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Author Topic: Bridgestones - what's actually wrong with them?  (Read 7903 times)

Offline Exonian

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Bridgestones - what's actually wrong with them?
« on: 23 February 2017, 15:16 »
Since the appearance of the MQB platform a lot of UK spec models have had Bridgestones fitted and they seem to be universally damned by just about everybody on the mk7 forums.
I'll assume they're probably specced by VW UK for a reason as Euro market cars seem to come with different rubber going by the sets you see for sale on eBay.

I must admit that when I got my R I was filled with dread at the prospect of Bridgestones due to the unparalleled hate for them on forums.
I drove home on them and didn't fall off the road so it got me wondering.
Admittedly I had a set of 19's in the garage waiting to go on and being as I'm a tart I didn't wait too long before the 18's were wrapped up and chucked in a dark corner (after a brief spell running spacers and 18's whilst running in) then the 19's were fitted and the world was a happy place.

A mate of mine had an R32 and needed new tyres. I'd seen a member selling a set of mint Bridgestones on here so pointed him in that direction and he bought them. It wasn't quite that simple initially, as said friend had also read the internet and was scared of the S001's too. But money talks so he bought the demonised round black things and lo and behold he is still alive and well, as is his car. And believe me this friend does like to enjoy his motoring to the full!

A thread on another forum recently got me wondering again - what's actually so bad about them?
Yep, they're a bit noisy when motorway cruising admittedly but...

Back in January I had a back to back run out in both a GTD and GTI and whilst I can't remember what rubber the GTI was wearing I did note the GTD was on the dreaded make and neither car felt much difference in the ride and handling department on some very familiar fast roads.

Then there's the lady down the road from me with the 66 plate GTD with S001's - she seems to come home alive every night.

« Last Edit: 23 February 2017, 15:19 by Exonian »
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Offline fredgroves

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Re: Bridgestones - what's actually wrong with them?
« Reply #1 on: 23 February 2017, 15:25 »
Too hard is the problem. At low temps they are just too hard to ever get to a decent working temp.

You see the problem manifest as tramping in GTI/GTD's, not slipping off on corners really - but you have to wonder if they do have compromised lateral grip too.

Problem largely goes away with some different rubber.

I am guessing that because of Germany's winter tyre laws they don't see it as a problem in specing these as OEM.

On the plus side, they do last a long time, especially on the rear!
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Offline Exonian

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Re: Bridgestones - what's actually wrong with them?
« Reply #2 on: 23 February 2017, 15:41 »
Well answered.
That takes care of the front drivers.

R owners - why do you hate them?
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Offline wigit

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Re: Bridgestones - what's actually wrong with them?
« Reply #3 on: 23 February 2017, 16:18 »
I did wonder if they were more CO2 friendly than others

On the R they are just too hard as well with under steer and to me not a sporty tyre, similar experience with them on the Polo
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Offline fredgroves

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Re: Bridgestones - what's actually wrong with them?
« Reply #4 on: 23 February 2017, 16:23 »
It could be CO2...i guess harder rubber is less rolling resistance. Never thought of that, but certainly VW will have...
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Offline kalimon

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Re: Bridgestones - what's actually wrong with them?
« Reply #5 on: 23 February 2017, 16:29 »
I've defended them in the past, and accused people who hate them, of being arseholes who drive like fools :whistle:

I've recently had to eat my words and that really sticks in my craw.

On 2 occasions I've attempted to make, how should I say, a spirited start from the lights and on both occasions I've simply spun my wheels uselessly whilst edging forward at about 3 mph :sad:

The road was a bit greasy on both occasions and there was just no traction whatsoever.

They aren't very good for sharp acceleration on anything but dry roads imo.

They will last forever, which is why I'm keeping them 'cos I'm canny :grin:
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Offline Exonian

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Re: Bridgestones - what's actually wrong with them?
« Reply #6 on: 23 February 2017, 16:31 »
Funnily enough low rolling resistance was something I edited out of my first post when mentioning UK vs Euro spec tyres.
Being as the sunroof and Santiagos can't be specced together due to apparent CO2 banding reasons that's what got me wondering if they fitted them to GTD's for this reason. My PP had Contis as standard and it has been in the back of my mind that the S001's are fitted for emissions or MPG reasons.
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Offline gazmondo35

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Re: Bridgestones - what's actually wrong with them?
« Reply #7 on: 23 February 2017, 16:32 »
Anything under 8c the car understeers like mad ,just swapped mine out after 17k for some PS4 & the  difference is night and day.
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Offline Exonian

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Re: Bridgestones - what's actually wrong with them?
« Reply #8 on: 23 February 2017, 16:34 »
Quote from: kalimon on 23 February 2017, 16:29
I've defended them in the past, and accused people who hate them, of being arseholes who drive like fools :whistle:

I've recently had to eat my words and that really sticks in my craw.

On 2 occasions I've attempted to make, how should I say, a spirited start from the lights and on both occasions I've simply spun my wheels uselessly whilst edging forward at about 3 mph :sad:

The road was a bit greasy on both occasions and there was just no traction whatsoever.

They aren't very good for sharp acceleration on anything but dry roads imo.

They will last forever, which is why I'm keeping them 'cos I'm canny :grin:
Unfortunately my PP with Conti 2s then 3s also spun the same way. If the front wheels are pointing dead straight ahead the diff does nowt and I managed to embarrass myself by being greased by a 4wd Diesel Audi barge  :embarrassed:
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Offline falconmick

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Re: Bridgestones - what's actually wrong with them?
« Reply #9 on: 23 February 2017, 16:37 »
I'm on my second R, nothing wrong at all with Bridgestones for sensible road use, I find they stick like glue whilst I've put my car through its paces on tight roundabouts, no slip, no squeal, no under steer. Many drivers who have had no instruction since taking the driving test complain and it is their driving style and lack of knowledge that is to blame. :evil:
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