Given
41%
while driving a
Mitsubishi Lancer Mivec
(205/45 R16 W) on
a combination of roads
for 40,000
average miles
Mounted on the front tires only, I previously reviewed these tires in January 2012 after 20,000 miles. I now have to change my ratings and recommendation of them after the tires were worn down to just over 4mm of thread depth remaining.
Once these tires wear below 5mm of thread depth, the characteristics change profoundly. Dry grip remains reasonable, but does deteriorate noticeably, although almost in a fun way.
Wet grip becomes non-existent. I had often wondered was there an oil spill at a certain roundabout with a sharp apex, that I rarely drive by. While gently exiting the apex, I'd find myself sailing toward the kerb in a straight line due to aquaplaning at a mere 20km/hr, bracing myself against the steering wheel and stopping only inches from mounting the kerb, while other vehicles drivers looked on bewildered at why I appeared to have missed the single roundabout exit.
"What happened you yesterday?" was once such comment on a different corner from a work colleague driving behind me as he watched my car "exit" a damp corner in a perfectly straight line toward the ditch.
Wet grip on these tires approaching 4.5mm of thread is lethal, it doesn't matter even if it's 20°C, or well below 8°C. Given that these budget tires weren't the best in the wet to start with (expected from a budget tire), the drop off in water evacuation properties and grip is horrific. There is no warning that the grip is about to give in the wet, while in the dry they at least give a gentle rumble and are quite progressive.
Value for money; the wear from the tires was very good, but given that the tires are only usable for about 50% of their life span, it's a false economy. I've worn many other tires down to 1.9mm of thread depth before changing tire without issue (1.6mm being the legal limit). I wouldn't dare drive with these tires in the wet past 4mm unless you drive as fast as you walk.
I replaced the front tires with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric II's (no other parts were replaced at the same time) and the handling of the car changed dramatically; from emphatic wet understeer to wet oversteer. The rear Federal 595 SS tires were since replaced also, despite also having over 4mm of thread depth remaining. I never needed to consider replacing these tires until the Asymmetric II's were mounted.
I do drive quickly every so often, but usually I'm driving gently in order to conserve fuel.
I didn't and I wouldn't buy these tires again, despite my previous recommendations, due to false economy.