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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: Steve78 on 23 September 2009, 11:35

Title: Tyres
Post by: Steve78 on 23 September 2009, 11:35
My front tyres have about 1.5-2mm on them (the rears 1-2mm more) so I need to think about getting some new ones fairly sharpish.  What do people recommend?  Also, where do you go to get your tyres changed?  And the age old question, how much can I expect to pay for a full set?

Cheers  :smiley:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: AlanD on 23 September 2009, 11:38
Goodyear Eagle F1s all day long. Had GSD3s on my 17s and then got 4 new Asymmetrics on the 18s. Best tyre I have used by far.

Got mine from R-Tec in St.Albans but thats only because they where doing my new wheels for me.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Rhyso on 23 September 2009, 11:40
Goodyear Eagle F1s all day long. Had GSD3s on my 17s and then got 4 new Asymmetrics on the 18s. Best tyre I have used by far.

this man speaketh the truth (for once  :tongue:)
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: AlanD on 23 September 2009, 11:41
(for once  :tongue:)

You have said that waaaay too many times recently to be true :D
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Steve78 on 23 September 2009, 11:42
Goodyear Eagle F1s all day long. Had GSD3s on my 17s and then got 4 new Asymmetrics on the 18s. Best tyre I have used by far.

How much did you pay and where did you get them done?  Can I just roll into somewhere like KwikFit where they will have them in stock or do I need to get them ordered in before they can be fitted?
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: nick30 on 23 September 2009, 11:45
www.blackcircles.com (http://www.blackcircles.com) is a good place i rate the PZero Nero but will be trying the Eagle F1 next time they are about the same price hundred quid a corner  :smiley:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Hurdy on 23 September 2009, 11:45
Only other tyre I would choose for road use are the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta's

I've had both the F1's and the Vred's on my car and there is nothing in it in the dry or the wet.

Wear is a little greater on the Vred's, but they are cheaper by comparison.

A Vred costs £88 from Camskill tyres.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: AlanD on 23 September 2009, 11:47
Iv edited my post as I forgot to mention where I got mine done. I would suggest using an online order place such as www.blackcricles.com and book yourself in to have them fitted.

I cant remember what I actually paid as it came as a package of new wheels, new tyres and fitting. For the Asymmetrics your probs looking at about £120ish a corner, maybe a tad less (thats without fitting). For the GSD3s probs about £100ish a corner without fitting, this is for 18s.

Are you 17 or 18?
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Steve78 on 23 September 2009, 11:53
Cheers lads.  I have the 18" Monza's on my car, so what is the tyre size that I need, 225/45W18?

Also, how are the Goodyear Eagle F1s in the rain/winter?  (I have some Continental's on my car at the moment, they have been superb...)
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Rhyso on 23 September 2009, 11:57
225/40/18

cheapest place I found was Camskill at approx £105 per corner

only driven once in the rain with them and its like driving in the dry!

(for once  :tongue:)

You have said that waaaay too many times recently to be true :D

it does deeply concern me  :sad:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Steve78 on 23 September 2009, 12:03
225/40/18

Cheers, so are these the correct ones?  Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 225/40 R18 Y (92), Reinforced

Works out £456.92 fully fitted according to the quote from blackcircles.com...
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Rhyso on 23 September 2009, 12:04
225/40/18

Cheers, so are these the correct ones?  Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 225/40 R18 Y (92), Reinforced

Works out £456.92 fully fitted according to the quote from blackcircles.com...

those are the OLD Goodyears

You want the Assymetrics  :wink:

http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m4b0s134p12746
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: AlanD on 23 September 2009, 12:16
Theres nothing wrong with GSD3s, but as Rhyso said they are the older version. Try and get your grubins on the Assymetrics ;)
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Steve78 on 23 September 2009, 12:20
Would that be these bad boys Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 225/40 R18 Y (92), Reinforced
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: AlanD on 23 September 2009, 12:21
Correct :)
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Len on 23 September 2009, 12:24
Might be worth taking a look at the links in this thread.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=130007.0
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Darren VDub on 23 September 2009, 14:16
I've just had a set of the Goodyear F1 Assys fitted for £480 incl tracking at my local depot. I did see the other day that Kwik Fit had them priced at a £120 a corner if you bought 4.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 23 September 2009, 15:02
I would earnestly recommend the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 - good enough for the Bugatti Veyron, and also virtually all Porsches and BMW 'M' cars have them as standard.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: jaydubveedub on 23 September 2009, 15:28
^+1

I've got the PS2's on the front of mine and they are brilliant.

Neve had the Goodyears so can't comment on them.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: AlanD on 23 September 2009, 17:19
I too have also heard only good things about the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 23 September 2009, 19:01
I too have also heard only good things about the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2.

They are a seriously good tyre.  I'm just amazed on how many peeps seem to ignore the fact that Porsche factory fit them - if there were a better tyre than the PS2, then Porsche would fit them.  The PS2s are also standard fitment on many of those crazy 'Renault Sport Renault Megane Sport . . . whatever they are called' hot hatches.  F0rd a also fit them as standard on their ST and RS models, and Merc also fit them (though Merc don't seem to have any consistency).

PS2 FTW any day! :cool: :cool:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Steve_PD on 23 September 2009, 20:44
I got PS on mine and they are very good but its the price which puts most people off
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Rhyso on 23 September 2009, 21:37
I too have also heard only good things about the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2.

They are a seriously good tyre.  I'm just amazed on how many peeps seem to ignore the fact that Porsche factory fit them - if there were a better tyre than the PS2, then Porsche would fit them.  The PS2s are also standard fitment on many of those crazy 'Renault Sport Renault Megane Sport . . . whatever they are called' hot hatches.  F0rd a also fit them as standard on their ST and RS models, and Merc also fit them (though Merc don't seem to have any consistency).

PS2 FTW any day! :cool: :cool:

whilst I'm not denying how good a tyre they are, the cars you've quoted run special compounds of the Pilot Sport do they not?  :huh: and designed specifically for that particular model?

Also another stumbling block is the sheer price of the damn things  :sad:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 23 September 2009, 22:08
I too have also heard only good things about the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2.

They are a seriously good tyre.  I'm just amazed on how many peeps seem to ignore the fact that Porsche factory fit them - if there were a better tyre than the PS2, then Porsche would fit them.  The PS2s are also standard fitment on many of those crazy 'Renault Sport Renault Megane Sport . . . whatever they are called' hot hatches.  F0rd a also fit them as standard on their ST and RS models, and Merc also fit them (though Merc don't seem to have any consistency).

PS2 FTW any day! :cool: :cool:

whilst I'm not denying how good a tyre they are, the cars you've quoted run special compounds of the Pilot Sport do they not?  :huh: and designed specifically for that particular model?

OK, the Porsche GT3 uses the semi-slick Pilot Sport Cup tyres, but ALL other Porsches use the bog standard PS2s which you can get from your local ATS or ThikFit.  On BMWs, only the lightweight M3 CSL had the Cups, all their other cars, including the 'standard' M3/M5/M6 all use the standard PS2.  F0rds, Audis, Mercs again all use the standard PS2.

Regarding the Reno, I think the Megane with the standard roll cage (and lurid paint scheme) use the semi-slick Cups, but the more normal Sport Megane (225 I think), along with most other cars in the Reno range use the standard PS2s.

I suppose the only real odd-ball is the Veyron - it uses the standard PS2, but also uses the Michelin PAX system insert.


Also another stumbling block is the sheer price of the damn things  :sad:

I don't deny that Michelins are always more expensive than other 'similar' quality tyres, but if you do some research like using all the internet sites, and then fone around a dozen of your local tyre specialists, you can invariably get the price much lower.  When I last got a pair of 235 PS2s for the GTI, the highest price was £260 for one, but I eventually got them down to (I think) £140 each - all in.  Don't forget that as well as Michelins generally gripping better than others, they are also generally quieter, more comfortable, and last longer too.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: percymon on 23 September 2009, 23:25
but ALL other Porsches use the bog standard PS2s which you can get from your local ATS or ThikFit. 

Porsche use their own approval system above and beyond the normal Z/W/Y rating system - thats why some Michelin tyres sport additional sidewall lettering or the N rating from Porsche. Whilst the tread pattern is the same as a normal PS" or Pilot Sport Cup, the construction and compounds can differ widely in order to fulfill the addiitonal Porsche criteria. Its not just another letter on the side wall from the marketting men.  Admittedly a lot of drivers wouldn't know the difference when sat in the car, but some of us can ;)

Quote
I suppose the only real odd-ball is the Veyron - it uses the standard PS2, but also uses the Michelin PAX system insert.

The Veyron uses the PAX system, which employs the same tread pattern as the PS2. Pax tyres are no ordinary tyre, hence why they are £1k each !



Also another stumbling block is the sheer price of the damn things  :sad:


Yes but they last longer so p/mile is similar for most sporty drivers - motorway commuters probably won't see the same return on investment.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 24 September 2009, 00:21
but ALL other Porsches use the bog standard PS2s which you can get from your local ATS or ThikFit. 

Porsche use their own approval system above and beyond the normal Z/W/Y rating system - thats why some Michelin tyres sport additional sidewall lettering or the N rating from Porsche. Whilst the tread pattern is the same as a normal PS" or Pilot Sport Cup, the construction and compounds can differ widely in order to fulfill the addiitonal Porsche criteria. Its not just another letter on the side wall from the marketting men.  Admittedly a lot of drivers wouldn't know the difference when sat in the car, but some of us can ;)

Erm, I know exactly what the Porsche 'N*' ratings are - and they are NOT to do with different compounds.  Porsche N ratings are simply due to very slight differences in sizes.  Constructions are also identical, although there are some specific Porsche tyres which are a lighter weight.  And the N ratings are NOT unique to Michelin - ALL tyres for Porsches, irrespective of tyre manufacturer, MUST have the appropriate N rating.  Mercedes are the same with their 'M' rating, and Audi with their 'RO1' rating - but these all share the identical tread compound and construction as the normal PS2s!


Quote
I suppose the only real odd-ball is the Veyron - it uses the standard PS2, but also uses the Michelin PAX system insert.

The Veyron uses the PAX system, which employs the same tread pattern as the PS2. Pax tyres are no ordinary tyre, hence why they are £1k each !

Didn't I just say that ^^^^ ?  :rolleyes:


Also another stumbling block is the sheer price of the damn things  :sad:


Yes but they last longer so p/mile is similar for most sporty drivers - motorway commuters probably won't see the same return on investment.

Motorway drivers will probably benefit more from longer lasting tyres! :huh:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Hairy Porter on 24 September 2009, 00:30
2mm and less depth,
All the brands are just as bad.

Change them for what you can afford. 
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 24 September 2009, 00:38
2mm and less depth,
All the brands are just as bad.

Ohhh you are SO wrong there.  It is when they are nearly worn out that differences between good and bad tyres opens up wider than the Grand Canyon!
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Hairy Porter on 24 September 2009, 00:43
2mm and less depth,
All the brands are just as bad.

Ohhh you are SO wrong there.  It is when they are nearly worn out that differences between good and bad tyres opens up wider than the Grand Canyon!

Not so.
See Max Power grand tyre test.
Baldies were very bad indeed. 

Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Rhyso on 24 September 2009, 08:07
2mm and less depth,
All the brands are just as bad.

Ohhh you are SO wrong there.  It is when they are nearly worn out that differences between good and bad tyres opens up wider than the Grand Canyon!

unless you use Falkens where the gap is as wide as the Grand Canyon to start with  :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Steve78 on 24 September 2009, 08:08
Would that be these bad boys Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 225/40 R18 Y (92), Reinforced

Ok, so I'm pretty much settled on the tyre's above, but does anyone have any views on the Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico's?  They have been given good user reviews on various websites I looked at...

(http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7606/obj8927179.jpg)
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Hairy Porter on 24 September 2009, 11:10
I replaced the 050's with F1's.
Both good tyres, the F1's need a bit of warming up on cold days.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Gene Hunt. on 24 September 2009, 11:52
Only other tyre I would choose for road use are the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta's

I've had both the F1's and the Vred's on my car and there is nothing in it in the dry or the wet.

Wear is a little greater on the Vred's, but they are cheaper by comparison.

A Vred costs £88 from Camskill tyres.
........got the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta's on my GTI & for the money you can't go wrong.As Hurdy says grip is great in the wet & dry.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: kane1210 on 24 September 2009, 12:05
ok so i dont want budget tyres and the pocket is not allowing for a pilots or f1's , what do you guys reccomend?
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Rhyso on 24 September 2009, 12:08
ok so i dont want budget tyres and the pocket is not allowing for a pilots or f1's , what do you guys reccomend?

what is your budget?

Go for the Vredestein's as stated above  :smiley:

How desperate are you for new tyres?? If you can delay I'd save a bit more cash and plump for something decent.  Remember that the tyres are your only point of contact with the road  :smiley:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: GlennQuagmire on 24 September 2009, 12:53
If I keep the car next year I'll go for Michelin PS2. The Bridgestone R050's I have on now really suck when it comes to road noise. So avoid old RE050's for sure.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 24 September 2009, 23:20
2mm and less depth,
All the brands are just as bad.

Ohhh you are SO wrong there.  It is when they are nearly worn out that differences between good and bad tyres opens up wider than the Grand Canyon!

Not so.
See Max Power grand tyre test.

Oh, sorry, I overlooked those highly regarded vehicle dynamics engineers employed by that highly regarded professional motoring journal! :rolleyes:


Baldies were very bad indeed. 

As a 'general' statement, I would have to agree.  However, between tyre brands, and in particular between tread pattern types - there is a massive difference how they cope with wet conditions when near the legal wear limit.  The ShyteMaxxes are particularly poor in this respect - and directionals in general are very poor, compared to asymmetric tread patterns.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 24 September 2009, 23:25
Would that be these bad boys Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric 225/40 R18 Y (92), Reinforced

Ok, so I'm pretty much settled on the tyre's above, but does anyone have any views on the Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico's?  They have been given good user reviews on various websites I looked at...

(http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7606/obj8927179.jpg)

I don't know where any good reviews for pirellis come from - but from peeps who have actually used pirellis - they are fookin lethal.  They are actually WORSE than Dunflops.  Seriously, you must be barking if you are considering pirellis! :sick: :sick:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 24 September 2009, 23:40
ok so i dont want budget tyres and the pocket is not allowing for a pilots or f1's , what do you guys reccomend?

If you really can't afford PS2s or F1s, then try something like the Avon ZZ3 http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/car/zz3 (http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/car/zz3) - a fairly grippy tyre, but they do wear out faster than the PS2s.  Avons latest offering also looks good - http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/car/zv5.

Fulda and Uniroyal also make very good tyres.

But avoid Pirelli and BF Goodrich. :sick: :sick: :sick: :sick:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 24 September 2009, 23:41
If I keep the car next year I'll go for Michelin PS2. The Bridgestone R050's I have on now really suck when it comes to road noise. So avoid old RE050's for sure.

Glenn, are your Bridgestones the orginal spec RE050, or the revised spec RE050A?
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Steve78 on 25 September 2009, 09:52
I don't know where any good reviews for pirellis come from - but from peeps who have actually used pirellis - they are fookin lethal.  They are actually WORSE than Dunflops.  Seriously, you must be barking if you are considering pirellis! :sick: :sick:

Well I was just after an opinion on alternatives, so thanks for that.  My choice is still the Goodyear Eagle Asymmetric's...  :smiley:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: GlennQuagmire on 27 September 2009, 13:07
If I keep the car next year I'll go for Michelin PS2. The Bridgestone R050's I have on now really suck when it comes to road noise. So avoid old RE050's for sure.

Glenn, are your Bridgestones the orginal spec RE050, or the revised spec RE050A?

Original spec ..
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: FamilyDub on 28 September 2009, 13:08
The Bridgestone R050's I have on now really suck when it comes to road noise. So avoid old RE050's for sure.

+1. Noisy as heck  :angry:

Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: smartypants on 29 September 2009, 16:06
I've been told by VW that my tyres (all 4) need replacing... and yes they are right :(

Sadly wearing on the rears on the inside only it seems - any reason for this firstly?

Also got a price on the following:

£87 Eagle F1 GSD3
£99 Eagle F1 Assyms
£103 Michelin PS2

I have always had the GSD3 on my previous car and would swear by them - however I know they are the older model, and how do people's experiences with the above tyres compare with those prices? Worth the extra £15 a corner for the PS2s?

Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: JonnyG on 29 September 2009, 22:02
£87 Eagle F1 GSD3
£99 Eagle F1 Assyms
£103 Michelin PS2

I have always had the GSD3 on my previous car and would swear by them - however I know they are the older model, and how do people's experiences with the above tyres compare with those prices? Worth the extra £15 a corner for the PS2s?


At those prices I think I'd opt for the Michelin PS2's

Where did you get the quotes out of interest ?
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: maxie on 30 September 2009, 10:37
has anyone tried these?, Michelin Pilot Alpin... they have a good all round rating here.. http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyres_For/Volkswagen/Golf-GTI.htm  will this be ok all year round?

thought id try these  Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: smartypants on 30 September 2009, 22:53
£87 Eagle F1 GSD3
£99 Eagle F1 Assyms
£103 Michelin PS2

I have always had the GSD3 on my previous car and would swear by them - however I know they are the older model, and how do people's experiences with the above tyres compare with those prices? Worth the extra £15 a corner for the PS2s?


At those prices I think I'd opt for the Michelin PS2's

Where did you get the quotes out of interest ?

Yeah that's what i am thinking, thanks.

It's a local tyre firm in Bracknell, berks, used them for nearly 10 years no one can get near their prices!
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Hairy Porter on 01 October 2009, 00:20
My oem 050's did 12,000 miles on the front.
I put F1's on after them.  On the front like I always do.
They have worn like buggery, I estimate 8,000 miles before they need changing.
Cold they are worse than the 050's, warm they grip very well.

I'll not fit them again.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 13 October 2009, 11:36
If I keep the car next year I'll go for Michelin PS2. The Bridgestone R050's I have on now really suck when it comes to road noise. So avoid old RE050's for sure.

Glenn, are your Bridgestones the orginal spec RE050, or the revised spec RE050A?

Original spec ..

Maybe that is where your probs are.  I've tried quite a few cars with the RE050A, and have been impressed with their grippage - though still not quite in the same league as PS2s or P-Zero Rossos.  They wern't overly noisy - but then tyre noise is probably very low om my list of priorities.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 13 October 2009, 11:44
I've been told by VW that my tyres (all 4) need replacing... and yes they are right :(

Don't you own a tyre tread depth gauge?  :lipsrsealed:  :tongue:

Sadly wearing on the rears on the inside only it seems - any reason for this firstly?

Could be a number of reasons:


Also got a price on the following:

£87 Eagle F1 GSD3
£99 Eagle F1 Assyms
£103 Michelin PS2

I have always had the GSD3 on my previous car and would swear by them - however I know they are the older model, and how do people's experiences with the above tyres compare with those prices? Worth the extra £15 a corner for the PS2s?

Absolutely - you will NOT regret going for PS2s.  :smug:

However, those prices look a little cheap.  Make sure the stealer has quoted for the 'eXtra Load' (XL) tyres, because the GTI must have XL boots when running on 18"s - to not have XL tyres will invalidate your insurance.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Teutonic_Tamer on 13 October 2009, 11:48
has anyone tried these?, Michelin Pilot Alpin... they have a good all round rating here.. http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyres_For/Volkswagen/Golf-GTI.htm  will this be ok all year round?

The Mich Pilot Alpin are an excellent tyre, but unless you live in Norway, you should NOT be using them all year round.  If you use them when the ambient temps are above 7degC, then you will start to rip them to shreds - Pilot Alpin are a winter-only tyre.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: oldtomo on 13 October 2009, 11:48
£87 Eagle F1 GSD3
£99 Eagle F1 Assyms
£103 Michelin PS2

I have always had the GSD3 on my previous car and would swear by them - however I know they are the older model, and how do people's experiences with the above tyres compare with those prices? Worth the extra £15 a corner for the PS2s?


At those prices I think I'd opt for the Michelin PS2's

Where did you get the quotes out of interest ?

Yeah that's what i am thinking, thanks.

It's a local tyre firm in Bracknell, berks, used them for nearly 10 years no one can get near their prices!

Where abouts in Bracknell mate? I am not far from there and those prices are looking  :cool:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Steve78 on 11 November 2009, 10:58
Finally got around to having the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric's fitted.  Great tyres!  Thanks for the help...  :smiley:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: smartypants on 20 November 2009, 13:53
Just another update to the old tyre thread!

Been running on new Eagle F1 GSD3's now for about 1000 miles - and all I can say is WOW what a car the GTI is now! Handling, grip and feel is amazing - I would definitely recommend them for this reason.

However, as you may or many not know I started a thread on fuel economy decline not so long ago, and I think the reason is down to these tyres. From averaging 32mpg I am now down to a 28mpg average which is over 10% drop. Over longer journeys this actually gets worse.

This kinda coincides with what I found with my previous BMW I used to fit these tyres to - I put it down to just the miles on the car, but I did get 40 miles less to the tank after fitting these tyres, just ignorance to the matters of fuel economy and tyres didnt make me suspect them.

So to sum up - if you want a great tyre for driving the GTI I can't recommend it highly enough... however you will suffer in fuel economy. (unless of course you're running a similar tyre and getting similar economy to what I am getting now)

Note: Previous tyre was the Dunlop Sport Maxx

Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Golf R on 20 November 2009, 16:29
You just drive faster because you have more confidence in the tyres.
That's what is dropping the mpg.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: smartypants on 20 November 2009, 17:09
Hahaha :)

I can assure you its not, I know my car very well - done 12k miles in 6 months, so its very easy to tell when things differ even minutely.

Air temp probably hasnt helped, but its not dropped that significantly yet to make a difference that large.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Golf R on 20 November 2009, 22:47
Smarty I find no difference between the tyres you mention in mpg.
QED It's in your driving.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: smartypants on 20 November 2009, 23:30
Honestly it's not my driving, also had the same with my previous car, I have tried my very best to get the max mpg out and used to get 38mpg. No matter how hard I try 32 is the absolute max I get now!

I also did some research and came across numerous tests with that tyre that also reported 10-15% drop in economy. I'll try and get the links... 
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: DJGTi on 21 November 2009, 10:47
I, too, remember that the GY didn't fare too well in the rolling resistance category (below average, I seem to remember).

I doubt it would make 15% difference, but it does make some sense that if they are gripping the road more, there will be more friction.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: smartypants on 21 November 2009, 12:18
Agreed 15% is huge, this is probably because my Sport Maxxs were bloody awful, and just like driving on ice - but I would regularly get 400 miles to the tank because of them.

Swings and roundabouts!
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: dTEA on 21 November 2009, 16:26
Smarty well with you on the rolling resistance thing...the GY are excellent and instill lots more confidence when entering corners but straight line fuel economy and i'm dropped about 30-40 miles per tank and i have driven as I normally would. 

Swings and roundabouts, but in the wet i'd prefer to be on something that is gonna pull up and grip rather than save a few quid at the pumps.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Golf R on 21 November 2009, 18:07
Perhaps they should be pumped up a bit more.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: smartypants on 22 November 2009, 15:44
I have them at 40psi all round, just above
Smarty well with you on the rolling resistance thing...the GY are excellent and instill lots more confidence when entering corners but straight line fuel economy and i'm dropped about 30-40 miles per tank and i have driven as I normally would. 

Swings and roundabouts, but in the wet i'd prefer to be on something that is gonna pull up and grip rather than save a few quid at the pumps.

In the wet I love them - I think they really come into their own then - so much grip! Absolutely agree with you...

Golf R - I have actually slightly over inflated 40psi all round to try and compensate, so its not that either sadly :(
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Steve30 on 22 November 2009, 16:29
Who cares anyway!! Dont drive a GTI if your worried about petrol??  :laugh: Drive the bloody thing and enjoy!! :grin: SteveEdition30

ps yes tyres are very important my next ones will be PS2 all all the way!! :wink:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: dTEA on 24 November 2009, 08:31
Perhaps they should be pumped up a bit more.
over inflated tyres in the wet are a bad idea as it reduces the actually amount of tread in contact with the tarmac no?  Also more likely to wear the middle section before the collars and reduce overall grip performance which tis the point of the GY's! :wink:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Egbutt Wash on 24 November 2009, 10:49
Perhaps they should be pumped up a bit more.
over inflated tyres in the wet are a bad idea as it reduces the actually amount of tread in contact with the tarmac no?  Also more likely to wear the middle section before the collars and reduce overall grip performance which tis the point of the GY's! :wink:

Tell smartypants, he runs his at 40 psi.
I just stick to what it says on the flap.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: DJGTi on 25 November 2009, 16:43
Who cares anyway!! Dont drive a GTI if your worried about petrol??  :laugh: Drive the bloody thing and enjoy!! :grin: SteveEdition30


 I do wish people would stop saying that mpg is unimportant! :angry: It's not just you, it seems to be posted by someone on every performance car site.

If the car did 5mpg most people would not drive one. If it did 15mpg, then many would have to think twice. It is a matter of what you can afford/justify.

One of the many reasons I chose a Golf was that it does 30+mpg, compared with 25ish for most of its competitors (Focus ST, Civic TypeR, Scooby WRX,etc). It just makes it far easier to live with knowing it doesn't cost much more to run than a mundane model. :cool:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: smartypants on 25 November 2009, 16:48
Spot on, I only "stumbled" upon my GTI ownership and was amazed I could get 38mpg on a good run from a car this good and this quick. So I personally was just disappointed to lose that somewhat after changing my tyres... thats all.

I've owned two 6-cyl cars previously, and the GTI still beats them on performance as well as economy hands down (if losing out to the sound of the engine), and in this current climate the extra cash in your wallet with no loss of performance is an added bonus!
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Chris MKV on 25 November 2009, 17:57
I agree the balanc eof perfromance and MPG / tank range swayed me to th golf rather than the ford or honda which I was reliabily informed could not really manage 300+ miles on a full tank.

I have also found that 40 PSI (front tyres) as suggested by a few people on here actually improves the evenness of my tire wear.  This I asume (maybe wrongly) means the tyre is working closer to its design specs??.. than if they were ran at the fuel flap figure.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Steve30 on 25 November 2009, 18:00
Yes its important MPG , i agree, but splitting hairs well what can I say really???? :laugh: 
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: smartypants on 26 November 2009, 10:56
I agree the balanc eof perfromance and MPG / tank range swayed me to th golf rather than the ford or honda which I was reliabily informed could not really manage 300+ miles on a full tank.

I have also found that 40 PSI (front tyres) as suggested by a few people on here actually improves the evenness of my tire wear.  This I asume (maybe wrongly) means the tyre is working closer to its design specs??.. than if they were ran at the fuel flap figure.

The recommended on the flap is something like 36/37 anyway, and rear tires up to 43 when fully laden - so 40psi is hardly excessive.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: rotor on 29 March 2010, 17:15
Honestly it's not my driving, also had the same with my previous car, I have tried my very best to get the max mpg out and used to get 38mpg. No matter how hard I try 32 is the absolute max I get now!

I also did some research and came across numerous tests with that tyre that also reported 10-15% drop in economy. I'll try and get the links... 

Sorry for reviving an old post (I'm researching tyres at the moment). Driving 24,000 miles in a year, using vPower fuel (approx. £1.25 per Litre) gives the following figures:

38 mpg = £3,589 per year
32 mpg = £4,262 per year

That's a £673 per year difference -- not trivial!
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: FamilyDub on 29 March 2010, 17:25
Driving 24,000 miles in a year...

I'm thinking the 'average' GTI driver doesn't do anything like 24k a year - I've only done 9k in 14 months, for instance.

Want MPG? Buy diesel.

Simples :afro:
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: rotor on 29 March 2010, 17:43
I'm thinking the 'average' GTI driver doesn't do anything like 24k a year - I've only done 9k in 14 months, for instance.

24k was what the original poster reported. But you're absolutely right about 24k definitely not being the 'average' -- your mileage would give around £215 difference per year (3+ full tanks), so while not breaking the bank, still measurable.

I think it's fairly safe to say that if you're driving a GTI, fuel economy isn't your primary concern. However, for those who do care even a little bit about fuel economy, then it is useful to know that some tyres are more fuel economical than others, and if all other things are roughly equal (i.e. same price and performance), then why not buy the more fuel economical tyre?

And speaking of all things being roughly equal, it's been a long time since I've researched such an emotive topic. "Best tyres I've ever owned" and "absolute rubbish tyre" said about the same tyre; "really noisy" and "much quieter than my previous tyres", etc. etc. The magazine reviews are inconsistent (hardly scientific) and the conclusions rarely match up with the individual results. Overall a difficult subject to research!