The good weather has convinced me that now is the time to swap from Winters to Summers on my VRS.

 

*From ATS Radial 17's with Nokian WR D3 225/45's

*To Stock Gemina 18's with Stock Sport Contacts (half worn).

 

The first thing I noticed is that the ride is noticebly harsher of bumps and small ruts in the road. Both sets of tyres were set to recommended 35PSI but the 18's allow far more thumps in to the cabin. It's surprising the difference 5mm sidewall can make.

 

The next observation concerned straight line grip. On dry roads at 10-12 degress the Winter Nokian's grip the suface much better. Pulling away spiritrdly with the Conti's results in one or both wheels squealing, yet the Nokian's held on in same circumstances. I guess the softer rubber more than makes up for greater tread pattern.

 

Cornering with the Conti's is flatter, faster and more predictable when pushed. The Nokian's feel mushy in comparison and you notice the car roll more. The Nokian's are definately better suited to straight lines than cornering in the dry.

 

Road noise is pretty much equal. I am unsure how the Nokian's can have such an aggressive tread patter and remain quiet, but they do.

 

 

In summary, I almost regret switching to the Summers. I miss the straight line traction and superior ride of the 17's and Nokian's. When the Conti's wear out I will certainly consider downsizing to 17's and softer Summer rubber. I think the Conti's are mediocre tyres and 18" rims are detrimental to 95% of my driving needs.

I would've thought the average temp would need to rise a tad further for you to feel the full benefits of summer tyres??

I would've thought the average temp would need to rise a tad further for you to feel the full benefits of summer tyres??

Sure, but Winters are at there best below 6 degrees. Summers (the Conti's are actually closer to all-season) are well within their comfort zone at 10 degrees in the dry.

Edited 14 March, 201511 yr by Orville

I dont feel that way, at 10 degrees summers still feel way to stiff. I think this year I am going to change exactly in April, when temperatures go over 20 degrees.

The good weather has convinced me that now is the time to swap from Winters to Summers on my VRS.

*From ATS Radial 17's with Nokian WR D3 225/45's

*To Stock Gemina 18's with Stock Sport Contacts (half worn).

The first thing I noticed is that the ride is noticebly harsher of bumps and small ruts in the road. Both sets of tyres were set to recommended 35PSI but the 18's allow far more thumps in to the cabin. It's surprising the difference 5mm sidewall can make.

The next observation concerned straight line grip. On dry roads at 10-12 degress the Winter Nokian's grip the suface much better. Pulling away spiritrdly with the Conti's results in one or both wheels squealing, yet the Nokian's held on in same circumstances. I guess the softer rubber more than makes up for greater tread pattern.

Cornering with the Conti's is flatter, faster and more predictable when pushed. The Nokian's feel mushy in comparison and you notice the car roll more. The Nokian's are definately better suited to straight lines than cornering in the dry.

Road noise is pretty much equal. I am unsure how the Nokian's can have such an aggressive tread patter and remain quiet, but they do.

In summary, I almost regret switching to the Summers. I miss the straight line traction and superior ride of the 17's and Nokian's. When the Conti's wear out I will certainly consider downsizing to 17's and softer Summer rubber. I think the Conti's are mediocre tyres and 18" rims are detrimental to 95% of my driving needs.

You should try Michelin pilot supersport. I've just fitted a pair of 18" on the front of my Leon fr184 after removing the winters. Grip is far better in dry and wet conditions than the winters both in a straight line and cornering and steering response is a lot sharper. Car feel more agile. I used to run conti sport 5 but these Michelins blow them away!

I can't comment on winters as I've never used them, just don't have any space for another set of tyres, but the Conti's that come on my car are crap! I'm getting them changed this week for Goodyear Efficientgrip Performance tyres and I can't wait.

Sure, but Winters are at there best below 6 degrees. Summers (the Conti's are actually closer to all-season) are well within their comfort zone at 10 degrees in the dry.

At their best below a daytime average of 7 degrees which we still have within the UK and is sill likely to be for another week or so.

 

I found my Goodyears too hard at these sort of temperatures, however when things do warm up, they'll be going straight on.

For me it's a bit too early for summer tyres still a little to cold I'm going to fit my summer back on in the first week of April went the car get its spring cleaning

Well according to Tyrereviews the Nokian scores 92% overall and Sport Contact 5 scores 77%  (I didn't know the exact model so used the highest one).  So you would notice differences.

 

Fit a better summer tyre when changing time comes round.  I cannot recomend Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2's highly enough.

Well according to Tyrereviews the Nokian scores 92% overall and Sport Contact 5 scores 77%  (I didn't know the exact model so used the highest one).  So you would notice differences.

 

Fit a better summer tyre when changing time comes round.  I cannot recomend Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2's highly enough.

+1 for the Goodyears!!

11mm difference in sidewall, the profile figure (40or45) is as a percentage of the width.

-2.5c here this morning, now 0c & very sunny.............I think I'll leave my winters on.

 

BTW I have 225/45 R17 for both summer & winter as I recon the best for comfort/handling.....I used to go wider with bigger rims for summer on previous cars but got fed up with the handling difference when changing so stick to the same now for summer & winter!

I'm waiting until the clocks change, that is my normal pattern for changing to and from winters.

 

We had snow this week up on t'moors so still too early for me yet.

Probably a bit early for up North or in the countryside, but in town (London) I am unlikely to see freezing temperatures, icy roads or snow again with Spring starting.

 

Now that I said that we'll probably have a Siberian Spring, but I can stick the Winters back on again within 30-45mins if needed.

With temperatures near +5 in the last few days, I was planning to ask the dealer to deliver my car with summer tyres. But now the forecast for post-delivery dates show temperatures back in the sub-zero range. So I guess I will have to change my plans.