Over the years I’ve read much about tires and selecting the “best” tire for a particular car. To be honest I was a bit sceptical about the differences reported by buyers. It often seemed to be a justification of a decision, rather than an objective comparison. I'm planning new tires for Tarka next year and had been making my choice based on looks and price.
I am now convinced I was totally, completely, wrong and the difference a change of tyre makes can be simply enormous.
How so?
Last January we purchased a Mercedes AMG C43, as reported here. It came with Mercedes selected Dunlop Spot Maax, complete with the “MO” logo, indicating that they had been matched by Mercedes to the car.
We were really pleased with the car, other than the way the front tires crabbed at low speed and full lock, producing a pronounced judder and banging noise. We complained and were told that the problem would go away as roads warmed up and by the autumn Mercedes would have a solution.
As temperatures fell the problem returned, I contacted the dealer and on last Friday the car was called in for a recall, this involved replacing the tires with a newly developed Bridgestone Potenza s100 MO tyre and a software update.
I was told that these tyres are specific to the 4-Matic C43 and GLC43, they are not yet available through normal tire distribution, but only through Mercedes dealers. It was further explained that the structure and rubber composition was unique to that tire and had resulted from many hours testing by Mercedes and Bridgestone.
The difference is simply amazing: the crabbing has gone; the steering has a bit more feedback and the car feels more refined. There is also less road noise.
Thy tires look like any other Potenza s100 but the rubber on the shoulders seems quite sticky, also the sidewalls are very soft. It will be interesting to see how they wear, but the result is a much nicer car.
I am delighted that Mercedes has sorted the problem, but do wonder how Mercedes managed to get the tires supplied with the new car so totally wrong.
So, tire choice is really important: this makes selecting tyres for Tarka even more difficult…..the car has 19" wheels so tire choices are a bit limited.
Suggestions welcomed!!
