HOW DO WE EVALUATE TIRES ?

Posted on April 02, 2019

Comparative test of 5 major brands

Many of our customers wonder how we evaluate the tires offered on our website (quattrotires.com). We would like to share a short video explaining the evaluation process that we hope will answer your questions.

We can assure you the tire evaluation periods are performed in a controlled environment by professional drivers in order to offer optimal results and allow you to choose your tires with confidence.

Equipment

During our evaluation, we use professional tools and equipment like the RaceLogic PerformanceBox, that measures braking distances using GPS data, times and G Forces . We also use a Soundmeter, installed inside the cabin to measure average sound levels during our evaluation. All of our tests and tracks are prepared by professional using industry standard practices.

Several aspects and technical characteristics are then evaluated during these test period.

As we watch the evaluation in this video, here are our observations.

Pirelli, the Italian tire brand that has always taken an important place in the automobile racing scene, shows us that its "DNA" and performance characteristics are reflected in the results of our various slalom and cornering tests with the P4 4S+ tire.

In addition to the general performance of a tire on a circuit, ride comfort will always remain one of the important aspect when it’s time to choose a tire. Our various tests were used to measure the noise level inside the cabin. We can confirm the GENERAL RT43 would be perfect considering this aspect. The KUMHO TA11 and the PIRELLI P4 4S+ would also be an excellent choice.

Braking distance is one of the most important aspects of road safety. Our various tests have demonstrated that the TOYO EXTENSA AS offered the best performance in braking on dry pavement. We would also like to highlight the results of the GENERAL RT43 as well as the KUMHO TA11 whose performance has been excellent.

The wet braking distance evaluation revealed that the KUMHO TA11 offered the best performance compared to the other models tested during this evaluation period. It is important to note that the COOPER CS5 and the Pirelli P4 4S+ are closely following behind in the results.

What's better than being able to rely on your tires in any weather ? The analysis on the consistency of the results between the wet and dry tests allow us to highlight the performance of the COOPER CS5 closely followed by the KUMHO TA11 and the PIRELLI P4 4S+.

As we are evaluating Touring tires, we decided it would be important to compare UTQG ratings between models. As you can see, the COOPER CS5 and the PIRELLI P4 4S+ both offer industry leading durability ratings, though the GENERAL RT43 and the KUMHO TA11 both come close.

The KUMHO TA11 closely followed by the GENERAL RT43 offer the best quality/price ratio compared to the other models chosen in our day of testing. Who would not want the maximum performance for their money ? We put a great importance to this aspect during our evaluations to provide you with the best products at the very best prices !

Team Choice

The Pirelli P4 4S+ has been selected unanimously as "Team Choice" by considering all the results of our evaluations. The performance consistency of the PIRELLI within our various tests makes this model a safe and efficient choice in any situation. The GENERAL RT43 is following closely behind by offering excellent ride comfort at an affordable price. We also enjoyed the KUMHO TA11 which definitely offers the best value for the money in addition to offering you an increased safety on wet pavements.

What are the differences when using a performance tire ?

Since we are as curious and passionate as you are, we have taken the time to analyze the differences between a “touring” tire and a performance tire in this evaluation in order to demonstrate the possible differences between these two categories of tires.

These observations allow us to confirm that the choice and use of a performance tire has a direct impact on our results. In real world conditions, the choice of a performance tire will give you shorter braking distance on both wet and dry pavements as well as a superior control of the vehicle during “slalom & cornering” tests compared to a touring tire category.

Bonus

As a bonus, we had the chance to test the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires; a perfect product for sport and exotic cars. According to our evaluations, this tire will benefit from being warmed up to offer optimal performance for both cornering and braking, this allowed to bring the Porsche to a stop in 25.4 meters, we do want to add that those performances would have been even better if the Porsche’s brakes were allowed to heat up, according to our professional driver. Compared to its predecessor, the PILOT SPORT CUP2 will allow you to gain considerable speed on wet and dry roads thanks to its double-compound technology and a 20% improvement of the tread depth. This tire works well with performance vehicles such as the Porsche GT3 in which we had the chance to try during the evaluation.

We can see here that the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 allows sport and exotic cars to give their full potential and that performance tires also allow regular cars to achieve a sportier drive.

At Quattrotires.com, we are taking all the necessary steps in order for you to make an informed choice from our wide selection of brands and models at unbeatable prices. At any time, you can count on our professional and specially trained team to answer your questions.

Quattro Tire team !