General > Product Reviews
Michelin Pilot Sport 3
Teutonic_Tamer:
--- Quote from: RedRobin on May 06, 2010, 07:03:31 pm ---Something tells me I don't know the real reasons why tyre treads are made in symmetrical, directional, asymmetrical.
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Symmetrical tyres generally are for just peeps who want something 'black and round'. :chicken: Generally they are at the very bottom of the 'performance' attribute scales, and generally at the cheaper end of the spectrum. Often fitted to small cars like Matiz, Yaris, Fox, Colt, Fabia, etc - and are generally never lower than an 80 profile (though no doubt someone will find some 60 series symmetrical tyre :P).
Directionals, THE main reason why directionals were developed was tyre noise. Most directionals will be able to maintain a continuous contact of one 'section' of rubber from the centre of the tread to the shoulder. This means that the tyre carcass can be made slightly weaker. However, this then has a distinct disadvantage when the tread depth wears down - the tyres then become very unstable, especially over white lines/cats eyes/overbanding/ironworks, and even truck ruts. Aside the reduction in road noise, directionals generally perform very well in straight lines - so all you drag-strip tarts might like them. Big disadvantages with directionals are the shocking tendancy to aquaplane, especially when tread depths wear to even modest levels. And directionals are NOT particularly good at cornering - despite what any die-hard GSD3 or Yokohama AVS Sport fan boys addicts may try and claim!
Asymmetrics are simply the the ultimate answer for cornering. They don't suffer from aquaplaning in anywhere near like directionals are prone to. Asymmetrics do generally need a slightly stiffer carcass across the tread area compared to directionals (and those who fail to use a sturdy enough carcass are generally shown up when the tyres have maximum tread > ie Pirelli). Asymmetrics are generally much more consistent throughout their tread wear lifespan, and tyre manufacturers can elect to use two (or more) differing rubber compounds on the same asymmetric tyre (though the current fan-boy choice - the Goodyear F1 Asymm still does NOT use dual compounds).
--- Quote from: RedRobin on May 06, 2010, 07:03:31 pm ---Unless it's something to do with consumers preferring pretty looking treads.
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Sadly, that is a well known issue. I bet 99% of motorists think that if the tread pattern 'looks' good, then it will perform good. This is probably the main reason why peeps still seem to think that directionals can out-perform asymmetrics. :sad1:
--- Quote from: RedRobin on May 06, 2010, 07:03:31 pm ---All I know is that I have found the GY F1 rubber to be more confidence inspiring in the asymmetric format than the directional.
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Exactly - I think that if you can get rid of any perceived prejudices over directional tread patterns - then asymmetrics (from any tyre manufacturer) will (or should, if they've done their homework properly) always win over their comparitorive <sp?> directional offering.
--- Quote from: RedRobin on May 06, 2010, 07:03:31 pm ---Do tell, and put me out of my misery. :happy2:
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Any help? :smiley:
EDIT: fixed some spelling and incorrect wording.
vRS Carl:
Had these on for about 2 weeks now and they are leagues ahead of the Vredesteins I had on.
Dry performance is equal if not better. But in the wet these come into their own. As already mentioned they are a lot quieter on road noise
Best tyres I've had by far
Teutonic_Tamer:
--- Quote from: tony_danza on May 07, 2010, 09:10:34 pm ---Ignoring all differences, the main reason I avoid directional stuff is because I like to rotate my wheels - thus getting even wear and replacing 4 in one shot.
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OK, I won't disagree at all with wanting to even out tyre wear. However, just to clarify, do you 'diagonally rotate'? The reason I ask, is simply that for modern radial tyres (irrespective of symmetrical, directional or asymmetrical) - once fitted and 'scrubbed in', should not have its direction of rotation changed (except for spare tyre emergency use). So the current advice from all the tyre manufacturers is simply to swap the front left with the rear left, etc, etc.
--- Quote from: tony_danza on May 07, 2010, 09:10:34 pm ---I don't like mixing types/depths/makes.
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There isn't any real problems with having different makes/types/depths on differing axles. But it is very important to keep axle sets matched.
Teutonic_Tamer:
--- Quote from: RedRobin on May 08, 2010, 11:00:44 pm ---^^^^
Good to hear, Steve :happy2:
Are they dual compound do you know? What tyres did you have before?
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Did you miss my reply in post #16? :P
The PS2s were dual compound, and have been since their introduction (which was many years before the Goodyear F1 Asymmetics - which are NOT dual compound). The latest PS3s are still dual compound. :happy2:
Aparoon:
Fitted these yesterday, they are awesome! Miles better than the vredesteins and straight line grip is on par with my Hankooks, although cornering I can feel a big difference between the two but the side walls are very stiff on the Hankooks... Very pleased with them and will be getting another 2 when the vreds expire :happy2:
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