Given
87%
while driving a
Nissan almera 1.5
(195/55 R16 V) on
a combination of roads
for 0
spirited miles
I used to have the recommended Michelins until they no longer produced they tire model i wanted
I was recommended these Falkens (ZE514) and with a heavy heart fitted them
The heavy heart soon went when I realised just how much better these tires were in every dept compared to Michelin
There is a little more road noise but none that you would notice much if at all in the average modern car now
What surprised me though is how these tires transformed the car...The handling is far better and i am a spirited to average in driving style and also at times tow a heavy trailer
Coming off the M53 by me are two very bad long sweeping 'S' shaped bends ...Inspired by the grip and handling, I tried these corners faster each time I used them in the dry and the confidence these tires give are incredable .... Let's just say at 70mph the car is very grippy and stable ... Each time now that i approach these bends I look forward to keeping the speed up and passing the bigger more expensive cars that should really out perform me with ease on the bends ..You can see them trying and backing odd ...and of course knowing your car makes a difference ...
In the wet, these tires have astonished me. Yes of course in the wet most tires will require longer stopping distances etc... But in the wet with these Falkens is very impressive. But, I have to say when they do finally let loose, you get a little notice it is going to happen so be ready
For general every day driving to spirited driving, these tires are fab, but they are not racing tires by any means.. Push them and the tire wear is noticeable but the grip is so worth it. You would have to pay a lot more more for this grip in other brands!!
Being that I notice most things, I have noticed a little more in road noise but not that most people I think would notice and the comfort level is no better or worse than other tires I've had
I do about 15,000 miles or more a year and usually end up putting a new set of tires on each MOT time (just about now)... Remember that I drive more spirited than the average driver (though I do not mistreat my car) and so I cna't say exactly how long these tires should last ...I get over 15,000 miles a set with spirited driving and they are still all above the legal limit of 1.6mm ..I just change all four every year as they are near due and have worked hard
Cost of new tires too are amazing at £208 off Ebay for four delivered ....ATS want £74 each = £296 plus fitting !!!!!
I've had two full sets of these tires now and highly recommend them to anyone
Just for a change I am looking at the dearer Goodyear Grip ones just to see the difference between these and Falken ...My money is that I''ll regret this as I know how good Falkens are