It's nearly tyre time and I'm currently on my original OE Conti Sport Contacts at just under 23,000 miles with 3.8mm of tread left. I reckon they'll see me through the summer and then I'll need some more.

When I read that Conti's are rubbish and only last 10, 12, 15k for a lot of people, I have now got a dilemma. Does this mean that the new Conti 3's are worse than the previous generations, or it is me who must be driving like miss daisy for 98% of the time, meaning they'll last just as long?

If I'm looking to get the same mileage out of a set of tyres ( assuming my driving style remains the same ), should I stick with what I know or take a leap of faith and get something different i.e. Kumho, Falkens etc which will save me money?

Advice and opinions are welcome as I think I've become obsessed with searching the forum for tyre threads and need closure - or therapy..

Am I a girl?

Can you park your car:rofl:

You say "OE"; you mean they're the tyres that were on the car new? If so, then they are frequently harder-wearing than aftermarket examples of the same brand (no joke).

Personally I think Contis are rubbish, because they're compounded for high-speed autobahn driving, and too hard for the lower speeds the rest of Europe uses.

You say "OE"; you mean they're the tyres that were on the car new? If so, then they are frequently harder-wearing than aftermarket examples of the same brand (no joke).

Personally I think Contis are rubbish, because they're compounded for high-speed autobahn driving, and too hard for the lower speeds the rest of Europe uses.

This is what I am wondering about. If I've been happy with the Contis that have been on since new, then in theory I should be happy again with the same. Why do you think that they are rubbish then?

This is what I am wondering about. If I've been happy with the Contis that have been on since new, then in theory I should be happy again with the same. Why do you think that they are rubbish then?

That's what I was saying; Contis from a tyre fitter might not be the same as the OEM.

As for why I think they're rubbish; hard compound combined with poor wear resistance = poor wet grip and value for money.

I like falken 452

The Conti SportContact2's I had on my Fabia vRS lasted 9k... lol

I like falken 452

What could I expect from a set of Falkens then in terms of mileage given that I am fairly sedate most of the time?

my original ones lasted 25K and the 225 40 18 marangoni mythos i had last went 22K and I dont drive steady on the roads from camp to the m4

Hmmm.:rubchin: I've read a lot of positive things on the Falken and Kumho tyres yet still have this notion in my head that you get what you pay for - espcially in terms of tyres. Perhaps I need to let go of my preconceived ideas and just go for it... Live life on the edge eh?

What could I expect from a set of Falkens then in terms of mileage given that I am fairly sedate most of the time?

I think I had about 25k from a set on the front that were down at 4mm so are now on the back.

That is with a bit of spirited driving but mainly motorway miles. They grip very well too in both wet and dry IMHO.

Only real complaint is that it takes a while for the mould release agent to wear off, eg 500 miles, but it does seem to take a while on most cars.

I have Falkens and I'm not very impressed. Very prone to screeching when you set off or when changing "enthusiastically" into second. Good grip in the wet though.

I guess they're quite a soft compound?

May be of use

Tyre guide | Total Tyre Guide | Products | Auto Express

I have Falkens and I'm not very impressed. Very prone to screeching when you set off or when changing "enthusiastically" into second. Good grip in the wet though.

I guess they're quite a soft compound?

Sounds like a high hysteresis compound, which points to a fairly hard but mechanically grippy compound.

Sounds like a high hysteresis compound

It sounds like they like a good laugh :confused::confused:

ive just used up 2 SC 2's and they've lasted about 12k and i tend to drive very hard if im honest, ill be fitting eagle f1 assymetrics on Tuesday to all 4 though.

evo did a test of tyres and the assymetrics won but the SC3 did quite well iirc.

not happy though placed the order for 4 (only really need 2maybe 3) then went into work to find out were not been paid as company is bankrupt! still if it means the cars legal and handles well ill be happy.

Very prone to screeching when you set off or when changing "enthusiastically" into second.

I found this, only on certain road surfaces though.

Grip wise no complaints.

Mine have taken a bit of abuse and aren't really showing any visible wear after 6k, still got plenty left in them, I'd be suprised if I don't see 18k out of them.

I'd highly recommend the Falkens.

Have the Falkens ever appeared in a group test at all? I know that Evo and Auto Express run tests, but they tend to be the more premium brands. I'm not going to believe all that appears in magazines, but it would be interesting to see what is thought of them.

I ran Falken 512 on my Furbie Vrs. Fantastic in the Dry, Fantastic in the wet and I mean Wet, Mildly moist or Damp, Rubbish, stay at home :thumbdwn: . Don't go out.......My son's Pana 100 came with Goodyear F1's on, now they do grip well and get quite warm....Personally I like Uniroyle Rainmasters............There Ace!!!!

What could I expect from a set of Falkens then in terms of mileage given that I am fairly sedate most of the time?

I've got 17k out of mine and they are on the limit, i do like to leather it though. Grip is Very good, would recommend and will buy again. I never have any wheel screech when they slip.

I have had a few problems with the Falken 452. Hit rocks and ripped the side wall. This has also happened to one of the Bridgestones I got to replace them. I am now going back to Nero's as these lasted well. The Nero's must have a thicker sidewall as never had an issue with them.

Am saving at the moment to replace all 4. Tyres are costing me a fortune.

I have had a few problems with the Falken 452. Hit rocks and ripped the side wall. This has also happened to one of the Bridgestones I got to replace them. I am now going back to Nero's as these lasted well. The Nero's must have a thicker sidewall as never had an issue with them.

Am saving at the moment to replace all 4. Tyres are costing me a fortune.

So now we know what Pirellis are good at!