after having the rear tyres off to paint the backplates/calipers and discs, I noticed that the rear tyres (Michelin Pilot Sport 3 PS3) were more than a little worn!
bald on the inside edge, with a slightly weird profile.
This is almost certainly down to the cars suspension (lowered Bilstein B12) and settings, which mean it runs quite a lot of negative camber
heres my previous review of the PS3 when I had all 4 fitted.
http://johnoldfield.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/michelin-pilot-sport-ps3-2254018-92y-xl.html
The fronts lasted "from full tread depth to 2mm in 14,556 miles (Oct 2010 to Feb 2012)"
The rears lasted from 44664 miles to now (85600)! which is 41000 miles (Oct 2010 to Aug 2015)
This gives an indication of the difference in wear rate and load between Front and Rear
Although still legal, I felt the overal tyre tread depth (at 2mm), risk of canvas breakthrough and the time theyd been on the car was enough to warrant a change.
Besides with the PSS now widely available (and already proving awesome on the front tyres) I couldnt wait to change them.
Sadly the company I always get to supply and fit tyres (Event Tyres) did not have PSS in stock, they could get them but not at competitive rates, I was gutted (although I suspect the PSS being a Michelin tyre means theres some market forces at work with blackcircles etc)
No worries, a quick web search meant I found them @ Oponeo delivered to my door.
Michelin Pilot Super Sport 225/40R18 92 Y XL, ZR Quantity: 2 x 101 = £202
(Albeit they took a week to arrive!)
Luckliy Event Tyres have only just introduced 'fitting only' so I once again entrusted them to fit the PSS
Fitting by Event Tyres = 2 x 20 = £40
So total fitment price was 202 + 40 = £242
Booked in via the website, was faultless as ever with great comms and an even better work ethic.
Event tyres were as awesome as usual. If you are in the North West of the UK, try them out for your next set of tyres.
Here are the tyres before fitment, I made them around 8-8.5 at full tread
The stats are
F : Fuel economy poor (do I care?)
A : Wet Weather grip outstanding
71db noise
NOTE : that there are 2 types of PSS available in this size (225/40/18), the one you need for the GTI is the XL 92Y version.
I was surprised to note the other version is noted as having worse wet weather performance!
see http://www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/michelin-pilot-super-sport
225 40 R 18 92 ZR(Y) XL F A 71dB
In terms of a continued review of the PS3 , nothing has changed, Id say they are a good tyre that fulfils all briefs but is not outstanding in any respect (well, maybe a very slow wear rate)
With the advent of the PSS , the game changed again, making these very average.
As of Aug 2015, My ranking from the tyres Ive tried on the GTI (all in 225/40/18) would be
- Michelin Pilot Super Sport : an easy all weather choice. sublime BUY THEM NOW
- Continental Sport Contact 5 : really liked these, and have just won the EVO tyre review 2015
- Michelin PS2 : great dry weather grip, but compromised elsewhere and poor wear rate
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Assym 2
- Michelin PS3 : good all rounder but doesnt excel in any area.
- Michelin Pilot Exalto : these were fitted from new and woeful, do not buy!
So now I have all round PSS and already love it, yet to try them in anger though.
At the current PSS prices, why would anyone fit anything else????????
for information
Front PSS are currently worn down (after 5600 miles) to
6mm outer
5mm middle
5mm inner
5mm middle
5mm inner
from approx 8 to 8.5mm new tread
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