvredestein_ULTRACSESSANTA.jpg&hash=fb3472d610afead75bcc780e143aabbc7748ded7)
Steve, I did 15km from Kelberg to the Ring and went out lapping on them.... so they take that long to bed in :ashamed:
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... not even 10miles? Cant believe that, it was probably your hard drive there/at track that wore them in surely :-\
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I had them fitted whilst in Germany, as I ruined the last of the old rubber the day before lapping and couldn't get hold of any PS2s.
So, I drove back from the garage, went and did a 7/10ths lap and then carried on as normal. :happy2:
Did a lot of miles, Ring laps and greasy track days those boots!!
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Great.... ordered the Asyms at 97 a corner I cannot refuse, 15-20 quid cheaper than online prices! :jumping:
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Ahh, cheers Kings - not sure where I've got that from then! Not sure I'd call them a typical asym though..
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fj-w-racing.co.uk%2Fshopimages%2Fproducts%2Fthumbnails%2Fvredestein_ULTRACSESSANTA.jpg&hash=fb3472d610afead75bcc780e143aabbc7748ded7)
You're right they are one of a kind!!
Great.... ordered the Asyms at 97 a corner I cannot refuse, 15-20 quid cheaper than online prices! :jumping:
Is that a fitted price for the f1's?
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The Asymmetric 1 tyres are old hat.
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyres are out and are the ones to have.
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2011-Auto-Zeitung-Max-Performance-Tyre-Test.htm
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2011-Subjective-shootout-255-40-19-Max-Performance-Summer-Tyres.htm
Cost - 225/40 R18 92Y XL from mytyres
http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?details=Ordern&cart_id=34905630.110.30756&typ=D-116082&ranzahl=4&Breite=225&Herst=Goodyear&Quer=40&Felge=18&Speed=W&weiter=0&kategorie=6&Ang_pro_Seite=15&rf=1&Transport=P&dsco=110&sowigan=So
Cost - 225/45 R17 94Y XL from mytyres
http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?details=Ordern&cart_id=34905630.110.30756&typ=D-116075&ranzahl=4&Breite=225&Herst=Goodyear&Quer=45&Felge=17&Speed=W&weiter=0&kategorie=6&Ang_pro_Seite=15&rf=1&Transport=P&dsco=110&sowigan=So
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If you have 19" wheels then the Michelin Pilot Super Sports should be considered. :drool:
Cost - 235/35 ZR19 91Y EL from mytyres
http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?details=Ordern&cart_id=34905630.110.30756&typ=R-196942&ranzahl=4&Breite=235&Herst=Michelin&Quer=35&Felge=19&Speed=W&weiter=0&kategorie=6&Ang_pro_Seite=15&rf=1&Transport=P&dsco=110&sowigan=So
Cost - 225/35 ZR19 88Y XL from mytyres
http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?details=Ordern&cart_id=34905630.110.30756&typ=R-196941&ranzahl=4&Breite=225&Herst=Michelin&Quer=35&Felge=19&Speed=W&weiter=0&kategorie=6&Ang_pro_Seite=15&rf
Either size is suitable and won't affect the gearing. They have different Load Indices (LI) though this should not be an issue either. The narrower tyre will possibly be slightly quieter and is also slightly cheaper.
Lesser tyres are only about £30 less per corner, so not worth it IMO.
I would also have a look at the new Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyres. Might be a bit cheaper but probably not as good.
http://www.porscheblogs.co.uk/tested-the-new-michelin-pilot-super-sport/
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/Is-the-Michelin-Pilot-Sport-about-to-get-Super.htm
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/The-Michelin-Pilot-Super-Sport-has-arrived.htm
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The Asymmetric 1 tyres are old hat.
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyres are out and are the ones to have.
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2011-Auto-Zeitung-Max-Performance-Tyre-Test.htm
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2011-Subjective-shootout-255-40-19-Max-Performance-Summer-Tyres.htm
225/40 R18
http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?details=Ordern&cart_id=34905630.110.30756&typ=D-116082&ranzahl=4&Breite=225&Herst=Goodyear&Quer=40&Felge=18&Speed=W&weiter=0&kategorie=6&Ang_pro_Seite=15&rf=1&Transport=P&dsco=110&sowigan=So
225/45 R17
http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?details=Ordern&cart_id=34905630.110.30756&typ=D-116075&ranzahl=4&Breite=225&Herst=Goodyear&Quer=45&Felge=17&Speed=W&weiter=0&kategorie=6&Ang_pro_Seite=15&rf=1&Transport=P&dsco=110&sowigan=So
Asker, how did you find your way outa the mk6 closet over the road?? !! :signLOL:
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im pretty certain on my vreds that hey were directional as there was a rotation directing arrow on them. So they need to stay on the same side of the vehicle
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Steve, I used the RNS 510 Sat Nav with a 7 digit postcode to get to this destination. :laugh:
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Steve, I used the RNS 510 Sat Nav with a 7 digit postcode to get to this destination. :laugh:
:signLOL:
good to see you here matie :happy2:
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on a side note,, any one used uni royal rainsports before? Ive ben reading some good reviews of them. v.good in the dry and apparently outstanding in the wet
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Steve, I used the RNS 510 Sat Nav with a 7 digit postcode to get to this destination. :laugh:
:signLOL:
good to see you here matie :happy2:
Please also visit the Mk6 closets as the plumbing is truly excellent. :grin:
Thanks for your special welcome. :love:
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I have had my car one week now and noticed a screw in one today so I nipped to kwik fit for a repair. They also told me I have 5mm tread on rears and 4mm on one front and 6mm on other so once the 4mm is down to 2mm I will change both fronts. I have hanhooks at front and BF Goodrich on rears so the previous owner was not too concerned with decent tyres.
My history on tyres is this. My BMW had michelin pilots which were brilliant, when I changed them I went to pirellis which were terrible, wheelspun all the time in the wet, very hard.
My s2000 had bridgestones which in the dry were great, in the wet they were terrible and going backwards down M25 at 70 mph after aqua planning are testament to this, I changed to goodyear F1's which were great too.
My last car a Porsche 911 I had contis most of the time but changed last year to Pirelli P zeros . Rubbish tyres IMO.
So to sum up , Goodyear. Michellins and Contis are all good tyres, Pirellis are rubbish but this is just my opinion.
Also I always have all the same tyes in all 4 corners, I dont mix axles. So when I do change they will all be the same. Just need to wear these present ones out I have now , any advice how to do this ? :signLOL:
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Vreds are only £100.80 a corner at Elitedirect:
http://www.elitedirect.com/Tyres/Tyre-Details-By-Brand.php?brand=Vredestein&treadpattern=Sessanta&order=Rim
Mine came delivered next day for free - great service.
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Another important feature to consider is the tyre's Rim Protection.
Some of the tyre companies are pretty poor with this. Continental comes to mind. We have these as summer tyres on our Mercedes. It is a good tyre which sadly happens not to protect the wheel rims suffeciently.
The Bridgestones have excellent rim protection. However, they are lousy in the wet, noisy and have a rough ride.
I have nearly decided to purchase the Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 2 tyres for my 18" Monza Shadows. At present it is shod with Bridgestone Potenza 050A tyres which I don't like for the reasons above. I've only done 3.2k miles and want to be rid of them.
My winter tyres are the Michelin Pilot Sport PA3s which are 'W' rated and cost an arm and a leg, about £246 per corner.
I will stay clear of Pirellis as I have no intention of aquaplaning in the wet. Every car I had with these caused this to happen. It was quite unnerving at the time.
It therefore seems to me that one can't go far wrong with tyres from Michelin, Goodyear and Continental, all of which are Premium Brands.
As an aside, there are 6 Premium Brands: Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli (in alphabetical order).
In order of market share: Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear/Dunlop, Continental and Pirelli
Last bit of information: Continental are revising their entire range of summer tyres soon, so these would also be worth waiting for.
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So how much are v2 aysemetrics?? Bit more than 100 I'd imagine!
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Another important feature to consider is the tyre's Rim Protection.
Some of the tyre companies are pretty poor with this. Continental comes to mind. We have these as summer tyres on our Mercedes. It is a good tyre which sadly happens not to protect the wheel rims suffeciently.
The Bridgestones have excellent rim protection. However, they are lousy in the wet, noisy and have a rough ride.
I have decided to purchase the Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 2 tyres for my 18" Monza Shadows. At present it is shod with Bridgestone Potenza 050A tyres which I don't like for the reasons above. I've only done 3.2k miles and want to be rid of them.
My winter tyres are the Michelin Pilot Sport PA3s which are W rated and cost an arm and a leg, about £246 per corner.
I will stay clear of Pirellis as I have no intention of aquaplaning in the wet. Every car I had with these caused this to happen. It was quite unnerving at the time.
It therefore seems to me that one can't go far wrong with tyres from Michelin, Goodyear and Continental, all of which are Premium Brands.
As an aside, there are 6 Premium Brands: Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli (in alphabetical order).
In order of market share: Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear/Dunlop, Continental and Pirelli
Just had to buy two new Pilot Sport 2's (17's) for the geetai! £225 for both, that is what is currently on the car and cant really complain!