Cleybrooke Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 I am completely disheartened by the fact I appear to have completely ruined the handling of my GTi. Why you may ask? By naively believing everything I read in car mags and fitting Goodyear F1 Asymmetric all round (18’s). I’ve had them on for a while now and believed that things would improve once they have bedded in. Sadly this is not the case. The traction control light flashed more than the lights on a Christmas tree. All confidence in the performance has been removed because the tyre break away – all of the time. To put this into context (and I admit that I am not a “professional” driver) when I drive around a favourite island, in the damp at relatively low speeds, previously (on OEM Conti’s) the car would have a touch of under steer – traction light would flash for a second – then the car would dig deep and accelerate through the corner no fuss. Now with these F1’s it starts of with under steer, wanders into what feels like the back end slipping, back to under steer and then may a dab of 4 wheel drift. What ever it’s doing, and as I say I am no expert, it is not consistent in it’s reactions and as a consequence with consistency of handling reactions, no matter how good or bad a driver you are, you have no confidence in the car. I’ve tried different tyre pressure. No difference. I spoken to Goodyear but the only other complaint they had seen was from the fellow in EVO with the R32 who had the same problem. They also have a policy that you can send the tyres back if you’re not happy. Great – so I need to pay another £550 on rubber for them to find out if it’s a problem. I would be really interested if any else has a set of Asymmetric F1 18’s on their car. May be I have a set for a different market (ie a warmer country so they get to the operating temperature quicker) or they just a faulty set. My advice now to anyone is to stick to the OEM tyres the car comes on. I know this should sit in the tyre thread, however I really feel strongly about this and I’m really not sure what to do next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack_is_Back Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 How many miles have you done on them now? In the Jan issue of evo the R32 long term reporter said they had improved loads, to the point they are now better than the previous tyres (I forget what they were). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack_is_Back Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Maybe drop a line to evo: [email protected] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 That's a bummer! It's good to keep us well informed. I have Eagle F1's and am very happy with them but their replacement is the Asymmetrics I believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cagey Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Hmm, I'm on 17" Asymetrics (for another 10 days until I say bye-bye GTi anyway) and couldn't be happier with them. The initial rubbering-in period was a bit of a worry, as they were a slippin' and a slidin' all over the place. Now however, they generate an awful lot more grip and inspire a lot more confidence than my old conti's. How many miles have you done? Stick with them for a bit longer and see if it improves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleybrooke Posted January 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 I've run them for about a 1000 mile now - I waited a while before posting this becuse a wanted to see if they would improve. However wife has just had a new car (see posts else where) and having driven that and and then got back into my car I feeling verry depressed with just how bad it is to drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrAvant Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Im just about to change my old contis for the Goodyears. Maybe you just had a bad batch!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stooH Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 I need to replace mine in the next month or so, was going to go with those and now you've got me worrying Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonC Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 [ QUOTE ] I need to replace mine in the next month or so, was going to go with those and now you've got me worrying [/ QUOTE ] Same here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrAvant Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 I heard more good than bad about those tyres so i am going to go with them. Anything is going to be better than the contis that i have on at the mo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogbucket Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Let me join the others saying that was going to be my choice of tyre when I come to change them But then again may still try them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chungster Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 I had exactly the same view when i swapped my old conti's for some fresh Eagle F1 GSD3's (Evo mag with Asymetric review wasn't out yet doh) The the front end had no grip at the start, found it much easier to trigger the ESP and slide about thru corners. Very different to how the Conti's behaved. But done a couple of k's on them now, and seem to be better. I have enough faith in GTI's front end to keep me on the black stuff even if the tyres are maybe not as good as the Conti's. I've got more track days lined up to try and kill them off so i can change back to conti's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonnyGTi Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 If you read the Tyre thread it mentions "fake" F1's and checking E numbers ? Just a thought ! It's a bit of a bummer buying new tyres and then finding you don't like them, especially after they have had such good reviews everywhere. Maybe they are more of a Summer tyre and not so well suited to greasy, cold surfaces. A few people mention they are "sketchy" in the damp. If I was you I think I'd persevere with them for now, and see how they are on the warmer, dryer Spring days. Alternatively, if you're really desperate, you could get a nice set of genuine 17" Monzas and reasonable tyres off E-bay for around £400-£450 and use these till Summer. Give you time to give your 18"s a a good clean and polish . I've had 17" Conti Sports, 18" Conti Sports and now Michelin Pilot Exaltos (oem on my new ED30). I have liked them all, the Michelins are a bit quieter and better ride, but Contis gave me slightly more confidence and grip on a fabulous uphill 270 degree loop road near me Personally I think the Contis are underated (maybe because they are OEM). Has anyone experience of the Vredestein Ultrac Sessantta's that won the subjective road test (in EVO's MkV GTI tyre test) by a pretty significant margin. They also came 2nd over all the tests to the F1's and only around £93 per corner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZURES3 Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 [ QUOTE ] I had exactly the same view when i swapped my old conti's for some fresh Eagle F1 GSD3's (Evo mag with Asymetric review wasn't out yet doh) The the front end had no grip at the start, found it much easier to trigger the ESP and slide about thru corners. Very different to how the Conti's behaved. But done a couple of k's on them now, and seem to be better. I have enough faith in GTI's front end to keep me on the black stuff even if the tyres are maybe not as good as the Conti's. I've got more track days lined up to try and kill them off so i can change back to conti's. [/ QUOTE ] I think you have just made my decision for my S3, needs new tyres in about 2000 miles and I curretly have Conti SC2 with go for Conti SC3. AZ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chungster Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 its strange tho with the GTI as I had F1 GSD3's on my previous car and thought they were fantastic!! Maybe the "Made in China" ones really aren't as good... lol But I have to say the Conti's lasted very well and had very good grip in all conditions IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TagnuT Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 How many miles are people getting from a front set of tyres? So far I have 4.3mm of tread left 8500miles covered on Conti 2s. I was thinking about getting the Goodyears. Once they are scrubbed up they seem to do well (last months Evo). But I am tempted by the Vredesteins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrAvant Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Ive done 18k on my conti's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stooH Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 I've cycled my tyres to the back and do a fair few motorway miles, passed 17.5k today and they look like they've got a little bit left in them but not much, end of the month by the latest I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikemod Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 I got 10-12k out of the Contis (no Motorway miles all A and B roads). Have put Michelin PS2s on and after 3500miles they are only down by 1mm so looking much better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trentender Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 I've now had the Goodyear F1 Asymmetrics all round for about 1500 miles, the handling and performance is in my opinion spot on. The previous tyres were the factory fitted Dunlop Maxx which were very poor. The Goodyears stick like you know what and love to be thrown from side to side. I too got these because of the EVO test and would buy again tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonC Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 [ QUOTE ] (edit) How many miles are people getting from a front set of tyres? So far I have 4.3mm of tread left 8500miles covered on Conti 2s [/ QUOTE ] Covered 11,000 om my Continentals, plenty of tread left too, but love the tread pattern of the Eagle F1's and still considering them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleybrooke Posted January 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 Hi Candy man - are these 18's? the reason why I ask is when I purchased mine Goodyear had not started to import these - however the 17's are on sale. I purchased mine online - hence the reason why I think I have tyres for a different market - but how can I prove it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trentender Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 Yes... I have the 18s and they were made in Germany. I am really suprised to hear your views, as for me it is like driving a different car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnysenna Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 [ QUOTE ] I've now had the Goodyear F1 Asymmetrics all round for about 1500 miles, the handling and performance is in my opinion spot on. The previous tyres were the factory fitted Dunlop Maxx which were very poor. The Goodyears stick like you know what and love to be thrown from side to side. I too got these because of the EVO test and would buy again tomorrow. [/ QUOTE ] Oh no, this is getting more confusing all the time. Do you have 18s or 17s? I wonder if this is the difference? Very undecided about what to buy next. I have the Dunlops and they are 3/4 worn.....not very good tyres now I have to say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trentender Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 The difference between the F1's and Dunlops is amazing. My rear Dunlops were okay but I decided to cough up the dosh.... and so far I am delighted. What more can I say apart from that these are 18s on Monza II wheels. They were supplied and fitted in Nottingham for £115 each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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