Uniroyal Rainsport 3 -Verdict?

[deadmau5]

A900ss said:

Any other users or Rain Sport 3’s that want to give their views on this new tyre.

I put them on my Panda 100hp. They are definitely better than the RS2. Wet grip is similar but they are better in the dry.

[MGL1986]

Getting all 4 changed over to RS3's at lunch so I'll update when I've done a few miles in them.

[chrislusty]

Got them on the front of my mondeo, and they are excellent. Better than the Premium Contact 2s that they replaced, no drama at all in all the standing water and rivers that are around here.

[paultownsend]

I hope they have a stronger sidewall that the rain experts I'm using. Can anyone comment?

[deadmau5]

paultownsend said:

I hope they have a stronger sidewall that the rain experts I'm using. Can anyone comment?

The sidewalls are still very soft.

[LiamM45]

If anyone is unsure of RS3's - like I was - try Kumho KU39's. They were cheapest on black circles (£78 a tyre in 225/40/18), and I've done about 500 miles on mine so far, and they are a league above the Toyo T1R they replaced!

[MC Bodge]

deadmau5 said:

The sidewalls are still very soft.

Are they or is it a case of a deeper tread deforming more than a typical summer tyre?

Stiff tyres might feel sharper, but some deformation can allow for better progression, feedback and ride on real roads.

[Snails]

I have had them on my my car for about 4 weeks and I have been very impressed with them. Wet grip really is rather good, they seem quite progressive, gradually reaching the limit of grip and they don't just 'let go'. They deal well with standing water too. In the dry there has been more grip than most people will need, even when pushing on. No idea with regards to longevity as I haven't had them long enough to comment.


Sidewall seems stiffer than RainExperts that I have had on a previous car, but I cannot comment in relation to the RainSport 2

For reference they are on a RS Clio 172. 195/45/16.

[deadmau5]

MC Bodge said:

deadmau5 said:

The sidewalls are still very soft.

Are they or is it a case of a deeper tread deforming more than a typical summer tyre?

Stiff tyres might feel sharper, but some deformation can allow for better progression, feedback and ride on real roads.

When I had them delivered, the first thing I looked at were the sidewalls. They are marshmallowesque! I'm not saying it's a bad thing as the overall performance of the tyres is very good.

[jon-]

They should be a little stiffer than the rainsport 2, however Uniroyal is a "safe" brand, they care about wet performance, noise and comfort, none of which require sporty hard sidewalls.

[paultownsend]

The soft sidewall only appears to be an issue, because when pumped to vw advised psi, they just look under inflated

[A900ss]

Small bump for this as I'm thinking of ordering some RS3's tomorrow for the TVR.

[jackh707]

I have one on my mini after one of my T1Rs had multiple punctures.

I've barely noticed it's there. I like the read pattern though, and they feel nice and soft.

[MC Bodge]

paultownsend said:

The soft sidewall only appears to be an issue, because when pumped to vw advised psi, they just look under inflated

Good point. I use higher pressures in my Uniroyals.

The book pressure is for the OEM tyres.

[abbotsmike]

I've been very happy with the rainsport 2's on my ibiza. The sidewalls do seem a bit soft, but I counter that with a bit more pressure, and it doesn't seem to impact grip levels. I also only have 40 profile tyres! They seem to cling on well in all conditions, and just about to order a pair of rainsport 3's to go on the back on the OH's tt quattro.

[carl0s]

I have a set of RS3s coming for my e60 545i next week. 245/35/19 and 275/30/19.
I'll let you know what I think.
The car currently has mostly Dunlop Sport Maxx 18s on it, but quite old as the car has been in my garage unused for at least 6 months.
What's this talk of sidewall softness though? How on earth are you supposed to feel that?

[deadmau5]

carl0s said:

What's this talk of sidewall softness though? How on earth are you supposed to feel that?

Imagine that the tyre can lean over on the rim. Hard tyre walls hold the tyre in the middle of the rim giving more precise handling but at the expense of comfort.

[oldaudi]

Ive got a pair on the front of the Renault Scenic (?) we carry the kids about in.

I hate driving that car, I always feel like I have to tip toe around places as I dont trust the height and the fact it feels nose heavy. These tyres help remove some of that fear as they assist in stopping a lot more than the Avons that they replaced.

The walls do feel squishy. They are not under inflated but they certainly feel differnt when you dig your finger nail in.

We drive over a fair bit of gravel and narrow lanes and theyve certainly been an improvement when stopping. Im not a tyre expert but compared to what weve had before I can certainly feel the difference.

Certainly not sporty but the rain part of the name is valid. Tread is huge tho and Im always taking out gravel stuck between the tread.

Paid £110 for two on 16 inch all in

Edited by oldaudi on Saturday 22 February 10:05

[C.A.R.]

I ran RS2s on the front axle of my 306 for the last 14 months - they're now at the end of their life, but I gave them a hard time. I think their performance is pretty amazing for what they cost. Yes, at OEM pressures they do look a bit flat, so instead of the book 30psi I've been running them at 36/37psi which stops some of the deformation. You can still feel them wander a bit on a sweeping corner, but it's not a big problem.

I picked up some cheap Michelins to replace them with but would certainly try the rainsport 3 in the future.

The only concern is the directional (although asymmetrical) tyre tread they have, making it look like you've put your o/s tyres on incorrectly....

[Mojocvh]

Have a look at this..fitment on the car...it explains things quite well...

http://www.uniroyal-tyres.com/www/uniroyal_tires_d...