Given
94%
while driving a
Mazda 3 2.2D 150
(205/50 R17)
on
a combination of roads
for 35,000
average miles
I bought the car with a brand new set of Chinese-brand tyres the previous owner had just fitted to sell. I hated them. The car slid pulling away from the lights when there was even just a shine of moisture on the road (accelerating with everyone else driving during a commute). Sounds worse than it was, as I only noticed that the car had more power, presumably as the traction control was no-longer limiting the engine power once I changed to these Dunlops. But that, at some 15-20k+ miles later, I was so glad when I finally got rid of them. (The car chewed through the inner edges, as the REAR wheel tracking was out* - I suspect was the reason for it having the new tyres when I bought it).
The Dunlops are SO much quieter than what I had on before - I actually took to wear ear-plugs for long journeys as there was so much road-noise from the Chinese tyres. Also the Dunlops gripped the road so well that I actually thought the car was now 'twitchy' - as in if I moved the steering wheel at motorway speeds the car immediately changed direction. I had the tracking re-checked after my first journey, as it has been adjusted, and I just wasn't used to that (tracking was still spot-on).
On the whole I really liked these tyres, especially the Rim Protection feature - as few tyres are currently have that. I live in a Victorian terrace, no drive, so have to parallel park every day. Once or twice a year, usually in the dark and rain, I am glad for the extra rubber to keep the kerb off the alloys. Also I am changing them as I just had a blow-out due to a nail causing the a rear tyre to slowly deflate. I strongly think the extra load capacity (XL) and rubber of the rim protection (RP) saved me from scrapping the rim. My passenger and I didn't notice anything until I started to slow down to turn off the motorway, only then the tyre started to make a strange noise. I think I must have driven for many miles with the shredded tyre - it has several large holes in the sidewall, so zero air. I would certainly not recommend doing that again, a narrow escape, they are not 'Run Flats' (and nor would I buy these; and no, I was not wearing ear plugs at the time).
I would say these tyres are very good indeed. Well well worth the extra money - especially compared to 'budget' tyres. I remember the Chinese 'Eco' somethings cost about £65each to get like-for-like in 2018. But I hated them, besides I recon my fuel economy went UP because of the extra grip; but for me the main selling point is the grip in the wet (never every felt like they were slipping - even now with the tread approaching the limit), and certainly the low noise.
I got 35000 miles from my last set of Dunlops. Very happy with them, so despite looking into alternatives I have just bought exactly the same again.
*Final point is that 4-wheel tracking (£96) is sometimes worth the extra money vs the usual (much cheaper) 2-wheel one. At the MOT it was noticed both front Dunlops wearing in the same way as the Chinese tyres (inside edges). I had 2-wheel tracking done when the Dunlops were fitted, but when the uneven wear continued (actually faster) I had the 4-wheel tracking done - expensive but cost less than one new Dunlop, so...
Since I had the car properly set up, the wear became even across the whole tyre.
So I have just ordered 4-wheel tracking with the new set of four tyres I have just bought, as a precaution - I figure it is OK once every 35k+ miles, especially as I know how quick they will wear, if it is out.
Like I say, I am very happy with these tyres. Others may have a slightly better dB rating (Michelin Primacy has 69 vs 71dB), but I know these are quiet enough, and have definitely served me (very) well.
