Cheap Chinese ditch finders

WOT · 16-03-2012 6:02pm

Hello all, my 1st post..

I have used all of the following and won't ever again:
Wanli, Sunny, Nankang, Rockstone, Yokahama

Where all of these tyres let go was lateral grip when cornering causing the car to become unstable. In my opinion this is why they are called ditch finders rather than baby killers.

It is however unfair to say something like all Nankangs are rubbish. Looking at the results in this comparison:

Nankang NS2 This tyre performs poorly in the wet.
Nankang SV2 Whereas this one has excellent wet performance.

They are both Nankangs and therefore all generic discussion about Nankangs is nonsense. Sounds like an apple / orange / fruit joke from primary school.

I have used several sets of these Kormoran and would use them again on a daily driver.

I use these bridgestones now on my passat and I'm happy with them for my use.

@OP sorry for all the external links

Indricotherium · 16-03-2012 6:07pm

Tea 1000 wrote: »

Indricotherium wrote: »

I'm here to see I there is any rational reason to change my conviction and I've not really found one.

There is a word for the type of attitude that is offered much logical discussion and explanation and still refutes it... it's called "ignorance".

Indricotherium wrote: »

I will admit that the absolute cheapest of cheap tyres probably are not worth the economy, but I've not seen anything here to convince me into the top premium tyres that seem to be in vogue with the motoring fans on this forum.

I don't accept that every non premium tyre is dangerous.

Again, we're not saying that you have to spend massive money. If a Linglong piece of crap is about €50 for a given size, then going to €60 will get you a Semperit or Hankook or something similar that will be worlds apart. You may even find the Linglong for €45, but it's still crap and false economy.
Your argument would hold much more water if you were arguing that a Kumho tyre for €65 is just as good as a Michelin for €95. In fact, there'd be a good discussion around the fact that you may well be right. The Kumho might even be better. But drop below a certain level, and it's like falling off a cliff in terms of performance.

That's beginning to sound rational now.

Tea 1000 · 16-03-2012 6:23pm

Indricotherium wrote: »

That's beginning to sound rational now.

Finally! We broke him! Bet he's looking up Bridgestones as we speak...

-Corkie- · 16-03-2012 6:24pm

Nissan doctor wrote: »

Indricotherium wrote: »

No they don't.

I didnt write that. Thats your man he cannot even quote a post....:mad::mad::mad::mad:

Chuck_Norris · 16-03-2012 6:24pm

If the above post is starting to sound rational O/P, then people must be forgiven for thinking that you're trolling. My logic being your original post was primarily about "ditchfinders". Which most of us on here would associate with Chinese shoite (LingLangs, Wanli's, Triangles etc)
Only now are we really talking about Middle ground (Hankook etc) versus premium.
Pretty much all of the opinions are going to be subjective on here, primarily as they're based on personal experience. As has been stated, the only way to offer truly subjective opinion is to do a series of tests, with the exact same conditions throughout. There are tyre review sites who do this, as has been pointed out to you.
Personally, I don't see the point in my contributing to this thread any longer, as ou do seem to have made up your mind already, and don't seem to be open to the opinions expressed by posters on here(subjective as they may be), or evidence (objective testing done by independent review sites).

Terrontress · 16-03-2012 7:21pm

sorry for not reading pages 3 - 8 but thought I'd pitch in with the fact that my father-in-law drives a 2007 E-Class. He buys Contis at a serious discount off a coachbuilder who stretches E-Classes. Apparently the OEM tyre is not recommended for a stretched E so they always change the tyres on new cars and sell them off.

Buying manufacturer recommended needn't always be expensive.

ottostreet · 16-03-2012 7:46pm

I remember buying my FTO on 'Nankangs' and they were dreadful, no grip in the rain whatsoever. Switched over to a set of Hankook V12s and they just were much much better at clearing water and my ABS light didnt flash at me constantly.

I had a set of Nankangs on an old Punto once, and they were excellent, and I was a far more dangerous and faster driver then. I still eventually crashed on them though.

Poulgorm · 16-03-2012 8:10pm

Tyres are being graded from November, as far as I know. Something on the lines of electrical appliances - A to G, or something like that.

Will get separate ratings for (A) wet grip, (B) fuel economy and (C) noise.

However, I read somewhere that the ratings will be done by the tyre manufacturers themselves. If that is the case, I don't think it will have much credibility with customers

lomb · 16-03-2012 8:26pm

I swapped out legal Chinese Nangkangs and Sunitracs due to having lost confidence in Chinese safety after viewing a video.
Id be more worried about a sudden blowout and veering headon into oncoming traffic than lateral grip shortage. One can adjust driving style to suit and I always do on a wet road in spots where I definately dont want to oversteer off as grip is not predictable by me. In fact I found the Nangkang Sunitrac combo gave excellent grip in the dry and predicatable fun loss of grip in the wet where the vehicle neutrally oversteered and pressing the brake rapidly pulled the car into line, but my TT has quattro so maybe that helped.
Videos here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ULm6QrC428&feature=fvwrel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFzfPagVhY8&feature=related

Nissan doctor · 16-03-2012 9:46pm

Poulgorm wrote: »

Tyres are being graded from November, as far as I know. Something on the lines of electrical appliances - A to G, or something like that.

Will get separate ratings for (A) wet grip, (B) fuel economy and (C) noise.

However, I read somewhere that the ratings will be done by the tyre manufacturers themselves. If that is the case, I don't think it will have much credibility with customers

All tyre ratings for speed, wear rate, load ratings etc etc are set by the manufacturer. This is the main problem with the tyre industry, its mostly self regulated. Its not a problem for the main manufacturers but the cheap Chinese manufacturers only have to 'declare' that they meet the European standards and as such they all come only with an E mark.

Tyres actually independently tested as meeting their quoted claims carry an 'e'(small e) mark in addition to the standard 'E'.

IMO people who say they don't notice any difference between the cheap stuff and quality tyres are the people who will be too far into a slide to control it before they have even realised they are sliding as clearly they simply don't understand the feed back from their car.

It comes down to a very simple fact.....its only when you suddenly need the grip the most that you'll realise you don't have it.

Where To · 16-03-2012 9:56pm

Continental have a major plant in China, should they be avoided too?

Nissan doctor · 16-03-2012 10:49pm

Where To wrote: »

Continental have a major plant in China, should they be avoided too?

It doesn't matter where the tyres are made, its the standard of technology/compound/design that's in the tyre.

The generic term of 'cheap Chinese tyres' is simply due to the fact that there are a huge number of these budget tyres coming out of china these days.

16-03-2012 11:37pm

WOT wrote: »

Hello all, my 1st post..

I have used all of the following and won't ever again:
Wanli, Sunny, Nankang, Rockstone, Yokahama................

Couldn't agree that Yokohama Parada are a crap tyre, they're so so soft and sticky.

chocksaway · 16-03-2012 11:40pm

I have Pace PC72s on my polo and I'll be getting rid of them asap. Seem to be listed as summer tyres (http://www.ityre.com/en/tyres/catalog/pace/size/149731), and they are fine when its dry. But once it's a bit wet they are worse than useless. Roundabouts in particular are a nightmare!

Nissan doctor · 16-03-2012 11:40pm

RoverJames wrote: »

Couldn't agree that Yokohama Parada are a crap tyre, they're so so soft and sticky.

More likely just people hear the name and assume they are Chinese aswel.

Yokohama are a premium Japanese tyre.

johnos1984 · 16-03-2012 11:52pm

Had my first real experience of a full set of Triangles this evening in the wet.

May I report that I can get wheel spin in second gear in a 1.3 Mazda 323 :eek:

Shocking, I never passed 60mph on the way home as I couldn't stop the car safely in a hurry in the wet. Never realised tyres could be THAT bad.

Stop start traffic was a pain as I found it very hard to do a smooth start without some wheel spin. Eventually got it but the grip levels were terrible in the wet

Mully_2011 · 17-03-2012 12:29am

Why would you even cheap out on such an important part and its not exactly like tyres have to be changed every week. at a guess a set of bridgestones or Prelli tyres in 16" will set you back a shade over 400 euro considering how much you use your car and considering the driving conditions in this country is that really so much money to pay for piece of mind.

johnos1984 · 17-03-2012 12:30am

Just to expand the Mazda is a garage car, not mine

gollywog · 17-03-2012 12:59am

Been reading this thread with huge interest I must say, never realised there was such a difference before now. Can anyone recommend a good all round tyre ( 235 40 18) for a decent price?? I just don't know where to begin! Wouldn't mind spending a little more for a better tyre!

johnos1984 · 17-03-2012 1:06am

I find Hankook Ventus 2 a good all rounder tyre

gollywog · 17-03-2012 1:08am

johnos1984 wrote: »

I find Hankook Ventus 2 a good all rounder tyre

I'll give them a look thanks! Approx price?!

johnos1984 · 17-03-2012 2:44am

gollywog wrote: »

I'll give them a look thanks! Approx price?!

What size?

I paid 80e for 205/55 R16

Tigger · 17-03-2012 2:48am

darokane wrote: »

A good driver will control their car no matter what tyre is on it in any conditions.

why do ye people not pull into the hard shoulder ?

gollywog · 17-03-2012 2:56am

johnos1984 wrote: »

gollywog wrote: »

I'll give them a look thanks! Approx price?!

What size?

I paid 80e for 205/55 R16

235 40 18??? The most I could afford is between 4-500

Saab Ed · 17-03-2012 10:16am

I bought an aul W124 years ago and it came with a mix of Roundstones on the front and Triangles on the back (tyres brands that is and not actual objects of this shape-although they might have been of more use). The car was a disaster to drive. I remember one day exiting a roundabout with the missus and kids on board and the car just broke away without any provocation what so ever .... in the dry :eek:

Although all four were almost new, I replaced the set with four Dunlop SP200s. Middle of the road tyre with a middle of the road price. Changed the car completly and made it far safer to drive. Funny enough though I gave the old tyres to a mate of mine who was short a few bob and told him to only use them on the back of his missus car which used the same size tyre. He put all four on. They've since split up

Jesus Shaves · 17-03-2012 10:39am

Oh Oh, just seen that i've got one triangle on my car, i've also got one part worn michelin so it'll balance itself out

Jesus Shaves · 17-03-2012 11:08am

Tigger wrote: »

why do ye people not pull into the hard shoulder ?

ha, it takes me 40 minutes to get from Athlone to Dublin, make of that what you will;)

TestTransmission · 17-03-2012 11:35am

darokane wrote: »

make of that what you will;)

That you drive like an idiot with ill equipped tyres or you're a troll? You decide.

lomb · 17-03-2012 11:39am

Saab Ed wrote: »

Funny enough though I gave the old tyres to a mate of mine who was short a few bob and told him to only use them on the back of his missus car which used the same size tyre. He put all four on. They've since split up

Id have told him to put them on the front! Bad tyres on the front lead to understeer which is felt and correctable by most, whereas on back it leads to oversteer which isnt. That is the recommendation of tyre manufacturers also and they widely publicise this fact.

Jesus Shaves · 17-03-2012 11:39am

TestTransmission wrote: »

That you drive like an idiot with ill equipped tyres

you can have your opinion, which is wrong.

PaulKK · 17-03-2012 1:31pm

Just for some balance here lads, a couple of months ago I got nankang ns2 put on the rear of the 320d in 255/35/18. I was cringing a bit when I went to get them fitted, I would be a bit snobby about tyres but I was skint at the time.

I have to say I was a bit surprised at how decent they are. The grip is pretty good from them even in the wet and the only time I've had a traction control light on was briskly pulling out of a juntion in the wet. I think for day to day motoring they are 100 per cent adequate.

On the cost thing, my normal Falkens were 50 more a corner each so its not just a tenner more as most say. The nankangs are actually a bit quieter too.

gollywog · 17-03-2012 1:38pm

PaulKK wrote: »

Just for some balance here lads, a couple of months ago I got nankang ns2 put on the rear of the 320d in 255/35/18. I was cringing a bit when I went to get them fitted, I would be a bit snobby about tyres but I was skint at the time.

I have to say I was a bit surprised at how decent they are. The grip is pretty good from them even in the wet and the only time I've had a traction control light on was briskly pulling out of a juntion in the wet. I think for day to day motoring they are 100 per cent adequate.

On the cost thing, my normal Falkens were 50 more a corner each so its not just a tenner more as most say. The nankangs are actually a bit quieter too.

They are the tyres that are currently on my car, they were on it when i bought it. I dont know the least thing about tyres but no problems with traction at all, bit noisy alright but grips the road pretty well, no skids or slips yet. Have them on an audi a4 s line btw

Saab Ed · 17-03-2012 3:39pm

PaulKK wrote: »

Just for some balance here lads, a couple of months ago I got nankang ns2 put on the rear of the 320d in 255/35/18.
I have to say I was a bit surprised at how decent they are.

The grip is pretty good from them even in the wet and the only time I've had a traction control light on was briskly pulling out of a juntion in the wet. I think for day to day motoring they are 100 per cent adequate.
.

I always found Nankangs to be a bit of a suprise package. Bloody excellent value for money too. Sure they wont stick like a soft slick once you really push on but atleast they wont break away for no reason like the stuff from China.

Just from a personel view point I always found Pirelli P6000s to be an excellent all-rounder. Sure there's tyres that last longer,grip longer and cost less but as a jack of all trades I dont think they can be bettered. Lovely and progresive at the limit too. I'd always prefer a tyre that breaks away in a controlled manner (so to speak) rather than one that hangs on till the last then punts you into a ditch backwards without warning.

Nissan doctor · 17-03-2012 8:35pm

The Nankang NS2's are a vastly better tyre then the old NS1's.

Chris_Heilong · 17-03-2012 10:37pm

Saab Ed wrote: »

I always found Nankangs to be a bit of a suprise package. Bloody excellent value for money too. Sure they wont stick like a soft slick once you really push on but atleast they wont break away for no reason like the stuff from China.

Just from a personel view point I always found Pirelli P6000s to be an excellent all-rounder. Sure there's tyres that last longer,grip longer and cost less but as a jack of all trades I dont think they can be bettered. Lovely and progresive at the limit too. I'd always prefer a tyre that breaks away in a controlled manner (so to speak) rather than one that hangs on till the last then punts you into a ditch backwards without warning.

You do Realise the NANKANG are also Chinese dont you?;)

Saab Ed · 17-03-2012 11:21pm

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

You do Realise the NANKANG are also Chinese dont you?;)

Well yes and no

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nankang_Rubber_Tire

But its Kinda like calling these guys Americans

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Hawaiians

Chris_Heilong · 18-03-2012 12:05am

Same race, the people of Taiwan are still Chinese or 'The Republic of China' as they say in Taiwan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_China

Saab Ed · 18-03-2012 12:12am

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

Same race, the people of Taiwan are still Chinese or 'The Republic of China' as they say in Taiwan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_China[/QUOTE]

Just like the people in Northern Ireland are Irish .... or British as they say in Britain ;)

You know and I know its not the same thing.

Nissan doctor · 18-03-2012 12:13am

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

Same race, the people of Taiwan are still Chinese or 'The Republic of China' as they say in Taiwan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_China

Same race?? ffs, so products made in America can be claimed as Irish then?:rolleyes:

PaulKK · 18-03-2012 12:14am

They may be Tawainese but they are still made in China

fasttalkerchat · 18-03-2012 12:14am

I don't think I need evidence to say that tyres made from acrylic plastic won't do the same job as Pirellis. If the Chinese unbranded ones are made from the same material and are well designed, they could do the same job. But that's a big chance to take if you haven't had them professionally tested.

Just a guess but if the tyres don't meet BS or CE standards, your insurance company might try to do you if you have an accident.

PaulKK · 18-03-2012 12:16am

fasttalkerchat wrote: »

Just a guess but if the tyres don't meet BS or CE standards, your insurance company might try to do you if you have an accident.

All tyres sold here legally must have those marks. In fact I think any product sold in Europe must have the CE mark.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CE_mark

Nissan doctor · 18-03-2012 12:22am

PaulKK wrote: »

All tyres sold here legally must have those marks. In fact I think any product sold in Europe must have the CE mark.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CE_mark

Yeah, but the cheap plastic electronic stuff you can buy in pound/euro shops have CE marks.....that doesn't they are as good as Sony or Phillips or whatever.

18-03-2012 12:24am

A CE mark is next to worthless really.

PaulKK · 18-03-2012 12:24am

Nissan doctor wrote: »

Yeah, but the cheap plastic electronic stuff you can buy in pound/euro shops have CE marks.....that doesn't they are as good as Sony or Phillips or whatever.

RoverJames wrote: »

A CE mark is next to worthless really.

I know that, but I was addressing the point about insurance.

It just means the product is basically fit for purpose and won't fall apart.

-Corkie- · 18-03-2012 12:25am

RoverJames wrote: »

A CE mark is next to worthless really.

Bit like buying a car from a SIMI garage..;)

fasttalkerchat · 18-03-2012 12:37am

PaulKK wrote: »

All tyres sold here legally must have those marks. In fact I think any product sold in Europe must have the CE mark.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CE_mark

Like you said, that applies to tyres sold in Europe. What if someone bought cheap tyres online from a Chinese retailer?

Nissan doctor · 18-03-2012 12:41am

fasttalkerchat wrote: »

Like you said, that applies to tyres sold in Europe. What if someone bought cheap tyres online from a Chinese retailer?

I've never seen or heard of any website for buying tyres direct from Chinese manufacturers.

As has been said, all Tyres sold in Europe must have the E mark but this tells you or guarantees nothing about their road holding ability.

Tyres without an E mark won't pass the NCT.

PaulKK · 18-03-2012 12:42am

fasttalkerchat wrote: »

Like you said, that applies to tyres sold in Europe. What if someone bought cheap tyres online from a Chinese retailer?

I would be surprised if anyone in Ireland bought their tyres from a supplier outside of Ireland, the UK or Germany.

However, this thread has been discussed in the context of chinese tyres supplied in Ireland, not some grey import tyres.

gollywog · 18-03-2012 1:23am

Hey im looking at getting either FALKEN FK452 or VREDESTEIN ULTRAC SESSANTA for my audi a4.
Both have good reviews but would it be worth the extra few pounds for the verdesteins? What would be the pros and cons of each?!
Hopefully someone with experience of both could enlighten me?!

Cheap Chinese ditch finders

Comments