Tyre choices - '17 S3

[MPC09]

Hello team

Any recommendations regarding tyres on a 2017 S3? The Dunlops from factory are starting to come to end of life.

I'm looking at the usual reviews online with the usual manufacturers, but if anyone has specific recommendations (and why) to a particular make and model then I'm all ears.

The car is riding on 18s.

Thanks

[anonymous-user]

Not an S3, but I have a MK5 GTi with over 315bhp, Wavetrac LSD etc. 2 sets of 18 inch wheels, 1 set with new Michelin PS4's on, 1 set with new Fulda PS91's on. I actually prefer the way it drives/handles with the Fulda's on. Only driven in the dry so can't compare wet weather performance. They are 225/45/18.

[Dr G]

I never liked the Dunlops much.

Pilot Sport 4 is ridiculous in the dry but on dirty, greasy, or wet surfaces I don't like the way the front scrubs out comparatively early and seemingly without much by way of warning. Dry performance miles better than Pirelli, wet performance (for me) not loads better. I've also experienced some light aquaplaning on the Michelins (got 5mm+ left, not worn out).

The Hankooks S3s came on for a while I really, really liked in the wet but didn't get the opportunity to push them hard in the dry.

Eagle F1s are as good as ever; a friend with an S3 is on his 3rd set and swears by them wet and dry. They're among the cheapest performance tyres in that size too. Dry performance you'd need to be at hero speeds to tell the difference between these and the Michelin but the magazines probably just give Michelin the edge.

My money would be (and is) on Goodyear.

[Gio G]

Dr G said:

I never liked the Dunlops much.

Pilot Sport 4 is ridiculous in the dry but on dirty, greasy, or wet surfaces I don't like the way the front scrubs out comparatively early and seemingly without much by way of warning. Dry performance miles better than Pirelli, wet performance (for me) not loads better. I've also experienced some light aquaplaning on the Michelins (got 5mm+ left, not worn out).

The Hankooks S3s came on for a while I really, really liked in the wet but didn't get the opportunity to push them hard in the dry.

Eagle F1s are as good as ever; a friend with an S3 is on his 3rd set and swears by them wet and dry. They're among the cheapest performance tyres in that size too. Dry performance you'd need to be at hero speeds to tell the difference between these and the Michelin but the magazines probably just give Michelin the edge.

My money would be (and is) on Goodyear.

Sorry to thread hijack.. Dr G was looking to replace my rear pair of Bridgstones on my S1 for Michelin Pilot Super Sports, should I look at Eagle F1 instead? Maybe move them to the front?

G

[MPC09]

Marvellous, thank you for the input.

I do pretty low mileage in the car anyway, but judging by how poor this summer is so far (at least compared to last year), by the time a new set go on they'll have to deal with some wet and greasy roads and continue to do so until 2020!

[Gren]

Not an S3 but a TTS and I've just put another set of F1s on mine. Decent price and never felt the need to use anything else on any of my TTs.

[Sticks.]

Gren said:

Not an S3 but a TTS and I've just put another set of F1s on mine. Decent price and never felt the need to use anything else on any of my TTs.

I'll be doing the same when they're due, having had them on my old TT and others. I particularly liked that they absorbed those jarring, uneven/repaired surfaces bumps. AFAIK they offer some rim protection too.

[MPC09]

Gren said:

Not an S3 but a TTS and I've just put another set of F1s on mine. Decent price and never felt the need to use anything else on any of my TTs.

Having read the reviews, the Asymmetric 5s look like they do the trick in the dry and wet, have good wear rates and don't break the bank - all positives in my eyes.

[Dr G]

Gio G said:

Sorry to thread hijack.. Dr G was looking to replace my rear pair of Bridgstones on my S1 for Michelin Pilot Super Sports, should I look at Eagle F1 instead? Maybe move them to the front?

G

Goodyear my current favourite so yes. Always put the new pair on the back if you're just buying two.

I'm currently waiting for front Michelins to wear out before making up the set of Goodyears.

[Gio G]

Dr G said:

Goodyear my current favourite so yes. Always put the new pair on the back if you're just buying two.

I'm currently waiting for front Michelins to wear out before making up the set of Goodyears.

Thanks Dr G. I currently have Conti Sport contact 5 on the front, only done 1,000 miles, should I put the pair of Goodyears on back or front?

G