MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: TagnuT on October 27, 2010, 04:33:03 pm

Title: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: TagnuT on October 27, 2010, 04:33:03 pm
Just spoken to three tyre fitting places, with regards to swapping my front tyres.

One set I asked about was the ContiSportContact 3 as it got the nod in a recent tyre test over the PS3 and the GY F1 Asymmetric.

However, they all said that their Contis were supplied as MO spec, for Mercedes? Never heard of that one before. Asked if it would make a difference to the characteristics of the car - "no Sir they are a universal fit as they were originally specified for Mercedes, so there will be no change in their characteristics."

Didn't sound right to me, anyone else come across this ??


I've done a search of all the forums and peoples opinions are black & white.  :scared:

Had 2 sets of F1s, on one the side wall got an egg on it late in its life. Grip much better than the ContiSport2s that they replaced.

So looking at the CS 3 or Saint Steves Favs the Vredesteins Sessanta.
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Hedge on October 27, 2010, 04:42:03 pm
In the EVO tyre test they used PS2's not PS3's. http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,20277.0.html

PS3's are outstanding.  :wink: :happy2:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Andy on October 27, 2010, 04:45:21 pm
i fit tyres and the some tyes do come with the mo spec as the pirelli tyre come with either a for audi or j for jag on the tyres..they are a universal fit the cs3 are a good tyre but the Vredesteins Sessanta are better still
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on October 27, 2010, 04:45:59 pm
ContiSportContact3s are very good, but PS2s are better.

Re the 'MO' rating - yes, this means 'Mercedes Original', meaning orgininal factory fit on Mercs.  Regarding MO fitement to other cars - this is perfectly acceptable.  This info is from a genuine Michelin tech spec and installer guide.

There are specific tyres which can NOT be fitted to makes other than specifically designed - the most common are Porsche 'N' tyres (N0, N1, N2, N3) - these can not be fitted to anything other than a Porsche (and Porsches can not use anything but N tyres).  The others are C1 for Chrysler (Viper GTS), and K1 for Ferraris.

All other specific markings B (Bentley and Audi), G1 (Michelin specific), A (Reno Espace), * (BMW group), and RO1 (Audi) -  can also be used on other cars.

HTH

Oh, what was the 'black and white' opinion from other forums?
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Russ_leeds on October 27, 2010, 04:47:42 pm


PS3's are outstanding.  :wink: :happy2:

x2 best tyres ive ever owned :happy2:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Andy on October 27, 2010, 04:52:00 pm
thing i might try them next time round but me doing 3 miles a day might be a long time  :signLOL:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: TagnuT on October 27, 2010, 04:55:20 pm
Sean I was thinking about people's opinions regards the F1 Asy Vs PS3 etc. Hate on love the other etc.

I have the Auto Express "cough"  :ashamed: and the EVO December 2010 Tyre tests in front of me and the Contis do well in both tests.  The PS3 come second in the AE test.


Why are the PS3 so much better in your opinion? ( apart from aquaplaning Vs PS2).

In everyday driving how much can you tell the difference with the premium brands? Or is it only when REALLY pressing on?

I'm sure that Hurdy mentioned somewhere that he felt that there was very little difference between the Vreds and the GY F1 Asy......
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: TagnuT on October 27, 2010, 04:57:45 pm
thing i might try them next time round but me doing 3 miles a day might be a long time  :signLOL:

I do about 200 miles a week on a mixture of motorway, A roads and a new dual carriageway. So the tyres have to be jack of all trades, sporty comfy, quiet and give a good ride.. :laugh:

Now where was that Pirelli P Zero k1 write up....... :confused:

Just found one of your old threads TT:-

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,3410.15.html
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Andy on October 27, 2010, 04:59:10 pm
thing i might try them next time round but me doing 3 miles a day might be a long time  :signLOL:

I do about 200 miles a week on a mixture of motorway, A roads and a new dual carriageway. So the tyres have to be jack of all trades, sporty comfy, quiet and give a good ride.. :laugh:

Now where was that Pirelli P Zero k1 write up....... :confused:
200 miles a week thats some milage
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: TagnuT on October 27, 2010, 05:05:50 pm
Great car to do it in though.... :star:

I don't do it all year round I've got a week off this week, if you know what I mean
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: jmspear on October 27, 2010, 05:06:46 pm
200 miles a week is about average, only 10,000 a year assumming at least two weeks not driving, (which is what most insurers base avergae car usage on 10-12k pa) I do on average 400 - 500 week i.e. 20k per annum!  :surprised:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Boothy on October 27, 2010, 05:13:23 pm
i fit tyres and the some tyes do come with the mo spec as the pirelli tyre come with either a for audi or j for jag on the tyres..they are a universal fit the cs3 are a good tyre but the Vredesteins Sessanta are better still

If your interested I've just ordered 2 x Vredsteins Sessantas for £209 delivered and according to the the reviews they are the dogs dangly's!

http://tyremen.myshopify.com/products/22540zr18-vredestein-sessanta?utm_source=google-product-search
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on October 27, 2010, 05:19:18 pm
Sean I was thinking about people's opinions regards the F1 Asy Vs PS3 etc. Hate on love the other etc.

I have the Auto Express "cough"  :ashamed: and the EVO December 2010 Tyre tests in front of me and the Contis do well in both tests.  The PS3 come second in the AE test.
Goodyears, of all flavours, are VASTLY over-rated.  Don't forget, all the usual sources of tests are done by commercial companies who rely 95% or so on ADVERTISING for their revenue.  They are all prone to favoring the company who spends the most on advertsing.  You only have to look at the constant GY adverts.


Why are the PS3 so much better in your opinion? ( apart from aquaplaning Vs PS2).
I'll deffer back to PS2 as being the 'best' tyre (yes, the PS3 has improved in certain areas over the PS2) - for my specific comments.  OK, the PS2 has more OEM manufacturer approvals than Continental (when considering like for like high performance tyres).  PS2s are factory fit on Audi RS4, Audi S4, (and many, many other Audis - high performance or normal models).  PS2s are factory fit on Porsches (where Porsche massively plays on the importance of handling of their cars).  PS2s are factory fit on the Bugatti Veyron.  PS2s are factory fit on the BMW M3 and M5 (along with all their M-sport cars).  PS2s are factory fit on most Mercs.  PS2s are factory fit on the hot-hot hatches from Reno, Ford, and a few others.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric has ZERO OEM approvals!


In everyday driving how much can you tell the difference with the premium brands? Or is it only when REALLY pressing on?
That all depends on what you are 'asking' of your tyres.

Tyre noise is a big issue - even driving at 50/60/70 on the M-way - certain tyres are far more noisy than others.  Dunlop and Continental are VERY noisey.  PS2 and GY F1 Asymm are middling.  The original directional Pilot Sport and the GY F1 GSD3 are fairly quiet.

Then there is tyre 'comfort'.  Continental are very harsh, as are Dunlop.  Michelin are generally quite comfortable, and at the extremely 'soggy' end are Pirelli.


And those are before you go into hard driving.  Even during normal cornering, differences can be felt - if you are mid corner, and you touch a manhole cover or a cats eye - Dunlops will step out sideways, whereas Mich and Pirelli wont.


I'm sure that Hurdy mentioned somewhere that he felt that there was very little difference between the Vreds and the GY F1 Asy......
Can't comment on that, appart from the Vred demo at GTI International a couple of years ago.  I was very underwhealmed by the Vreds.


The best, most impartial reviews are had at Which - unfortunately, they don't seem to test high performance tyres!
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: TagnuT on October 27, 2010, 05:25:59 pm
Thanks for that....

One thing that gets me, on my Dad's last two Boxsters one had PS2s fitted and the new one has Bridgestone RE050A fitted.
 Why do Porsche fit the Bridgestones as they seem to get poor reviews every where "they just succeed in feeling average"......
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on October 27, 2010, 05:33:19 pm
Thanks for that....

One thing that gets me, on my Dad's last two Boxsters one had PS2s fitted and the new one has Bridgestone RE050A fitted.
 Why do Porsche fit the Bridgestones as they seem to get poor reviews every where "they just succeed in feeling average"......

Boxster - not a real Porsche! :P  The Caymans come with a Heinz of tyres too.  Real Porks use PS2s (although you can factory spec CSC2/3s)
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: TagnuT on October 27, 2010, 05:40:43 pm
Thanks for that....

One thing that gets me, on my Dad's last two Boxsters one had PS2s fitted and the new one has Bridgestone RE050A fitted.
 Why do Porsche fit the Bridgestones as they seem to get poor reviews every where "they just succeed in feeling average"......

Boxster - not a real Porsche! :P  The Caymans come with a Heinz of tyres too.  Real Porks use PS2s (although you can factory spec CSC2/3s)

 :happy2:  :P

Fun to drive though, you can really feel the difference in traction with it being mid engined. Especially when you go over a brow and the car goes light. Versus the GTI.


One other question, my fronts are down to the TWI and need changing, The rears are on 3- 4 mm. When do most people change their tyres?

Tyre performance is meant to drop off after 3.5mm, so I read some where.

http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/techinfo/tread_depth.asp

Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on October 27, 2010, 05:51:33 pm
One other question, my fronts are down to the TWI and need changing, The rears are on 3- 4 mm. When do most people change their tyres?

Tyre performance is meant to drop off after 3.5mm, so I read some where.

http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/techinfo/tread_depth.asp
It all depends on the type of tyre, especially the tread pattern.  The PS2s and CSC2s will happily run fine on wet roads down to the TWI.  But directional tyres like the original Pilot Sport, the GSD3, Dunflop ShyteMaxx, Yokohama AVS Sport, and probably those Vred Sessentas (or whatever the Spliff smoking Dutch like to call them) - will all aquaplane on wet roads around the 3-4mm mark.
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: tony_danza on October 27, 2010, 11:38:44 pm
Just out of interest, why can't you run Porsche N tyres on anything but a Porsche?

I ask, as I used to run Pilot Sport Cups off the front of a GT3 RS on my track OZs.
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: RobH on October 27, 2010, 11:45:00 pm
One quick question the load rating on track tyres like the R1R and Kuhmo V70a are 88 instead of 92 could there be issues with regard to insurance because there not extra load tyres?
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on October 28, 2010, 08:56:16 am
Just out of interest, why can't you run Porsche N tyres on anything but a Porsche?
I've never really got a definative answer - but 'unofficially', weight distribution (engine way south of the rear axle), and that Porsche want a very specific performance profile from their tyres.

I had the misfortune of having some N rated PS2s fitted to my old S4 a few years ago - they gripped well  :happy2: - but were shagged after about a 1000 miles due to not being able to take the load of the S4 V8 lump - basically worn the shoulders through to the canvass! :stupid:  Very long story, but it was all down to the lies and utter incompetence of GreenFlag :fighting: :fighting2: - I had to get Michelin head office in France involved, who sorted everything.  :happy2:


I ask, as I used to run Pilot Sport Cups off the front of a GT3 RS on my track OZs.
I think when used on a track, many rules go out the window. :wink:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on October 28, 2010, 09:02:52 am
One quick question the load rating on track tyres like the R1R and Kuhmo V70a are 88 instead of 92 could there be issues with regard to insurance because there not extra load tyres?
Yes - you wont be insured.  Even if you have specific track insurance - I'd reckon that there is some small print somewhere sommat like 'your car must be fit for purpose'.  You would need to prove to the insurance company that you had taken the necessary weight reduction measures to comply with the lower weight rating of the tyres.
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: QD MBE on October 28, 2010, 09:28:48 am
Thanks for that....

One thing that gets me, on my Dad's last two Boxsters one had PS2s fitted and the new one has Bridgestone RE050A fitted.
 Why do Porsche fit the Bridgestones as they seem to get poor reviews every where "they just succeed in feeling average"......

Boxster - not a real Porsche! :P  The Caymans come with a Heinz of tyres too.  Real Porks use PS2s (although you can factory spec CSC2/3s)

real Porsche........ :grin:

Cayman S upsetting Real Porsche drivers............. :wink: :wink: :happy2:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on October 28, 2010, 10:01:21 am
Thanks for that....

One thing that gets me, on my Dad's last two Boxsters one had PS2s fitted and the new one has Bridgestone RE050A fitted.
 Why do Porsche fit the Bridgestones as they seem to get poor reviews every where "they just succeed in feeling average"......

Boxster - not a real Porsche! :P  The Caymans come with a Heinz of tyres too.  Real Porks use PS2s (although you can factory spec CSC2/3s)

real Porsche........ :grin:

Cayman S upsetting Real Porsche drivers............. :wink: :wink: :happy2:

And RS4 drivers upsetting Cayman S drivers!  :P
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Hedge on October 28, 2010, 10:15:52 am
:indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent:

 :popcornsoda:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: QD MBE on October 28, 2010, 10:46:00 am
:indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent:

 :popcornsoda:

 :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on October 28, 2010, 12:29:05 pm
:indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent: :indifferent:

 :popcornsoda:
Your point is ??????
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Hurdy on October 28, 2010, 12:58:28 pm
Thanks for that....

One thing that gets me, on my Dad's last two Boxsters one had PS2s fitted and the new one has Bridgestone RE050A fitted.
 Why do Porsche fit the Bridgestones as they seem to get poor reviews every where "they just succeed in feeling average"......

Boxster - not a real Porsche! :P  The Caymans come with a Heinz of tyres too.  Real Porks use PS2s (although you can factory spec CSC2/3s)

real Porsche........ :grin:

Cayman S upsetting Real Porsche drivers............. :wink: :wink: :happy2:

And RS4 drivers upsetting Cayman S drivers!  :P

And Edition 30 drivers upsetting RS4 drivers :P

 :popcornsoda: :signLOL:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on October 28, 2010, 01:05:39 pm
Thanks for that....

One thing that gets me, on my Dad's last two Boxsters one had PS2s fitted and the new one has Bridgestone RE050A fitted.
 Why do Porsche fit the Bridgestones as they seem to get poor reviews every where "they just succeed in feeling average"......

Boxster - not a real Porsche! :P  The Caymans come with a Heinz of tyres too.  Real Porks use PS2s (although you can factory spec CSC2/3s)

real Porsche........ :grin:

Cayman S upsetting Real Porsche drivers............. :wink: :wink: :happy2:

And RS4 drivers upsetting Cayman S drivers!  :P

And Edition 30 drivers upsetting RS4 drivers :P

 :popcornsoda: :signLOL:
Not standard Eddies! :booty:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: TagnuT on October 30, 2010, 02:17:59 pm
Thanks for the advice folks.
Went for the Vredesteins in the end. Apart from the last two sets of F1 Asy (and the Conti SC2s that came with the car) I have always bought Michelin. Looking at the number of good reviews and comments that I have read here and elsewhere I thought that I would give them a chance. Will have to see how they turn out. Can always go back to Michelin if I don't like them.  :scared:
Managed to get a pair for £210 fitted at a local independent tyre fitters.

The amount of phone calls that guy took enquiring about winter/snow tyres was unbelievable!  :jumping:


Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Andy on October 30, 2010, 04:10:56 pm
Thanks for the advice folks.





The amount of phone calls that guy took enquiring about winter/snow tyres was unbelievable!  :jumping:


most of my phone calls at work are now for snow tyres,guess people don't want to get caught out like last year
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Saint Steve on October 30, 2010, 05:49:28 pm
Thanks for that....

One thing that gets me, on my Dad's last two Boxsters one had PS2s fitted and the new one has Bridgestone RE050A fitted.
 Why do Porsche fit the Bridgestones as they seem to get poor reviews every where "they just succeed in feeling average"......

Boxster - not a real Porsche! :P  The Caymans come with a Heinz of tyres too.  Real Porks use PS2s (although you can factory spec CSC2/3s)

real Porsche........ :grin:

Cayman S upsetting Real Porsche drivers............. :wink: :wink: :happy2:

Wheres that Gone fishing pic  :signLOL:

that made me laugh alot............

Hope you enjoy the Vred's Tagnut. Im happy as with mine, just wish i could train my right boot to go easy on the go pedal to stop wearing them out.
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: TagnuT on October 30, 2010, 05:58:25 pm
You seem happy enough with yours. Will see how they are on the way to work. :happy2:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Saint Steve on October 30, 2010, 06:07:06 pm
They are a very pretty Tyre (as tyre design gets  :ashamed:) and very quiet compared to what ive used in the past.

For the price you pay, in my opinion, there isnt much better without paying alot more for little gain over them.

Let Us know how you go Tagnut  :happy2:
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: TagnuT on October 30, 2010, 06:10:04 pm
They are a very pretty Tyre (as tyre design gets  :ashamed:) and very quiet compared to what ive used in the past.

For the price you pay, in my opinion, there isnt much better without paying alot more for little gain over them.

Let Us know how you go Tagnut  :happy2:

I knew you were a Tyre Tread Whore..... :ashamed: I bet I could show you 10 photos of different tyre treads and you would know them all.  :innocent:

Will let you know how I get on with them.
Title: Re: Wrong tyre advice.....Help
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on October 31, 2010, 04:38:10 pm
They are a very pretty Tyre (as tyre design gets  :ashamed:) and very quiet compared to what ive used in the past.
The reason those Vreds are quiet is due to the continuous 'rib' design of the tread (similar to early directionals).  Unfortunately, that design will mean they will aquaplane earlier than an open tread design such as a PS2/3, CSC2/3 or GY F1 Asymm.