Prestivo Tyres...

[Northernchimp]

I would never buy these because I know nothing about them, but I've just bought a Fiat Coupe as a cheap second car which has these on the front. It's a 20v n/a so hardly a performance car.

I don't want to spend any money on it, I won't do more than 5k a year in it and intend to keep run it until it dies or rots away. But... I don't want to aquaplane into a hedge either.

Are these really that bad? Does anybody have any direct experience of them? Should I rush out and replace them?

[HaloGen8]

If you drive steady and normal. Chances are you'll be ok.

If you're a spirited driver and doing a few heroic moments.....swap to some proper rubber.

[r11co]

HaloGen8 said:

If you're a spirited driver and doing a few heroic moments.....swap to some proper rubber.

Why? What are these made of? Pretend rubber perhaps?

Prestivo - manufactured by a division of Itochu Corporation of Japan. One of the biggest industrial producers you have never heard of. OEM supplier of tools, parts and machinery to Suzuki and Mazda. They also acquired all the shares of Kwik-Fit in 2011, and own Stapleton's Tyres as well.

Itochu also supplied the tooling for Yokohama's tyre factory in Russia.

Absolutely nothing wrong with these tyres except they have no brand presence in the UK (and the company probably don't care).

Edited by r11co on Monday 26th August 19:11

[Northernchimp]

Pretty typical of the mixed reviews so far.

I will be flinging it at some speed around some fairly tight bends, certainly not pottering about. Maybe I should swap them with the rears (Avons).

[SVS]

"Flinging about" isn't skilful driving

Smoothness is more skilful, because smoothness maximises available grip

[leafspring]

Swapping depends on if you want over steer or under steer

[Northernchimp]

Smooth isn't really my thing, I'm not Rubens Barrichello, I am a knobhead in a cheap car driving in a slightly anti social manner for my own amusement.

[SVS]

Northernchimp said:

But... I don't want to aquaplane into a hedge either.

Driving Fast says:

"In every discipline from drifting to racing, aggression does not equal speed.

If you only learn one skill to improve your driving technique it should be the art of smooth driving. On the track, driving smoothly allows you to minimise weight transfers, make the most of every last bit of grip, and maintain control at higher speeds. On the road it makes the drive more comfortable for your passengers and can even increase fuel economy.

Remember, if you're driving at only 50% of the car's potential, you'll be able to get away with changing gear roughly and braking, accelerating and steering aggressively. But when you're driving near your car's limits these actions can lead to loss of traction, poor track times and increased risk of an accident. It's important to get into good habits even if you're not travelling at break-neck speeds."

Edited by SVS on Tuesday 27th August 10:52