Given
17%
while driving a
BMW Z4
(225/40 R18 W) on
mostly country roads
for 4,000
average miles
This follows on from my previous review of these tyres which were already fitted to the car when I bought it in January 2012. I was shocked back then at how little grip these provided in the cold and wet winter conditions; but having lived with these tyres a little longer I feel I can now give a more balanced view.
On a hot dry day on a good road surface, overtaking is still a heart in the mouth job as the traction control cuts power mid overtake. On a dry road even the temperature difference caused by the shadow under a tree can cause them to break traction, and no I don't drive it like I stole it (I'm afraid to!).
I have now thrown in the towel and fitted four Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric 2's which are far from expensive but highly rated on this site. The difference is like night and day, the traction control hasn't interfered since they were fitted, the appalling road noise is gone, I can finally drive the car with confidence in both the wet and dry as it stays glued to the road and I can feel what is going on.
I'm mystified that reviews are still praising this tyre, and can only imagine the drivers are driving well within the limits of themselves and their cars. But you need to pray you don't need these tyres to stop you in an emergency or steer you out of trouble, because in my experience they wont.