Results
of the latest Which? summer tyre test report
The independent UK
consumer group Which? carries out comparative tests on tyres on a regular basis
and the results of their latest tests are in the April 2013 issue of their
magazine. The tests covered two tyre sizes - 185/60 R15H and 225/45 R17W/Y - and
Continental tyres came out well again in both tyre sizes.
Test results
on Summer tyres
| 185/60 R15H |
Test score |
| Continental
ContiPremiumContact5 | 69% |
Goodyear
Efficient Grip Performance
| 69% | | Michelin
Energy Saver | 68% |
| 225/45
R17W/Y | |
| Continental
ContiSportContact5 | 69% |
| Goodyear
Eagle F1 Asymmetric2 | 67% |
| Pirelli
Cinturato P7 | 67% |
How well do
these tyre test results help a V8 enthusiast choose replacement tyres for an MGV8?
The tyre reviews carried out by independent bodies like consumer groups or
specialist motor magazines are based on comparative tyre tests of dry and wet
handling, braking performance and wear. But how well can these results be applied
to a classic car like an MGV8?
Well firstly we understand the tests are
carried out with the tyres fitted to modern popular saloons or hatchbacks, for
example a VW Fox/Polo, so there is inevitably some uncertainty over how well those
test results and recommendations translate from a modern car with a modern suspension
package to an MGV8 with suspension from an earlier age. Also the tests are usually
on a slightly different tyre size to that fitted to an MGBGTV8 or RV8.
The second area of criticism occasionally raised by one or two V8 members is over
how the test score for each tyre is determined because the scores under each test
category are weighted. The Which? weightings are - 50% wet grip, 15% dry grip,
15% wear, 10% fuel economy and 10% noise - with a slightly greater emphasis on
wet and dry grip when compared with the their tests in 2012. As the "driving
feel" of a classic car is part of the pleasure of the car, the ride and handling
factors are of particular importance to a V8 enthusiast rather than wear. As most
classic cars have very modest annual mileages, the wear rate is usually rarely
a real concern as the tyres age and require replacement long before they wear
out. So generally V8 enthusiasts place a higher weighting on comfort and wet and
dry handling and braking performance.
So the Which? magazine test results
may not be a perfect guide for V8 enthusiasts but it is fair to say the results
do provide useful comparative tyre performance information which many V8 members
feel offers some help in deciding on replacement tyre choices. The reports from
fellow members of their experience with particular tyre brands are also very useful
too. | What's
in the latest Which? report? Three
key points appear when compared with the last
report on the Which? magazine's tests on summer tyres in April 2012:
Continental tyres continue to head the tables for both tyre sizes although
they have used a slightly different tyre size in each case compared with the last
test on summer tyres.
Goodyear tyres have moved up the rankings to
second place in each size.
Replacement tyres for a classic sportscar
like the MGBGTV8 and MG RV8 has been a topic often discussed by V8 enthusiasts.
This note provides links to comments from several V8 Bulletin Board threads on
the topic. More
Continental tyres have been rated well in previous tests and many V8 members
have fitted them to their MGBGTV8 and MG RV8 models reporting satisfaction with
roadholding and ride characteristics.
Tyre technology constantly improves
in terms of tyre structures, rubber compounds and tread patterns producing new
tyres with enhanced levels of grip, roadholding and ride.
Wet grip
Which?
notes in its report "the wet grip rating is based on a standardised wet braking
test. Actual braking distances will depend on many factors, such as the efficiency
of the anti-lock braking system and the tyre loadings for example." Choosing
a tyre with a lower wet grip rating "could result in a 30% reduction in stopping
distances." Well MGV8s don't have the anti-lock factor but wet grip and braking
performance are important as well as the suppleness of the rubber and tyre design
to help provide a more comfortable ride whilst retaining the crisp handling characteristics
you want with a tyre on a classic sportscar.
Source: Which? magazine April 2013 acknowledged. Posted: 130412 |
