12-28-2015, 11:20 AM
Really got a chance to put the Dunlops through the paces over the Christmas break. We put +/- 1000 miles on them making a big loop from CLT to BF WV to NOVA and back. They got a little bit of everything from straight and twisty highways to gravelly mountain roads and a LOT of rain. Impressions:
- Tires were a little noisy in the first hundred miles or so but quieted up nicely
- They were very comfy over minor pavement imperfections, which helped to soften the feel of the firm suspension this car has and made it a much more livable highway driver
- There is a little bit of numbness on turn in (which was expected per the review videos I watched) but they still provide plenty of corning confidence and grip wasn't an issue. It made them feel like more of an SUV tire that you could still hoon a bit on if so desired
- These are flat out the most competent rain tires I have ever owned. Even with light surface water you could hear the tread pushing water up into the wheel wells which was incredible. We drove through some pretty heavy rain at some points and the car handled itself like it was on dry pavement. When traffic was non existent and it felt safe-ish to do so, I purposely put the car through a few standing puddles at the edge of the road at about 45-50mph. The car gave a slight steering wheel kick and then the tires gripped the road, pretty incredible. I'm sure you could still hydroplane if you tried really hard but it would be pretty difficult to do with this rubber.
- Gas mileage right now is about the same, maybe 1mpg less, which could have more to do with being loaded down with luggage, presents etc. and having been stuck in a ton of traffic last night getting home.
A+ would recommend (for now anyway!)
- Tires were a little noisy in the first hundred miles or so but quieted up nicely
- They were very comfy over minor pavement imperfections, which helped to soften the feel of the firm suspension this car has and made it a much more livable highway driver
- There is a little bit of numbness on turn in (which was expected per the review videos I watched) but they still provide plenty of corning confidence and grip wasn't an issue. It made them feel like more of an SUV tire that you could still hoon a bit on if so desired
- These are flat out the most competent rain tires I have ever owned. Even with light surface water you could hear the tread pushing water up into the wheel wells which was incredible. We drove through some pretty heavy rain at some points and the car handled itself like it was on dry pavement. When traffic was non existent and it felt safe-ish to do so, I purposely put the car through a few standing puddles at the edge of the road at about 45-50mph. The car gave a slight steering wheel kick and then the tires gripped the road, pretty incredible. I'm sure you could still hydroplane if you tried really hard but it would be pretty difficult to do with this rubber.
- Gas mileage right now is about the same, maybe 1mpg less, which could have more to do with being loaded down with luggage, presents etc. and having been stuck in a ton of traffic last night getting home.
A+ would recommend (for now anyway!)
Posting in the banalist of threads since 2004
2017 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD Premium
Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
2001 Lexus IS300 / 2004 2.8L big turbo WRX STI / 2004 Subaru WRX / A couple of old trucks
2017 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD Premium
Past: 2016 GMC Canyon All Terrain Crew Cab / 2010 Jaguar XFR / 2012 Acura RDX AWD Tech / 2008 Cadillac CTS / 2007 Acura TL-S / 1966 5.0 HO Mustang Coupe
2001 Lexus IS300 / 2004 2.8L big turbo WRX STI / 2004 Subaru WRX / A couple of old trucks