Given
97%
while driving a
BMW
(225/50 R17) on
a combination of roads
for 2,000
average miles
I did some serious research before buying this tire. I oscillate between several brands, including the Hankook RS3. The reviews on Tyrereviews led me to opt for the RS3 in the end. I recommend the ones with rim protection, as long as it not only protects the curbs, but also the gravel that bounces off the roads. On the other hand, the tire seems much more robust than the one without rim protection. In RO there is a difference of 15 euros / tyre.
To begin with, I say that I did not test the tires in conditions of heavy snow because in Romania the first serious snow has just arrived, but I drove with them over 2000 km on roads with mud, rain and, of course, dry conditions. What surprised me the first time was the noise, which is almost non-existent in my car, although they are registered in the 72 dB category. In terms of mud traction, I've been to the mountains and climbed a steep incline with no problem, while my friends with 4x2 traction didn't budge from the bottom of the slope. Yes, we're talking about a 4x4 car, but it's not just about that as long as the tires you had before didn't offer the safety that they do. In fact, I had the opportunity to drive 1000 km continuously, along several relief zones, and I was impressed both on mountain serpentines and in the rain, on the plains, where I constantly went over 100 km/h, without being disturbed by the noise that the tire makes when draining the water.
I'm curious how long they will last as the BMW E60 530xd (235hp) wears out the tires faster than other cars I've had. If they pass the endurance test, I'll put them on again, maybe even RS4, in case they show up in the meantime. Anyway, they are above my expectations considering I had Continental before these. I wouldn't say they are lower, although the price is 35-40% lower.
In the morning we encountered the first snow of this winter but the streets were clear so I can't give clear feedback on this surface but I'm sure it wouldn't disappoint. In Romania, a set of 4 tires 225/50/17 94H costs about 460 euros (with rim protection included). I installed them in December 2022, with DOT October 2022 (made in Hungary).
Originally, having 4x4 traction, I wanted to put all season, but I'm glad I didn't as long as you don't enjoy driving fully you play in summer or winter. Safety comes first.
I recommend the Hankook RS3.