New Tyres - Sumitomo

[R36 Dreamer]

Hi All,

Thought I would share my experience on a recent purchase of new tyres.

I did a lot of research before replacing the tyres on my R36, as I didn't think the OEM tyres had any redeeming qualities. They were noisy, rough, quick wearing and all in all not worth the money.

I noted that in a recent Wheels Tyre test, they rated the Sumitomo HTR ZIII pretty well, and after a bit of further research, I decided to give them a go.

All I can say is wow. The car is quieter, handles better, soaks up potholes better and overall I cannot believe the difference it has made.

The HTR ZIII are made in Japan, and have the same specs as some other makes of tyres. I considered the Eagle F1, Michelin and Continental.

I am not one to scimp on tyres, given they are the only thing conecting the car to the road, but at $250 a corner the price of course was a factor.

I have only done 1000kms since fitment, but am happy as larry to date with the "informed gamble" I took fitting this make and model.

I know there could be people who believe that a $250 tyre cannot be as good as a $500+ Tyre, and I would normally agree. But honestly I cannot fault these tyres at all.

Just thought others may be interested in knowing my real world experience, given the investment in a set of tyres isn't taken lightly by enthusiasts, and this may assist with your decision.

Happy Motoring.

[Cro]

Whilst they may not be as good as the top of the range tyres other manufacturers offer, if they are better than the standard dunlops then it's a step in the right direction. Better tyres make for a far more enjoyable driving experience

[team_v]

Glad to hear the good review.

Carbon black only had 2 reviews for the Sumitomo's so I didn't really look at them as a potential tyre.

[brad]

I had a different pattern of Sumitomo on my Liberty.

People aren't generally aware that the Sumitomo Rubber Company is one of the largest tyre manufacturers in the world. They own a few of the "big brands" but for the life of me I can't remember which.

They are a good tyre when new but like many patterns/compounds/brands - they deteriorate badly as they wear.

edit: Sumitomo own Dunlop (and subsidiaries)

[tryingavw]

Hi All,

Thought I would share my experience on a recent purchase of new tyres.

I did a lot of research before replacing the tyres on my R36, as I didn't think the OEM tyres had any redeeming qualities. They were noisy, rough, quick wearing and all in all not worth the money.

I noted that in a recent Wheels Tyre test, they rated the Sumitomo HTR ZIII pretty well, and after a bit of further research, I decided to give them a go.

All I can say is wow. The car is quieter, handles better, soaks up potholes better and overall I cannot believe the difference it has made.

The HTR ZIII are made in Japan, and have the same specs as some other makes of tyres. I considered the Eagle F1, Michelin and Continental.

I am not one to scimp on tyres, given they are the only thing conecting the car to the road, but at $250 a corner the price of course was a factor.

I have only done 1000kms since fitment, but am happy as larry to date with the "informed gamble" I took fitting this make and model.

I know there could be people who believe that a $250 tyre cannot be as good as a $500+ Tyre, and I would normally agree. But honestly I cannot fault these tyres at all.

Just thought others may be interested in knowing my real world experience, given the investment in a set of tyres isn't taken lightly by enthusiasts, and this may assist with your decision.

Happy Motoring.

great info and exaclty what this forum is all about . Thanks.
wonder if they will be ok on the regular tdi (in the right size of course)? probably cheaper than the pirellis to replace.

[R36 Dreamer]

They are a good tyre when new but like many patterns/compounds/brands - they deteriorate badly as they wear.

edit: Sumitomo own Dunlop (and subsidiaries)

Even if they wear twice as fast I would still be happy, considering the cost.

Safety, Braking Distance, Cornering, NVH, and quietness are my main parameters. Wear whilst important has to be considered in line with original cost, and given the low starting price for these tyres, I will be happy to get 20,000 kms (got 26000 out of the dunlops).

Cheers,

[brad]

Even if they wear twice as fast I would still be happy, considering the cost.

Safety, Braking Distance, Cornering, NVH, and quietness are my main parameters. Wear whilst important has to be considered in line with original cost, and given the low starting price for these tyres, I will be happy to get 20,000 kms (got 26000 out of the dunlops).

Cheers,

I wasn't talking about wear. From my experience of other Sumitomo rubber you will get good mileage out of them.
I've had experience with the HTR & the directional HTRZII and as they wore, they became quite noisy & the grip levels dropped severely. They aren't unique in this respect & I have no doubt you are right & that they are better than the OEM Dunlops.

The tread pattern on the HTRZIII looks like it would be very good.

[vanDub]

Previous thread

This previous thread on 235/45/17 tyres may be of some use as it gives various peoples input.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=28249

[vanDub]

wonder if they will be ok on the regular tdi (in the right size of course)? probably cheaper than the pirellis to replace.

I wonder too. I recently looked around at suitable (for me) tyres in 17" (see previous thread) and although I could not source the Sumitomo HTR Z111 in Townsville I was interested as I had seen excellent reviews on Tyre Rack (4.5 out of 5 for all 3 categories - noise, wear and handling).

I got prices of:
$250 ea for Michelin Preceda PP2
$215 ea for Toyo Teo Plus
$220 ea for Conti Pro Contact (although BlackB6 reportedly got them for $150 ea in Brisbane)

[sloutch]

Nice write up on the Sumitomos. The most important thing about tyres for me will be road noise and wet weather control. Would be interesting to find out how long they will last you.

[tryingavw]

I wonder too. I recently looked around at suitable (for me) tyres in 17" (see previous thread) and although I could not source the Sumitomo HTR Z111 in Townsville I was interested as I had seen excellent reviews on Tyre Rack (4.5 out of 5 for all 3 categories - noise, wear and handling).

I got prices of:
$250 ea for Michelin Preceda PP2
$215 ea for Toyo Teo Plus
$220 ea for Conti Pro Contact (although BlackB6 reportedly got them for $150 ea in Brisbane)

did you price the standard pirelli's?

[apom]

great review, I would never have considered them up until now but will put them on my shopping list along with the Falken 452's

[snodrogs]

Nice review.

If my front tyres are really as stuffed as the dealer is telling me (refer my earlier "Tyres scalloping at 23000km?" post) I will take a look at these. Not yet been for a "specialist" check of the tyres and the alignment, and with the continuing increase in the noise from the front of the car, I do NOT want to swap the near-new rears onto the front until I have had the alignment checked out.

What about Bridgestone Potenzas as another option? They are on special until October for $235 each in our size from Bridgetsone Tyre Centres.

I do not recall reading anything about these on the forum...

Andrew

[brad]

What about Bridgestone Potenzas as another option? They are on special until October for $235 each in our size from Bridgetsone Tyre Centres.

Which ones? Potenza are the generic branding that Bridgestone apply to their sporty tyres.

If you mean RE001 / Adrenaline. They are a good tyre for some. Plenty of reviews at carandimage.com

You will probably get a better price at Bridgestone Select outlets

[snodrogs]

Yep - the RE001's.

Will take a look - thanks for the info.

Andrew