Should I change my tyres
Discussion
I bought my DB9 Volante 18 months ago, and the tyres seemed in good condition at the time but I have no idea how old they are. They are the original spec Bridgestone RE050s, they have about 6mm of tread depth across most of the tyre, perhaps 5.5 on the NS/R outer edge. No signs of cracking or splitting that would indicate that they are very old.
I was considering replacing them because I sometimes can't put the full power down without the traction control kicking in. From low speed (<20mph) if I floor it in sports mode it'll kick down and the TC will kick in before it bites. Even in the dry if the surface is uneven then again the TC will flash at me under full throttle when I go over rough patches. Am I just expecting too much from a 2 tonne car trying to put 420 lb/ft through two wheels? Especially the Volante with it's more flexible chassis? I realise a brand new set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports would give me more traction, but past the brand-new honeymoon period would a fresher set of original Bridgestones really be better?
I was considering replacing them because I sometimes can't put the full power down without the traction control kicking in. From low speed (<20mph) if I floor it in sports mode it'll kick down and the TC will kick in before it bites. Even in the dry if the surface is uneven then again the TC will flash at me under full throttle when I go over rough patches. Am I just expecting too much from a 2 tonne car trying to put 420 lb/ft through two wheels? Especially the Volante with it's more flexible chassis? I realise a brand new set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports would give me more traction, but past the brand-new honeymoon period would a fresher set of original Bridgestones really be better?
To clarify, I'm not looking to go to a track day, or maximise my lateral G through a corner. I treat my DB9 as a fast GT car, not a hard charging sports car, so I'm not looking for suggestions to spend £400 a corner on super-sticky track tyres. I'm more trying to find out if I'd have a similar experience on some equivalent tyres after they've been on the car a while. I also don't do many miles so don't expect this set to wear out any time soon, in fact I'm more likely to replace based on age than wear.
Thanks all, somehow I didn't know about this. They were manufactured 2 and a half years ago, so assuming a reasonable lead time between manufacture and fitting they've probably been on the car a little over 2 years.
Probably excessive to replace tyres that have only been on the car 2 years which have 2/3 of their tread left.
Probably excessive to replace tyres that have only been on the car 2 years which have 2/3 of their tread left.
unsurprisingly its not on the road (just in storage)telum01 said:
Your tires are the only thing connecting your car to the road. They're just as important for safety as they are for performance. Never skimp on your tires.
I'm sure nobody here would disagree with that, but there is a balance between not skimping and being actively wasteful. Replacing tyres after 2 years that are showing no signs of age, have covered <5000 miles, and are less than 30% worn might be wasteful. Skimping is keeping tyres on which are perished or down below a healthy tread depth (even if they are still legal), or saving money by buying econosave tyres.Out of curiosity while I was out there I looked at my neighbour's Kia. Two tyres from 2015, one from 2012, one from 2006. It's a 2006 car, so one of them is probably the original tyre!
Edited by murphyaj on Wednesday 20th February 17:13
Whilst its always nice to have a new set of tyres, I think it would be unnecessarily wasteful to replace them in your case. If they are only 2 years old, they would not have hardened and I suspect most tyres would lose traction in the conditions you describe, especially in the cold damp weather.
I would bet that if you do replace them, yours will be in the part worn tyre market really fast.
I would bet that if you do replace them, yours will be in the part worn tyre market really fast.
Bin them. I rarely get the TC light firing on my Rapide which is why I adore its surefootedness and lack of skittishness so much. Indeed, it's party trick to upset Beetle derivatives, BMW's and any FWD car is full throttle exits from (dry) junctions. It just grips and goes. It's absolutely superb on Michelin PSS or PS4-S are far better than those old Bodgestones. Just do it asap.
The tyres aren't the only factor to consider, just as much will depend on the road surface, dry/damp, salt, skid resistance etc etc, so direct comparisons aren't straightforward.
At this time of year temperature will be a factor as there's often a huge difference between 'normal' tyres and cold-weather tyres
I've no experience of your particular brand/model of tyre but I wouldn't replace them just because they were 2.5 years old, assuming that they're the correct spec., ie speed/load ratings etc. and are correctly fitted (I've seen them fitted the wrong way around, which doesn't help). However, if your driving style is such that you were continually losing traction then I would probably either moderate my driving style or change the tyres.
At this time of year temperature will be a factor as there's often a huge difference between 'normal' tyres and cold-weather tyres
I've no experience of your particular brand/model of tyre but I wouldn't replace them just because they were 2.5 years old, assuming that they're the correct spec., ie speed/load ratings etc. and are correctly fitted (I've seen them fitted the wrong way around, which doesn't help). However, if your driving style is such that you were continually losing traction then I would probably either moderate my driving style or change the tyres.
I've noticed in recent years that all performance tyres tend to be a little on the hard side in cold temperatures, I think this is one of the reasons for people switching to 'winter tyres' as they are called.
My driveway leads onto a busy road, meaning I need to make a fairly sharp exit in the mornings when I get a gap, nothing crazy just a brisk departure to,avoid impeding traffic, at this time of year on dry roads both of my cars (V8v and Jag XF 3.0 Diesel) light up the TC when pulling away, without being overly heavy on the accelerator,
The tyres tend to feel 'wooden' with a bit of under-steer for the first couple of 90 degree turns at mini roundabouts too, then they warm up and feel ok, so I think it's just the shift towards harder compounds on 'summer tyres' which creates this feeling.
My driveway leads onto a busy road, meaning I need to make a fairly sharp exit in the mornings when I get a gap, nothing crazy just a brisk departure to,avoid impeding traffic, at this time of year on dry roads both of my cars (V8v and Jag XF 3.0 Diesel) light up the TC when pulling away, without being overly heavy on the accelerator,
The tyres tend to feel 'wooden' with a bit of under-steer for the first couple of 90 degree turns at mini roundabouts too, then they warm up and feel ok, so I think it's just the shift towards harder compounds on 'summer tyres' which creates this feeling.
AMVSVNick said:
Mrs T had a DB9 Volante.
Definitely designed for "wafting" rather than being "floored"
I would stick with the tyres you have or buy a Vanquish S
Perhaps with a little luck in a few years!Definitely designed for "wafting" rather than being "floored"
I would stick with the tyres you have or buy a Vanquish S
I do use the DB9V as the maker intended, as a fast GT car not as a sports car. I love wafting around with the roof down but I'll admit I partly miss the driver involvement of my old V8V. Something that can offer the best of both would be very welcome on the driveway.
I had a DB9 Volante and it definitely spun the wheels at the slightest provocation so you always had to be careful. As one of the earlier posters has already mentioned I found it very sensitive to tyre pressure - even 2 lbs down made a huge difference so worth checking.
On the recent cold mornings at 5.30am even the DB11 can scrabble a bit until the tyres warm up since I don’t have winters on it.
On the recent cold mornings at 5.30am even the DB11 can scrabble a bit until the tyres warm up since I don’t have winters on it.
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