Tire Experience - What are you running and how do they run?

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08-13-2011, 06:52 PM
SC4ME

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0nk3y

Good reason why your car may pull is because your alignment was probably done when you have interior wear on the side of the tire. So now mounting new tires that don't have the wear...your alignment will be off until it's adjusted.

Actually, I have not had the car aligned since I bought it. It has been that good (and I am anal about avoiding potholes, etc). This last set of tires did have uneven wear on the fronts, the right had much more wear on the inside (lots of camber FTW). I'm planning on replacing the struts, CAs and Bushings, sways, etc in the next 20,000 mile before I need tires again. Was hoping I could wait until then. Probably have to bite the bullet and go visit Clarence Brown.
08-16-2011, 03:39 AM
llll1l1ll

After much deliberation, I actually opted for the Continental DWS instead of the Hankook Ventus. Really for piece of mind come colder weather. I'm excited to get rid of these Goodyear F1 A/S tires. They're noisy.
08-17-2011, 04:52 PM
T.Bird

I'm glad to hear that other owners are having good experiences with the DWS. I have been planning on buying some for a month or two. I'll probably order next week.
08-18-2011, 03:49 AM
llll1l1ll

My neighbor had a somewhat disappointing experience with the DWS. He said that although they are a fantastic tire, he felt the handling in the rain could have been better. Granted, he was driving a GTi, so his results might be skewed. He mentioned that when he bought his Hyundai, it came with Hankooks. He loves the Hankooks.
08-18-2011, 04:29 AM
billschusteriv

Quote:

Originally Posted by danewilson77

DWS negatives for me are expense and longevity.

The specs on the DWS looked impressive (Uniform Tire Quality Grading was treadwear of 540, traction of A, temperature of A and 50k mile warranty). I'm looking at 17s @ $138/tire, which I didn't find too be too expensive.

You said your tires don't normally last long though?

Quote:

Originally Posted by az3579

Just got Continental DWS' installed, 235/35-18 all around. My goodness, these tires are awesome! Just went out for a spirited drive and where my old tires were squealing (even when new), these new ones not only took it at higher speeds, but didn't make a peep. I love these bad boys and have the feeling that this will be a long and happy relationship...

:hashbrowns

Awesome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Washburn

Getting my DWS in about 2 weeks - can't wait to get rid of the OEM summer Michelin Pilots ... (have 25k on them and they're toast)

Quote:

Originally Posted by llll1l1ll

After much deliberation, I actually opted for the Continental DWS instead of the Hankook Ventus. Really for piece of mind come colder weather. I'm excited to get rid of these Goodyear F1 A/S tires. They're noisy.

Well... you gents that already have the DWS's please keep us updated on longevity.

I did note on one of the tire merchant websites that DWS's have those three letters marked on the tires that will wear off as the tire wears. When the 'S' wears off, the tires no longer retain their originally designed handling characteristics in the snow. They claim this happens at around 50% tread wear. I'm interested to see some numbers...
08-18-2011, 07:12 AM
JHiggy

Nexen n3000s have been working well on my daily driver for the past 20k. Solid in the rain (living in San Diego mind you); handle well and tread seems to be holding up nicely. Lower cost alternative I suppose but I've been impressed with them. Recommended by a fellow Mafia member.

If living in San Diego, Bear's Tires (www.bearstires.com) in Miramar would be my recommendation as they were referred by the same individual. Approx $225 out the door for two rear tires including install, disposal, etc. I don't believe it was a special/sale; typical cost.
08-18-2011, 01:13 PM
az3579

1 week on my Conti DWS', about 600 miles. I am very impressed. I haven't been able to get these to squeal once despite some heavy cornering. I didn't for a second feel that I was losing grip, though that was probably only at about 85% effort in some corners (haven't had a chance to track them yet). There's only so much one can do on the street... :dunno

I am not at all regretting my purchase, nor do I regret going to a 235 square setup. I cringe at the thought of not having the OEM size in the back (255), but traction is just fine. The only way I could get these to spin at the moment is if I do a hard launch from a standstill; otherwise, I haven't been able to get sideways anywhere yet.
08-18-2011, 01:36 PM
Washburn

I will def. post my impressions when i get them - i might wait as long as I can to coincide my next oil change @ the same place/time to save a trip, as i live in the boonies, sort of.

I hope the TR impressions/test stay true with my personal experience...
08-19-2011, 03:38 AM
llll1l1ll

I've driven about 35 miles on the DWS. So far, they are great. Quiet, decent grip and noticeably smoother than the previous (and worn out) Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S. I'll check in come 1K miles from now.
08-19-2011, 09:58 AM
tripod06

what about the Nitto NT 555? any experience with those? i have them on my rears and about to get new ones. i like them but i was wondering if anyone had any experience with them.
08-22-2011, 04:01 AM
llll1l1ll

I've driven about 700 miles on the DWS tires. My gas mileage, for one, has drastically improved. I'm new to the ZHP, so I can't tell you guys much about the handling improvement. The initial turn-in response seems sluggish and not as aggressive as a ultra high performance tire; however, once you start turning the tire holds on. I've heard minimal scrubbing on aggressive and non-aggressive turns. They are so quiet otherwise. They handle just fine in the rain, too. I was bookin' it down I-85 at about 80 mph in some moderate rain with no uncertainty in the tire. I even hit some puddles. Nothing. I was doing about 40 in a torrential downpour. I could have gone much faster, but traffic was not letting me do so. I, obviously, still do not know about the snow yet. Chances are, though, I will seldom drive the car in snow. If people in this area are as bad as they are in the rain, good God almighty I don't even want to think about their snow driving skills.
08-22-2011, 05:10 AM
gr330zhp

I still have my Pilot Sports and would not trade em for anything. They grip like CRAZY, quiet, no odd wear, great in rain and I get great mileage out of them too, for being a directional summer tire (no rotations) Soooooo worth the money! I usually do the ordering of tires for my families cars, and from Goodyears, Pirellis, Dunlops, Yokohamas, Kumhos, Contis, I have yet to find a better tire. :dunno

Sent from my HTC Desire, Like a BOSS!
08-22-2011, 11:44 AM
T.Bird

1 Attachment(s)

:drool

Attachment 1856
08-28-2011, 09:21 PM
Gordo_GT

I am running the OEM Michelin Pilot Sports. I took a hard look at the Michelin Super Sport but didn't feel like shelling out $1200+ for the set so I opted for the rear tires only. The fronts still have over 50% tread left. Maybe next time all 4 tires will be worn and I might opt for a different type tire. Can't complain on the performance of the Michelins.
08-30-2011, 09:55 AM
quikryptonite

I have loved my Bridgestone Potenza RE760's. http://tires.tirerack.com/tires/Brid...0Re760%20Sport
They are quiet, very responsive on dry roads and have handled well so far in the little rain I have encountered. They will be replaced soon with my Pirelli winter tires. That will be the first time I have driven a rear-wheel drive car with dedicated winter tires. So, we'll see how that goes. I have noticed that the tread doesn't seem to wear as well as the Bridgestone all-season tires I have on my E30. These ultra high performance summer tires are about $40 a pop cheaper than the DWS, but they are no good in wintertime either.
09-16-2011, 07:28 AM
rikdee

2003 325i, no ZSP, auto, 63k, driven by my young daughter.

I recently replaced the stock size 205-55-16 with Continental Extreme Contact DW 225-50-16. Much better look and way better feel; 225 section width seems to be the right footprint for this car given its DD application. I never liked the look or feel of the 205s, just not enough meat at the corners for me. I'm sleeping better now....
09-16-2011, 07:58 AM
echo46

I am running the Bridgeston re760s and find them a bit noisey and wearing prematurely. Otherwise ride quality is good.
09-17-2011, 10:43 PM
Rovert

I've ran Toyo T1S, T1R, and Falken FK452s which were all about the same in feeling and performance. I did notice that when my T1R's were just about on chords, they were very noisy at any speed. All of them took punishment of (20 mins on/20 mins off) low speed, hard braking, hard cornering track usage. Tread wear seemed about the same with all those tires. I would get about 2 to 2.5 summer/fall seasons out of the tires.

Now I'm running Conti DW, yes the Dry/Wet tire. Not the DWS as I have dedicated Dunlop 3D snows. The DW's have been super quiet and have similar feeling as my previous tires. They feel great in the wet but so did my other sets of tires. Very predictable at the limit of asphalt adhesion and easy to feel through the steering wheel with what I need to do in any type of slide scenario. They do not howl when sliding, you can just hear them trying to bite which is a great feeling/sound. Since I've only had these tires since the beginning of this summer I have yet to know what tread life is. But I'm hoping they'd be a bit more from the numbers so I can get max 3 seasons out of the tires.
09-19-2011, 04:17 AM
llll1l1ll

I've driven a couple thousand miles on the DWSs. So far, so good. I need to check pressures all the way around, but the wear has been even. The noise has gone up just a little bit. It may even be my mind playing tricks on me. Plus, my driving style has evolved as I'm getting more and more used to the ZHP. My gas mileage is still outstanding (about 120-140 miles per quarter tank). Well, outstanding compared to my old E30. They are very predictable tires. They feel soft at times, but the handling is still really darn great.

I had an instance where I was driving about 45 or so. Stupid D.C. roads surprised me with a sneak attack pothole out of nowhere. I just simply dodged it like you would strafe an imp in Doom II. I was still doing 45 or so after that. Not a bark from the tires.
09-21-2011, 08:12 AM
webster

Looking at new tires here in a couple months...anyone here have any experience running Nitto Invos? They look great on paper, and have gotten pretty good reviews on the various tire sites. Just looking for someone who's run them on a ZHP...
09-22-2011, 07:02 AM
M3TA5IN

Putting hankook V12s on the rear I believe per Danes recommendation.

Will put them on when I get back from Chicago with Audi0000. Ill let you know what I think.

Taking off the Nitto555, they were really good handling, but loud.
10-06-2011, 03:56 AM
llll1l1ll

I finally found where the DWS is on my tire. It's on the actual tread. So far, all of mine are still there. Granted, I don't drive like a maniac all the time. I kind of drive like an old man. I did, though, take some twisties for a while and I got them to squeal. Very predictable tire. I put another 1,000 miles on them. Still lookin' great!
10-06-2011, 04:15 AM
az3579

Quote:

Originally Posted by llll1l1ll

I finally found where the DWS is on my tire. It's on the actual tread. So far, all of mine are still there. Granted, I don't drive like a maniac all the time. I kind of drive like an old man. I did, though, take some twisties for a while and I got them to squeal. Very predictable tire. I put another 1,000 miles on them. Still lookin' great!

How many miles do you have on that set?

Sent from my Droid Charge.
10-06-2011, 08:14 AM
cakM3

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr330zhp

I still have my Pilot Sports and would not trade em for anything. They grip like CRAZY, quiet, no odd wear, great in rain and I get great mileage out of them too, for being a directional summer tire (no rotations) Soooooo worth the money! I usually do the ordering of tires for my families cars, and from Goodyears, Pirellis, Dunlops, Yokohamas, Kumhos, Contis, I have yet to find a better tire. :dunno

Sent from my HTC Desire, Like a BOSS!

Have you tried Pilot Super Sports yet?

I ran Pilot Sports on my ///M and got the Super Sports for my ZHP. Love the Super Sports! Grips just as good as the Pilot Sports and is a longer lasting tire.
10-06-2011, 08:37 AM
Gheybe

Nitto INVO 255/35/18 all around.

Incredible in the rain. Pretty good in the wet. A little slippery.
10-06-2011, 12:16 PM
webster

ok so i've been going back and forth on tires for weeks. think i'm about ready to settle on the Hankook Ventus V12s. they seem like such a great bang for the buck. i really would like to try out some Nitto Invo's or Mich Super Sports but i just can't justify paying $300 more...not when the V12s have gotten such good reviews across the board.

will be putting them on this weekend.
10-06-2011, 01:33 PM
danewilson77

Quote:

Originally Posted by webster

ok so i've been going back and forth on tires for weeks. think i'm about ready to settle on the Hankook Ventus V12s. they seem like such a great bang for the buck. i really would like to try out some Nitto Invo's or Mich Super Sports but i just can't justify paying $300 more...not when the V12s have gotten such good reviews across the board.

will be putting them on this weekend.

Had V12's. Loved em.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT
10-06-2011, 07:19 PM
RVAzhp

pirelli P-zero nero. love them. not the "sportiest" but for stock wheels, and if you're driving in rain/snow/etc. great price, great traction (had no problems last year when Richmond and hampton roads -Virginia- got covered in snow) and great tread life:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....g&autoModClar=

i have General Acclaim's on the front of my car as of now because i had an extra one laying around that was practically brand new so i just bought another one when i needed new front tires, but once they wear i'm going with Pirrelli's all around i imagine.
10-06-2011, 07:23 PM
RVAzhp

Quote:

Originally Posted by az3579

Update:

My Pirelli's are finally toast. Cord in the rear at 30k miles, including 3 track days, and about 2-3 autocrosses. Not bad considering those usages.
Otherwise driven very mildly on the street.

Will give a report on the new tires when I get them on Friday (Continental ExtremeContact DWS).

had my pirelli' P-zero nero for about 12k (1 year now) and don't think they are loud, have great traction for all weather driving, would NEVER autoX them...because they aren't suppose to be "tracked". drive spiritedly, take off ramps super fast and have a good time and no issues. hard acceleration in rain is usually handled pretty well with the tires as well.

i can't say anything bad about them so far. still lots of tread left too. has really good reviews on tire rack too (i read LOTS of reviews before deciding on them)
10-06-2011, 07:24 PM
kayger12

For the all-season drivers, don't overlook the new Kumho Ecsta 4x.

Only been out a few months, but getting great reviews.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.
10-06-2011, 07:25 PM
Gheybe

Quote:

Originally Posted by webster

ok so i've been going back and forth on tires for weeks. think i'm about ready to settle on the Hankook Ventus V12s. they seem like such a great bang for the buck. i really would like to try out some Nitto Invo's or Mich Super Sports but i just can't justify paying $300 more...not when the V12s have gotten such good reviews across the board.

will be putting them on this weekend.

INVO's are not that much more than Ventus V12. I used to have Ventus.
10-07-2011, 10:54 AM
webster

so would you say they are worth the extra $150 or so over the V12s?

Hankook is also doing $80 rebates if you buy a set of 4...thats another factor in this decision...
10-08-2011, 07:08 AM
webster

not sure if this has been posted before, but i found an interesting C/D article that compares a bunch of less expensive summer tires:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests
10-08-2011, 07:14 AM
kayger12

Good article. Thanks.

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