Tyres

[400ixl]

I don't know where the Excelon tyres are manufactured... perhaps someone who has them can check where they are made. But Itochu is a well-established Japanese firm based in Tokyo (not China).

Interestingly Itochu reached an agreement with Yokohama to manufacture their tyres under license in Russia... so perhaps this is where the Excelon comes from...?

I know who Itochu are, also know that 18 months ago those tyres were white label manufactured in China. Now they may have moved production since then, but that's where they were from then.

 

[400ixl]

Do hope your not suggesting Kumho purchase their technology, like some. Whilst I've gathered you've had a bad experience with Kumho, as mentioned on a different thread they out perform Verds. in many curved tests, however, The Verds will cover more miles due to the harder compound..

I don't believe I have suggested anything like that. Kumho have their own factory, they don't white label their tyres.

I have indeed once purchased a car with these tyres on them and the experience is not one to repeat, they were replaced very quickly with 6mm still on them. I also know people in the trade who perform the proper tests on tyres and their characteristics. Not just the limited markings that get put on the stickers, or the "sponsored" tests they pay for their placement in.

They have come a long way and are the better of the budget brands, making good progress, and from what I hear, the next generation which is coming for 2018 may actually be up to mid range standard. But until then, there are much better out there for the price. Its all about how they give up their grip on the limit. Quality tyres give it up gracefully with warning, poor tyres drop off a cliff and snap away. Kumho's in the independent tests grip well until the suddenly break away. Now if you don't find that limit they will appear to be a good tyre, but find that limit (which doesn't mean ragging it) they can be a liability. Unfortunately this is a characteristic of many of the budget tyres with their current technology.

Not telling anyone not to use them, that is their decision, but if they haven't used them I'd seriously suggest looking at something better for not much more.

 

[G.P]

They have come a long way and are the better of the budget brands, making good progress, and from what I hear, the next generation which is coming for 2018 may actually be up to mid range standard. But until then, there are much better out there for the price. Its all about how they give up their grip on the limit. Quality tyres give it up gracefully with warning, poor tyres drop off a cliff and snap away. Kumho's in the independent tests grip well until the suddenly break away. Now if you don't find that limit they will appear to be a good tyre, but find that limit (which doesn't mean ragging it) they can be a liability. Unfortunately this is a characteristic of many of the budget tyres with their current technology.

Many tyre companies have advanced, some more than others, and I agree a tyre that gives the best feedback and is progressive on the limit is very important, but i have to say Kumho's KU31 and KU39 are excellent at this in tests compared to some well know premium brands, so, so called quality tires don't all give up gracefully. I agree with everything you have said, but your experience of Kumho must have been on older generation tyres..

 

[tanuie]

Thanks for all replies. I have gone with Avon ZZ5S all round at a competitive and had them fitted at home.

 

[400ixl]

Many tyre companies have advanced, some more than others, and I agree a tyre that gives the best feedback and is progressive on the limit is very important, but i have to say Kumho's KU31 and KU39 are excellent at this in tests compared to some well know premium brands, so, so called quality tires don't all give up gracefully. I agree with everything you have said, but your experience of Kumho must have been on older generation tyres..

Unfortunately it was with the latest ones. Agree some of the premium ones are not where they should be either. Avon was a good example of this (although the latest ones I see have tested better), Pirelli's also went through a poor phase.

You are clearly happy with them and comfortable, that's what matters for the individual.

 

[G.P]

Unfortunately it was with the latest ones. Agree some of the premium ones are not where they should be either. Avon was a good example of this (although the latest ones I see have tested better), Pirelli's also went through a poor phase.

You are clearly happy with them and comfortable, that's what matters for the individual.

I actually don't own any, my experience is from a track tyre test day and I wouldn't hesitate in using Kumho for many reasons, of which I can't say for some of the so called premiums..

 

[Bewva]

I remember buying Hankook tyres about 25 years ago for my Cavalier because they were cheap and cheerful. My new MB came last week fitted with Hankook.
On a £40 odd grand motor you would think they could stretch to a premium brand or have Hankook gone up in the world. Same with Falken cheap as chips 25 years ago and only fitted if you were skint.

 

[uumode]

are all tyres compatible with MB air pressure monitoring? (not run flats)

 

[markjay]

...you would think they could stretch to a premium brand or have Hankook gone up in the world....

Most likely a bit of both.

 

[StuartK]

Thanks for all replies. I have gone with Avon ZZ5S all round at a competitive and had them fitted at home.

I could not fit tyres branded the same as cosmetics for women

Just kidding. Let us know how you get on?

 

[400ixl]

Hankook are one of the former real budget brands which have developed technology to get them into the higher end of the midrange. On some of their tyres, some are still in the lower mid range bracket.

They do actually make some decent tyres. But again, have the financial backing to heavily subsidise them into manufacturers which is why you see them as OEM.

 

[Luton Town]

I have had Arrow speed(Goodyear)and they were a great budget tyre.

 

[Flackadder]

To be fair I know nought or at least a little about tyres, though I did notice one thing.

On my previous car, a Toyata Avensis , I tried some cheaper named brand (can't recall which) and after a while whenever I braked semi hard the anti-lock brakes would come on a little earlier then I thought required (no grip obviously). So next set I had were Goodyear Efficient Grip. After that, I would have to stand on the brakes to achieve a similar effect. The Goodyears were awesome. Shows that the different compounds etc do make a serious difference.

Not checked whether they are available for my latest ride....will check when the time comes.

 

[MBZE55]

as i have just posted on my "W207 brakes" thread , my recently purchased 350cdi was fitted with INFINITY budget tyres on the front , and the noise under braking was quite unbelievable ,i have now replaced with continental conti sports and the car brakes almost silently and handles far better . Avoid budget tyres , they might be OK , for a one litre hatchback shopping car , for someone driving like Miss Daisy , but they are no good for nearly 2 ton of 260bhp Mercedes.

 

[G.P]

as i have just posted on my "W207 brakes" thread , my recently purchased 350cdi was fitted with INFINITY budget tyres on the front , and the noise under braking was quite unbelievable ,i have now replaced with continental conti sports and the car brakes almost silently and handles far better . Avoid budget tyres , they might be OK , for a one litre hatchback shopping car , for someone driving like Miss Daisy , but they are no good for nearly 2 ton of 260bhp Mercedes.

That said, my wifes hatchback shopping car I'd never dream of putting budgets on, when you come a corner you need grip regardless of car..