My recently purchased ZX TD has Continental EcoContactEP tyres, 175/65 on 14" alloys. Altough they're claimed to cut fuel consumption and improve braking, they seem to give quite a harsh ride and I've noticed this on my wife's Corsa which also has EcoContact tyres.
Any suggestions for when they're eventually replaced? As I do 60 miles a day, I'm looking for comfort rather than handling ability.
ZX TD Dimension
Opel Manta GTE Exclusive Coupe
Tyres
Moderator: RichardW
Are you sure the tyres are the problem - we've put them on the front of our 1.9D ZX (steel wheels) and they seem fine and as good as what they replaced - ie no difference.
As a matter of interest the 'eco' bit can make a differene. I recently went on a long run in my BX TD estate and after 120 miles stopped for a rest on the M1. I had been travelling at about 70 on the M1 nd similar speeds on the other roads and I noticed that the one 'eco' tyre I have (Avon - part of a pair I bought) was noticeably cooler than the other 3.
Jeremy
As a matter of interest the 'eco' bit can make a differene. I recently went on a long run in my BX TD estate and after 120 miles stopped for a rest on the M1. I had been travelling at about 70 on the M1 nd similar speeds on the other roads and I noticed that the one 'eco' tyre I have (Avon - part of a pair I bought) was noticeably cooler than the other 3.
Jeremy
I suspect that these tyres achieve their effects by being stiffer in their construction and thus offering less rolling resistance - at the expense of ride comfort of course.
I have 4 Michelin Energy tyres on my BX which, run at the recommended pressures, produce a ride akin to that of a bobsleigh. [:0]
Trial and error produced a pressure some 5psi lower than standard, all round, which resulted in better grip, better ride and no excessive heat on a long high-speed run.........
Tests indicate that contact patch area remains identical and there are no adverse wear patterns after 3,000 miles.
Hope that helps.
I have 4 Michelin Energy tyres on my BX which, run at the recommended pressures, produce a ride akin to that of a bobsleigh. [:0]
Trial and error produced a pressure some 5psi lower than standard, all round, which resulted in better grip, better ride and no excessive heat on a long high-speed run.........
Tests indicate that contact patch area remains identical and there are no adverse wear patterns after 3,000 miles.
Hope that helps.
I'm beginning to think that no two tyres are made the same these days.
My CX had Michelins on it when I bought it. On the way home, I managed to have a tread leave the casing. Within the first month, I did the spare & another road tyre. As I had a variety of tyres & wheels floating around I just made do with a miss & match for a year or so as I had no long trips planned, however a week or two back I needed the car for a long trip & found the piggy bank was rattling so I couldn't afford top "name" tyres so I went to a local tyre chain & bought their home brand specials for A$79 a tyre. With great trepidation I set off on the 800 klms round trip only to find that the car is the best it has ever been to drive. On the trip home it rained & again, handled a treat in the wet. It's comfortable & the tyres are quiet....I'm over the moon.
Yesterday, I ordered tyres for the BX 16V so it was a case of more decisions. Wasn't brave enough to try my El cheapo brand but after much investigating I find that (of all brands) Dunlop have just released a new tyre that has apparently taken off like the wind. Tyre sellers are using them on their cars and even the tyre fitters at the place where I an getting them have swung across to them & rave about them & no, I didn't come down with the last shower, I actually know these guys personally, they have been so popular that the only set they can get for my BX are in Melbourne, about 2500 klms away from me so I won't get them until later part of next week.
Once I get them on the car & give them a try, I'll post & advise if they're half as good as they all reckon they are. Should be interesting to see how they perform on a BX. Might be getting a bit brave but I suppose someone has to try them.
Alan S
My CX had Michelins on it when I bought it. On the way home, I managed to have a tread leave the casing. Within the first month, I did the spare & another road tyre. As I had a variety of tyres & wheels floating around I just made do with a miss & match for a year or so as I had no long trips planned, however a week or two back I needed the car for a long trip & found the piggy bank was rattling so I couldn't afford top "name" tyres so I went to a local tyre chain & bought their home brand specials for A$79 a tyre. With great trepidation I set off on the 800 klms round trip only to find that the car is the best it has ever been to drive. On the trip home it rained & again, handled a treat in the wet. It's comfortable & the tyres are quiet....I'm over the moon.
Yesterday, I ordered tyres for the BX 16V so it was a case of more decisions. Wasn't brave enough to try my El cheapo brand but after much investigating I find that (of all brands) Dunlop have just released a new tyre that has apparently taken off like the wind. Tyre sellers are using them on their cars and even the tyre fitters at the place where I an getting them have swung across to them & rave about them & no, I didn't come down with the last shower, I actually know these guys personally, they have been so popular that the only set they can get for my BX are in Melbourne, about 2500 klms away from me so I won't get them until later part of next week.
Once I get them on the car & give them a try, I'll post & advise if they're half as good as they all reckon they are. Should be interesting to see how they perform on a BX. Might be getting a bit brave but I suppose someone has to try them.
Alan S