Writing about the
Nankang XR611 given
53% (205-60-15-V)
Driving on
a combination of roads for 20
average miles
I have mostly used Continental tires in the past however, being a little financially challenged in recent years and after some research on this site I decided to take the plunge and try some Budget brand tires. First & foremost "You get what you pay for and most of the Tires the general public buy are summer Tires".
I purchased 4 Nankang Tires online and had them fitted locally ((Total cost March 2011 £210 for all 4) absolute bargain compared to the prices I was used to paying. The first thing you notice with these Tires is the increase in road noise compared to previous tires but you soon get used to this then the handling which, I had braced myself for knowing they were going to be poor compared to Conti's again you get used to how far you can push the car in dry and wet conditions and, in my opinion they are not the best Tire in the world but if you keep this in mind and adjust your driving accordingly they are fine, it made me a safer / slower driver. Traction / grip in dry is acceptable, in the wet they are a little deficient (watch it on roundabouts, the word Drift comes to mind). These Tires saw me through two and half years as I have just had the fronts replaced after 20600 miles with Avon ZV5, two Winters and in the snow they are also deficient (remember they are Summer Tires), the Rears still have quite a bit of life in them. Went out after new Avons fitted to the Front and it's at this point I realised just how poor the old tires were but, in all fairness the old Nankangs were worn out. Summary:- Nankang tires represent excellent value for money and mileage and, you must keep in mind they are a Budget brand Summer Tire so they are not going to perform like one of the leading brands, would I recommend or buy again? Yes if price is the main factor.