GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: GTDING on 26 March 2017, 17:27
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Still gaining knowledge on the new Golf we have. Having heard many bad things about the standard fit Bridgestone tyres, on the GTD. Could someone recommend some tyres, that are a good alternative to them please? Also just why are the Bridgestone tyres, so very awful? Thanks.
Also, the woman in the showroom, mentioned something about blue liquid, that only the mechanics should change. I know is not oil, nor coolant, so just what is this mysterious blue liquid? :huh:
Lastly: Anti-tramp, what on earth is that!?
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Rather than re-open the massive can of worms that tyres can be, just look a little further back and there has been many a thread on the subject!
Do they use Adblue in VW diesels now? That could be what was being referred to but I thought that was user top up?
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I imagine the fluid is AdBlue, an additive used to help with diesel emissions
http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/technology/diesel/adblue
You'll be glad to know that the tech isn't used on the GTD, not yet anyway
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My parents Merc has a high capacity Ad Blue tank. So it is expected that it will only need filled during servicing.
The opinion of most owners is that the OEM Bridgestone tyres don't offer as much grip as many alternatives. They do wear well though. :rolleyes:
Possibly the best tyre currently available is the new Michelin PS4. Though Continental, Goodyear and Dunlop have tyres that should be almost as good for less money. Check tyrereviews.co.uk
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Adblue certainly doesn't need to be added by a mechanic/fitter, the only thing you should do is wear gloves when topping it up, if it contacts the skin it can cause irritation. Ive no idea what vw would charge to top it up but we use it at work and it's about 60p a litre and VW certainly aren't telling you it's a mechanic only job so they can relieve you of 60p
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Anyone needing adblue can buy it from tps and you don't need vw to fill it for you. You don't even need gloves but just be careful in case you're clumsy and do spill it.
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Anyone needing adblue can buy it from tps and you don't need be to fill it for you. You don't even need gloves but just be careful in case you're clumsy and do still it.
Are we talking Ad-Blue moonshine here? :laugh:
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Anyone needing adblue can buy it from tps and you don't need vw to fill it for you. You don't even need gloves but just be careful in case you're clumsy and do spill it.
It's a good idea to wear gloves, what doesn't irritate your skin may irritate other people's and adblue is not the stuff to be getting on your skin if it can be avoided
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This is the only advice you need:
You'll be glad to know that the (Adblue) tech isn't used on the GTD, not yet anyway
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This is the only advice you need:
You'll be glad to know that the (Adblue) tech isn't used on the GTD, not yet anyway
Many thanks! :smiley:
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My parents Merc has a high capacity Ad Blue tank. So it is expected that it will only need filled during servicing.
The opinion of most owners is that the OEM Bridgestone tyres don't offer as much grip as many alternatives. They do wear well though. :rolleyes:
Possibly the best tyre currently available is the new Michelin PS4. Though Continental, Goodyear and Dunlop have tyres that should be almost as good for less money. Check tyrereviews.co.uk
Thank you. Anyone know how Avon tyres are working these days? Not sure they even make them in the GTD's tyre size though. They always did me well in the past, but not sure how they compare as a performance tyre now, or whether they are still made in Blighty..
Also, I've noticed the GTD has something called 'Anti-Tramp'. What on earth does this do, apart from the witty obvious..
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Anti-tramp... VW re-enactment of A Clockwork Orange :)
Just another ESP/XDS/traction control thing to stop wheel spin at low speed power application. Detects wheel spin and backs off the power by computer control.
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Thank you. Anyone know how Avon tyres are working these days? Not sure they even make them in the GTD's tyre size though. They always did me well in the past, but not sure how they compare as a performance tyre now, or whether they are still made in Blighty..
There are 3 reviews of the new Avon tyre on tyrereviews.co.uk Looks like the Bridgestones are better. Not a tyre I would want on my GTD. But I think that tyres are the most important part of any car.
If my new GTI arrives with Bridgestones - the 2 front tyres will be getting replaced with Michelins.
My wife's A3 needs 2 new tyres. They will be Continental PremiumContact 6. According to the reviews - the best touring tyre currently available.
My days of listening to the advice of the bloke at the tyre depot ended when I had an accident in my wife's old Golf. His recommend tyres did not work when I needed them to.
They also told me that I only needed 2 winter tyres. They were wrong! My insurance company told me they do not provide cover if only 2 winter tyres are fitted.
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Keep the Bridgestone on over the summer and then change them, total waste to change them straight away. I've got them on my gti and while other tyres are probably better they are ok. If you don't drive like an idiot they are fine.
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Form your own opinion based on your experience, you may find the tyres meet your needs for the car and you. Start the first day of ownership without bias and enjoy, then review this as you live with it.
Don't rush out to change just because other have or haven't, most modern cars are over tyre-d these days anyway, and we seem to want grip above all else, and many don't like a car to move around at all. You may or may not want the same but best to form your own judgement with the car and decide 6 months later...
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Keep the Bridgestone on over the summer and then change them, total waste to change them straight away. I've got them on my gti and while other tyres are probably better they are ok. If you don't drive like an idiot they are fine.
I currently have Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 2 tyres on my GTD. They were a massive improvement on the original Bridgestone tyres. I'm hoping the new GTI 7.5 PP doesn't come with Bridgestones. I will try them for sure. However, I'm moving up a level in performance and I want to be sure I can trust the tyres. With my current mileage it would take me several years to wear down the Bridgestones. If I'm going to change them sooner or later, it may as well be sooner.
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They are on my pp gti and if you drive like a normal person the tyres are fine. Bit noisy but an ok Tyre for normal driving under normal road conditions.
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They are on my pp gti and if you drive like a normal person the tyres are fine. Bit noisy but an ok Tyre for normal driving under normal road conditions.
Honestly, the same for me (except non PP). OK, if I want to accelerate hard on a cold, wet road, it's not going to happen, but even that's just a matter of degree. I tried to get the tyres swapped out by the dealer, when the car was delivered, but, unless another GTI had come in, at the same time, with better tyres, that wasn't going to happen, despite them wanting to help. Decided to live with them and my OCD will probably dictate that I replace the almost worn out Bridgestones on the front with another pair!
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They are on my pp gti and if you drive like a normal person the tyres are fine. Bit noisy but an ok Tyre for normal driving under normal road conditions.
Honestly, the same for me (except non PP). OK, if I want to accelerate hard on a cold, wet road, it's not going to happen, but even that's just a matter of degree. I tried to get the tyres swapped out by the dealer, when the car was delivered, but, unless another GTI had come in, at the same time, with better tyres, that wasn't going to happen, despite them wanting to help. Decided to live with them and my OCD will probably dictate that I replace the almost worn out Bridgestones on the front with another pair!
I can safely say the same about the P Zeros when cold.
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Drive more, wear them out and buy something else when you get a chance :)
Think mine did about 15k on the front and 56k on the rears.
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Drive more, wear them out and buy something else when you get a chance :)
Think mine did about 15k on the front and 56k on the rears.
... they will fit the front of my parents new Merc :cool: So I may have a customer for some Bridgestone tyres.
When I wore out the fronts last time, I gave my rear tyres to my parents for their old Merc. The Bridgestones worked fine on the front of a rear wheel drive car. Probably miles better than the 'no make, ditch finders' my dad would want to buy :rolleyes:
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Drive more, wear them out and buy something else when you get a chance :)
Think mine did about 15k on the front and 56k on the rears.
... they will fit the front of my parents new Merc :cool: So I may have a customer for some Bridgestone tyres.
When I wore out the fronts last time, I gave my rear tyres to my parents for their old Merc. The Bridgestones worked fine on the front of a rear wheel drive car. Probably miles better than the 'no make, ditch finders' my dad would want to buy :rolleyes:
That's what I'm doing, kind off. I'm giving my wheels and tyres to someone that is having their GTD wheels replaced under warranty and the dealer is fitting the PS4's I bought a few weeks back to the new wheels and then we will just swap wheels. We were going to swap my tyres onto his wheels but when I had a look at his wheels they all had the dreaded white worm( think that is what it's called) so I after bringing the issue up at his dealers they are now going through the whole replacement under warranty thing.
As for the Bridgestone, the grip is okay as long as you don't want to accelerate hard or want to stop in a hurry on a wet road and you don't mind the drone from them they will be fine. Personally I can't wait to get rid of them. Not a huge fan of Pirelli P Zero's either.
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They are noisy but once warmed up they grip and stop in any conditions.
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They are noisy but once warmed up they grip and stop in any conditions.
I did read that the new Bridgestone tyres are better. However, the competition has also moved on.
I didn't have to read this forum to realise that my Bridgestone tyres were noisy, firm riding and poor gripping. Tyres provide grip for acceleration, braking and cornering. I just found too much tyre spin, traction control when braking and under steer. Especially if it was cold and wet. I got used to it, but changing the tyres considerably improved the feel of the car for me. So I have already factored in changing the tyres. I'm not going to slide around in my new GTI the way I did for 1 1/2 years in the GTD - until I changed the tyres!
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Strange but I don't find them noisy at all.
Maybe it's because I drive a fully loaded Transit van with ladders on the roof during the day :whistle:
Anything would seem quiet after that :wink:
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They are on my pp gti and if you drive like a normal person the tyres are fine. Bit noisy but an ok Tyre for normal driving under normal road conditions.
Agreed! Honest and realistic view. I drive with my wife in the car most of the time and all the married and coupled will know what that means: Mr Sensible must be driving at all times of the day and night! :wink:
They sure are noisy, the tyres I mean of course...
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They are on my pp gti and if you drive like a normal person the tyres are fine. Bit noisy but an ok Tyre for normal driving under normal road conditions.
Honestly, the same for me (except non PP). OK, if I want to accelerate hard on a cold, wet road, it's not going to happen, but even that's just a matter of degree. I tried to get the tyres swapped out by the dealer, when the car was delivered, but, unless another GTI had come in, at the same time, with better tyres, that wasn't going to happen, despite them wanting to help. Decided to live with them and my OCD will probably dictate that I replace the almost worn out Bridgestones on the front with another pair!
OCD in the sense that you want to keep the car as original as possible, or just match the rears?
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They are on my pp gti and if you drive like a normal person the tyres are fine. Bit noisy but an ok Tyre for normal driving under normal road conditions.
Honestly, the same for me (except non PP). OK, if I want to accelerate hard on a cold, wet road, it's not going to happen, but even that's just a matter of degree. I tried to get the tyres swapped out by the dealer, when the car was delivered, but, unless another GTI had come in, at the same time, with better tyres, that wasn't going to happen, despite them wanting to help. Decided to live with them and my OCD will probably dictate that I replace the almost worn out Bridgestones on the front with another pair!
OCD in the sense that you want to keep the car as original as possible, or just match the rears?
Matching, lining up, symmetrical, all that kind of thing. Not a problem (my wife might disagree!) just the result of forty odd years as a designer, or maybe I was a bit that way anyway. :whistle:
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They are on my pp gti and if you drive like a normal person the tyres are fine. Bit noisy but an ok Tyre for normal driving under normal road conditions.
Agreed! Honest and realistic view. I drive with my wife in the car most of the time and all the married and coupled will know what that means: Mr Sensible must be driving at all times of the day and night! :wink:
They sure are noisy, the tyres I mean of course...
... :huh:
Then why buy a performance Golf? A standard Golf would be much better for that sort of driving.
When we are together we usually take my wife's A3 SE - normal suspension and 16inch tyres make it a much more comfortable cruiser than my GTD with sport suspension and low profile tyres. :whistle:
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They are on my pp gti and if you drive like a normal person the tyres are fine. Bit noisy but an ok Tyre for normal driving under normal road conditions.
Agreed! Honest and realistic view. I drive with my wife in the car most of the time and all the married and coupled will know what that means: Mr Sensible must be driving at all times of the day and night! :wink:
They sure are noisy, the tyres I mean of course...
... :huh:
Then why buy a performance Golf? A standard Golf would be much better for that sort of driving.
When we are together we usually take my wife's A3 SE - normal suspension and 16inch tyres make it a much more comfortable cruiser than my GTD with sport suspension and low profile tyres. :whistle:
Because we wanted it. Just because you have big muscles, you don't have to show them off! :grin: Plus I'm a law abiding person.
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Because we wanted it. Just because you have big muscles, you don't have to show them off! :grin: Plus I'm a law abiding person.
:huh:
You do not need to be speeding to appreciate just how poor the Bridgestone tyres are. Most of the wheel spin, under steer and ABS light flashing I experienced was below 30mph. But I didn't buy a performance Golf to drive it like an old married man... ummmm... even though I am an old married man :grin: :tongue:
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They are on my pp gti and if you drive like a normal person the tyres are fine. Bit noisy but an ok Tyre for normal driving under normal road conditions.
Agreed! Honest and realistic view. I drive with my wife in the car most of the time and all the married and coupled will know what that means: Mr Sensible must be driving at all times of the day and night! :wink:
They sure are noisy, the tyres I mean of course...
I'm the opposite, my wife drives faster than me.
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They are on my pp gti and if you drive like a normal person the tyres are fine. Bit noisy but an ok Tyre for normal driving under normal road conditions.
Agreed! Honest and realistic view. I drive with my wife in the car most of the time and all the married and coupled will know what that means: Mr Sensible must be driving at all times of the day and night!
:wink:
They sure are noisy, the tyres I mean of course...
Ah yes, I know this feeling all to well but I do get the chance to drive on my loan some a lot of the time. When the Mrs & spogs are with me it = individual mode with everything in normal except engine sound in sport.
When I'm on my loan some it = sport mode :cool:
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Anti-tramp... VW re-enactment of A Clockwork Orange :)
Just another ESP/XDS/traction control thing to stop wheel spin at low speed power application. Detects wheel spin and backs off the power by computer control.
I did a search on the forum for the word Potenza. So many people think the Tombstones tyres are poor.
I though this comment was funny... does the anti-tramp feature work, or have Bridgestone found a way to defeat it! :grin: :grin: :grin:
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It's simply that in the UK the compound doesn't do well across our cold wet climate. In Germany they have much warmer summer temperatures and winter tyres (by law). In the UK there are better compounds available for us all year round. Remember that in a gtd you have more torque than past opinions thought sane in a front wheel drive car.. It's a technical miracle it's not far worse.
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It's simply that in the UK the compound doesn't do well across our cold wet climate.
I see that people were complaining to Bridgestone, VW and VW UK. You would think that VW would realise that there is an issue and select a different tyre for the UK. Though that would also be admitting that there was an issue. Maybe the facelift gives them an opportunity to change :undecided:
Does anyone know what make of tyre is fitted to the Mk7.5 GTD/GTI standard alloys? I see there are Pirelli fitted to the 19inch alloys.
Hmmmm.... a new set of tyres £500ish. Upgrade the alloys for better tyres £600... :undecided:
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I see that people were complaining to Bridgestone, VW and VW UK. You would think that VW would realise that there is an issue and select a different tyre for the UK. Though that would also be admitting that there was an issue. Maybe the facelift gives them an opportunity to change :undecided:
Highly unlikely: VW will have negotiated and secured a 'competitive' (low) price with Bridgestone to supply tyres for a specific period of time under contract. The fact that VW have launched the facelift Golf won't stop VW fitting Bridgestones, unless the relaunch date of the facelift Golf coincided with the Bridgestone / VW contact expiry date (unlikely) and the contract isn't renewed.
I daresay that when the tyre supply contact comes up for renewal, Bridgestone will do all they can to retain what is undoubtably a valuable contract to them and offer VW an equally attractive price to continue to supply them with tyres.
So don't be surprised to see a high proportion of VW cars continuing to come off the production line with Bridgestones fitted.
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Highly unlikely: VW will have negotiated and secured a 'competitive' (low) price with Bridgestone to supply tyres for a specific period of time under contract. The fact that VW have launched the facelift Golf won't stop VW fitting Bridgestones, unless the relaunch date of the facelift Golf coincided with the Bridgestone / VW contact expiry date (unlikely) and the contract isn't renewed.
I daresay that when the tyre supply contact comes up for renewal, Bridgestone will do all they can to retain what is undoubtably a valuable contract to them and offer VW an equally attractive price to continue to supply them with tyres.
So don't be surprised to see a high proportion of VW cars continuing to come off the production line with Bridgestones fitted.
Yes, but VW don't just use Bridgestone. They use Pirelli on upgrade alloys. Didn't some of the cars come with Continental tyres factory fitted?
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Yes there have been plenty of Mk7's on here with Contis - I think on the 19's though. BS's are still most likely though. I guess the Conti's only happen when BS can't supply.
I suspect if you looked at the 17" shod golf's though you'd find something different. Maybe ordering a GTD-Blueline is the cheapest way out :D
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It gives me great pleasure to report that the launch GTIs as tested by VW Driver magazine came fitted with Bridgestones.
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Highly unlikely: VW will have negotiated and secured a 'competitive' (low) price with Bridgestone to supply tyres for a specific period of time under contract. The fact that VW have launched the facelift Golf won't stop VW fitting Bridgestones, unless the relaunch date of the facelift Golf coincided with the Bridgestone / VW contact expiry date (unlikely) and the contract isn't renewed.
I daresay that when the tyre supply contact comes up for renewal, Bridgestone will do all they can to retain what is undoubtably a valuable contract to them and offer VW an equally attractive price to continue to supply them with tyres.
So don't be surprised to see a high proportion of VW cars continuing to come off the production line with Bridgestones fitted.
Yes, but VW don't just use Bridgestone. They use Pirelli on upgrade alloys. Didn't some of the cars come with Continental tyres factory fitted?
Agree, VW don't just use Bridgestone, which is why I said 'don't be surprised to see a high proportion.......' And yes, I believe some did have Contis fitted from the factory.
However, if the number of forum members performance Golfs fitted with Bridgestones is representative of the bigger picture, then Bridgestone seems to be the norm rather then the exception.
I'm on my 4th VW, and all have had Bridgestones fitted from the factory.
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Highly unlikely: VW will have negotiated and secured a 'competitive' (low) price with Bridgestone to supply tyres for a specific period of time under contract. The fact that VW have launched the facelift Golf won't stop VW fitting Bridgestones, unless the relaunch date of the facelift Golf coincided with the Bridgestone / VW contact expiry date (unlikely) and the contract isn't renewed.
I daresay that when the tyre supply contact comes up for renewal, Bridgestone will do all they can to retain what is undoubtably a valuable contract to them and offer VW an equally attractive price to continue to supply them with tyres.
So don't be surprised to see a high proportion of VW cars continuing to come off the production line with Bridgestones fitted.
Yes, but VW don't just use Bridgestone. They use Pirelli on upgrade alloys. Didn't some of the cars come with Continental tyres factory fitted?
Agree, VW don't just use Bridgestone, which is why I said 'don't be surprised to see a high proportion.......' And yes, I believe some did have Contis fitted from the factory.
However, if the number of forum members performance Golfs fitted with Bridgestones is representative of the bigger picture, then Bridgestone seems to be the norm rather then the exception on performance variants.
I'm on my 4th VW, and all have had Bridgestones fitted from the factory.
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:cry:
It gives me great pleasure to report that the launch GTIs as tested by VW Driver magazine came fitted with Bridgestones.
:cry: :cry: :cry:
... the GTI Performance Pack is my last hope. (http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/smileys-and-emoticons/praying/smileys-praying-929024.gif)
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PP gtis come with Bridgestones too.
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PP gtis come with Bridgestones too.
Noooooooooooooooo
(http://emoticoner.com/files/emoticons/smiley_faces/wallbash-smiley-face.gif?1302011439)
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PP gtis come with Bridgestones too.
Noooooooooooooooo
(http://emoticoner.com/files/emoticons/smiley_faces/wallbash-smiley-face.gif?1302011439)
My PP GTI came with Bridgestones and after 12K of wheelspin I can take it no more. I probably have a couple of thousand miles left on them at least but have decided to ditch them and have ordered some Yokohama Advan Sport V105S's. Seems to be a very good tyre by the reviews in wet and dry conditions and very reasonably priced too. After all of the people commenting on how much the car has changed after swapping the out the factory Bridgestones I am really looking forward to putting them on.
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I'm back (!) after 10,500 miles of GTD driving, in 9mths or so. :wink:
This is despite the awful,(oh so awful :cry:)Bridgestone standard tyres, the TOMBSTONES as someone rightfully re-named them!
'Anti-tramp' they do not, nor do they grip too well in the wet!
So that brings me to ask my fellow GTD/GTI drivers; just what tyres work best on the car, to make it what it should be; the ultimate fast and safe hatch (not to mention classy too! :smiley:). Thanks in advance.
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Michelin PS4 is where its at....
Better than the PS3's I had before, which were the best tyres I had on my Mk7 GTD by a long old way.
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I changed my Bridgestone's for Michelin PS4 even though they still had 5mm front and 7mm rear. The difference is astounding and not only in grip but also in comfort and quietness. I bought them months ago but was waiting to see if Michelin were going to make the PS4S in 18" which they are not going to do so had the PS4's fitted.
Try blackcirciles as they have great deals on Michelin tyres. You can have them fitted or as I did have them delivered because I know of a trusted tyre fitter.
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PS4S for me, a revelation in grip, even in this cold weather! Admittedly I'm mostly a relaxed driver but I do enjoy getting going and I've had no tramping, no wheelspin and no traction control lights come on bar one very brief moment. Definitely more comfortable and a bit quieter. And my old tyres were Pirellis!
Blackcircles gave a good price plus £40 off for buying 4 and 6 months 0%.
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Thanks guys. What about the Avon ZZ5's or, as randam_nickname mentioned, the Yokohama Advan Sport V105S's?
I have used Avon's (but not the ZZ5's) in the past and they were quiet, grippy in wet and dry, are nice and progressive if they loose grip and have a good feel to them. Though as this is my first car with electric power steering that I'd be trying Avon's on, the good road contact feel may not still be the case..
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Michelins.
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PS4S for me, a revelation in grip, even in this cold weather! Admittedly I'm mostly a relaxed driver but I do enjoy getting going and I've had no tramping, no wheelspin and no traction control lights come on bar one very brief moment. Definitely more comfortable and a bit quieter. And my old tyres were Pirellis!
Blackcircles gave a good price plus £40 off for buying 4 and 6 months 0%.
Thanks. So disappointed with the Bridgesatans! :evil: Why did VW go there, when it basically spoils a really nice car!? My wife HATES the tramping that goes with these tyres and thinks its going to damage the car. Is it?
So what is the difference between the PS4S and the PS4 and are they both available in the standard 225/40 R 18 for the GTD?
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PS4S for me, a revelation in grip, even in this cold weather! Admittedly I'm mostly a relaxed driver but I do enjoy getting going and I've had no tramping, no wheelspin and no traction control lights come on bar one very brief moment. Definitely more comfortable and a bit quieter. And my old tyres were Pirellis!
Blackcircles gave a good price plus £40 off for buying 4 and 6 months 0%.
Thanks. So disappointed with the Bridgesatans! :evil: Why did VW go there, when it basically spoils a really nice car!? My wife HATES the tramping that goes with these tyres and thinks its going to damage the car. Is it?
So what is the difference between the PS4S and the PS4 and are they both available in the standard 225/40 R 18 for the GTD?
No PS4S for 18 inch wheels i'm afraid. Just the normal PS4. But not to worry too much as they're still one of the best tyres around.
Bridgestone's are probably ok in other countries where they get warmer, drier weather over summer, or countries where they take them off over winter and run proper winter tyres.
Unfortunately the UK's cold and rainy climate tends to show them at their worst more of the time.
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Not sure of the technical differences which are likely minimal but PS4S are not available in 18s so PS4 it'll be. On Blackcircles just now with the £40 off 4 will cost £452.88. Costco who get recommended on here regularly came out at £439.14 although there may be a cost of membership to take into account. The Michelins were the overall winners in the 2017 Evo tyre awards by quite some margin iirc but it was recommendations on here that persuaded me in the end and even bearing in mind the £120 additional cost over Pirellis it was money very well spent as I can appreciate the benefits every time I go for a drive. Brilliant :smiley:
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Not sure of the technical differences which are likely minimal but PS4S are not available in 18s so PS4 it'll be. On Blackcircles just now with the £40 off 4 will cost £452.88. Costco who get recommended on here regularly came out at £439.14 although there may be a cost of membership to take into account. The Michelins were the overall winners in the 2017 Evo tyre awards by quite some margin iirc but it was recommendations on here that persuaded me in the end and even bearing in mind the £120 additional cost over Pirellis it was money very well spent as I can appreciate the benefits every time I go for a drive. Brilliant :smiley:
Dam they have gone up in the last few months, I got mine for something like £96 A corner back in the summer.
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Not sure of the technical differences which are likely minimal but PS4S are not available in 18s so PS4 it'll be. On Blackcircles just now with the £40 off 4 will cost £452.88. Costco who get recommended on here regularly came out at £439.14 although there may be a cost of membership to take into account. The Michelins were the overall winners in the 2017 Evo tyre awards by quite some margin iirc but it was recommendations on here that persuaded me in the end and even bearing in mind the £120 additional cost over Pirellis it was money very well spent as I can appreciate the benefits every time I go for a drive. Brilliant :smiley:
This is what Michelin say.
What’s happening with Pilot Sport 4S?
Well in Europe the tyre is sold in 19” plus sizes, with only some limited production of 18” (in Michelin Factories in the USA) being made and sold only in their market
We make 19” plus sizes in Europe, and predominantly for cars with 250-300bhp+
Why? Well the performance difference in 18” is seriously small (PS4 vs PS4S), unlike the old difference between Pilot Sport 3 and Pilot Super Sport (which was a major difference)
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My experience of Bridgestone tyres comes from my ownership of a Honda S2000. Bridgestone developed tyres especially for the S2000, which is notoriously sensitive to tyre construction and wheel alignment.
Honda designed the suspension to work with tyres with very stiff sidewalls, and all of the criticisms of Bridgestones in this and many other threads indicate that stiff sidewalls, or rather a lack of compliance in the tyre sidewalls is the cause of the apparent mismatch with the Golf suspension.
The only question is why did VW specify them as original equipment?
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My experience of Bridgestone tyres comes from my ownership of a Honda S2000. Bridgestone developed tyres especially for the S2000, which is notoriously sensitive to tyre construction and wheel alignment.
Honda designed the suspension to work with tyres with very stiff sidewalls, and all of the criticisms of Bridgestones in this and many other threads indicate that stiff sidewalls, or rather a lack of compliance in the tyre sidewalls is the cause of the apparent mismatch with the Golf suspension.
The only question is why did VW specify them as original equipment?
Which Bridgestone's did the S2000 have?
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My experience of Bridgestone tyres comes from my ownership of a Honda S2000. Bridgestone developed tyres especially for the S2000, which is notoriously sensitive to tyre construction and wheel alignment.
Honda designed the suspension to work with tyres with very stiff sidewalls, and all of the criticisms of Bridgestones in this and many other threads indicate that stiff sidewalls, or rather a lack of compliance in the tyre sidewalls is the cause of the apparent mismatch with the Golf suspension.
The only question is why did VW specify them as original equipment?
My feeling is the rubber compound is too hard for a sporty car. It's a hard wearing and durable (which is a shame, cos I'm trying to wear them out!) tyre, but as well suited to a sports cars as a shark would be playing ping pong!: So I can well believe the side walls are too stiff.
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My experience of Bridgestone tyres comes from my ownership of a Honda S2000. Bridgestone developed tyres especially for the S2000, which is notoriously sensitive to tyre construction and wheel alignment.
Honda designed the suspension to work with tyres with very stiff sidewalls, and all of the criticisms of Bridgestones in this and many other threads indicate that stiff sidewalls, or rather a lack of compliance in the tyre sidewalls is the cause of the apparent mismatch with the Golf suspension.
The only question is why did VW specify them as original equipment?
I dare say it’s primarily down to cost and the price that Bridgestone have agreed with VW to supply them with tyres. No doubt VW will have negotiated a very good price (for VW) with Bridgestone;
- VW will be happy as they’ll have an ongoing supply of low cost ‘premium’ brand tyres - certainly not the best tyre, but they are still classed as a premium brand.
- Bridgestone will be happy to a supplier to one of the world’s largest motor manufacturers. They’ve had a contract with VW for many years; my first Golf back in 2002 was fitted with Bridgestones.
- The VW bean counters will be happy, as keeping supplier costs down means bigger profit margins for VW
So everyone’s happy...............apart from many of the customers whose car’s have been fitted with Bridgestones.
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Has there ever been a more maligned tyre than the poor old Bridgestone :grin:
I'd personally love to swap mine out for some PS4's, but as they have only covered 6000 miles, they will be staying put :smiley:
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Mine have got 10k on them and the rears are on 6mm still while the fronts are on 4mm. They've been an ok tyre and aren't as bad as many make out and I certainly can't see the point in binning them when new. If you don't drive like a complete a4se and wait until they warm up a little they aren't that bad. Would I buy them myself, no.
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My experience of Bridgestone tyres comes from my ownership of a Honda S2000. Bridgestone developed tyres especially for the S2000, which is notoriously sensitive to tyre construction and wheel alignment.
Honda designed the suspension to work with tyres with very stiff sidewalls, and all of the criticisms of Bridgestones in this and many other threads indicate that stiff sidewalls, or rather a lack of compliance in the tyre sidewalls is the cause of the apparent mismatch with the Golf suspension.
The only question is why did VW specify them as original equipment?
Which Bridgestone's did the S2000 have?
I remember that the code was 050, which is an evolution of the original 020, designed specifically for the S2000.
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Whoever it was saying about letting the BS's warm up... But they don't on a cold wet day. You know, the sort of cold wet day that you get in the UK between about November and April.
As someone else said, in any other major market for the golf in Europe (ie Germany) they don't run these tyres over the cold season.
When it's warm they are OK, if a little noisier than other options.
The other factor is probably fuel economy, which is directly related to co2 emissions... That figure of course being important to Vw and to all of us because less co2 means less tax!
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Not sure about all this talk of them being a noisy tyre :huh:
I can't hear them any more than I could hear the Conti's on my A3. Other tyres may well be quieter but there will not be much in it I'm sure.
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The other factor is probably fuel economy, which is directly related to co2 emissions... That figure of course being important to Vw and to all of us because less co2 means less tax!
Even more so now, hence the reason VW have increased the recommend tyre pressures now.
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Not sure about all this talk of them being a noisy tyre :huh:
I can't hear them any more than I could hear the Conti's on my A3. Other tyres may well be quieter but there will not be much in it I'm sure.
That's two different cars though. Going from pretty much new Bridgestone's to the Michelin's I found the Michelin's much quieter but also smoother which also helps with noise reduction.
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Whoever it was saying about letting the BS's warm up... But they don't on a cold wet day. You know, the sort of cold wet day that you get in the UK between about November and April.
As someone else said, in any other major market for the golf in Europe (ie Germany) they don't run these tyres over the cold season.
I think it was probably me who said these things.....
Personally I don't have an issue with the Bridgestones on my car, once they are up to temperature you can put your foot down hard, but then I am running Nokian WR A4 winter tyres between November and March ;)
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Not sure about all this talk of them being a noisy tyre :huh:
I can't hear them any more than I could hear the Conti's on my A3. Other tyres may well be quieter but there will not be much in it I'm sure.
On my Mk6 GTD, the Bridgestone tyres were very noisy. My wife noticed it also. At motor way speeds, we literally had to shout to be heard. When I replaced the OEM Bridgestone tyres with Good year AS2 tyres, they transformed the car. Not only quieter, but noticeably more comfort and better grip.
My wife has an A3. It was/is noticeably quieter than my old GTD and new GTI. I'm fairly certain that it is due to the tyres. When the GTD was on 16 inch winter tyres it was almost as quiet as the A3 on it's 16 inch tyres.
I have to confess that, during the summer, I didn't notice any problems with the Bridgestone tyres on my GTI. The only issue I noticed was that noise levels were back up. However, from my previous experience with Bridgestone tyres I was not prepared to take a chance on them again. I have had a few accidents were I realise that poor tyres were a contributing factor.
My GTI PP now has Michelin PS4 tyres. Now that it has turned wet and cold I am very impressed with the grip levels. Also, the car is noticeably more comfortable. Initially, I was disappointed with the noise levels. Especially at motorway speeds. However, it has improved a bit. (Or maybe I've just gotten used to it :undecided:). By comparison the A3, with it's 16inch tyres, is certainly a much quieter car.
I always give this site a look before deciding on our tyres - http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/ (http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/)
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The other factor is probably fuel economy, which is directly related to co2 emissions... That figure of course being important to Vw and to all of us because less co2 means less tax!
Even more so now, hence the reason VW have increased the recommend tyre pressures now.
What pressures do they recommend now and where did you hear about the change? I'm still using 36psi all round, which is what the handbook says for MKVII GTD. Thanks.
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The other factor is probably fuel economy, which is directly related to co2 emissions... That figure of course being important to Vw and to all of us because less co2 means less tax!
Even more so now, hence the reason VW have increased the recommend tyre pressures now.
What pressures do they recommend now and where did you hear about the change? I'm still using 36psi all round, which is what the handbook says for MKVII GTD. Thanks.
It was on here a few months back.
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Not sure about all this talk of them being a noisy tyre :huh:
I can't hear them any more than I could hear the Conti's on my A3. Other tyres may well be quieter but there will not be much in it I'm sure.
That's two different cars though. Going from pretty much new Bridgestone's to the Michelin's I found the Michelin's much quieter but also smoother which also helps with noise reduction.
I suppose the fact that I don't find them noisy is the important thing for me :smiley:
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The other factor is probably fuel economy, which is directly related to co2 emissions... That figure of course being important to Vw and to all of us because less co2 means less tax!
Even more so now, hence the reason VW have increased the recommend tyre pressures now.
What pressures do they recommend now and where did you hear about the change? I'm still using 36psi all round, which is what the handbook says for MKVII GTD. Thanks.
It was on here a few months back.
What are the new tyre pressures for the GTD and does this apply to the MK7, or just the 7.5? Thanks.
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Edit - sorry this was a cross post from another thread! Completely off topic
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I follow the Stolen Cars UK group on Facebook
Ghost has been bypassed on two OEMs recently and had to be updated so is a bit circumspect. The first was 2 high performance Ford Focus'
Clifford Blackjax seems highly recommended
If keyless make sure you aren't vulnerable to the new relay theft where they don't even need to break in to your house (e.g. keep keys in cheap faraday bags). I have keyless and wouldn't spec it again given the security issues with it hitting the headlines recently
Make sure that any euro cylinder locks (usual in UPVC doors) on your house are anti snap (otherwise you can be broken in to very easily and it is a relatively cheap, quick and simple DIY fix via upgraded cylinders - I've gone for ABS Avocet which come highly recommended)
You can turn off the keyless opening bit while keeping the keyless start with OBDeleven, look at post 11 here http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=282638.10
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Question for VAQ diff owners regarding tramping -
I had my diff set to 'normal'. On 2 occasions with full throttle, the car made a 'bang' noise, but never spun, jumped or stopped accelerating - like my previous Mk6 GTD would do.
Has anyone else with a VAQ diff noticed an occasional bang noise?
I have now set the VAQ to sport. The roads are greasy, but no loss of traction or strange noise so far. Fingers crossed! Maybe I should have bought a Golf R, but I do find my tow bar useful. :cool:
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Yes, when I accelerate in Eco or Normal mode (I'm rarely in Sport) on a wet/greasy road, I get the banging noise. Tyres loose traction for a second then 'she bangs, she bangs, Oh oh oh, She moves, she moves' (name that tune! :grin: I find it abit annoying really! :angry:
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The out-laws have left just left... hic... :embarrassed:
Is this it... Ricky Martin - She Bangs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ihtX86JzmA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ihtX86JzmA)
I'm waiting to see if the "Front differential lock: sport" setting makes a diff :wink:
If it happens again - I'm going see if the dash cam picks up the noise.
Was just outside, my car is 'frozen' - like some of the discussions here - let it go, let it go! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MK7qz13bU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MK7qz13bU)
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The out-laws have left just left... hic... :embarrassed:
Is this it... Ricky Martin - She Bangs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ihtX86JzmA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ihtX86JzmA)
I'm waiting to see if the "Front differential lock: sport" setting makes a diff :wink:
If it happens again - I'm going see if the dash cam picks up the noise.
Was just outside, my car is 'frozen' - like some of the discussions here - let it go, let it go! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MK7qz13bU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MK7qz13bU)
Yes the Martinite it was!
Should be interesting to see if Sport mode makes a diff! :smiley:
GTDsicle's all round last night too!