Re: MRF Z.L.O Performance Tyres My first post on Teambhp and I did not expect it to be on Tyres! I have been on the lookout for new tyres ever since the JK Vectras [165/80/14] on my 2008 Swift Vxi gave me my first puncture @32000 km. Two punctures later I said enough is enough and decided to change up (@35000km). Following is an update of my research, buying experience and usage. Tyre Maintenance and Vectras
I am rather careful about how my car (and its tyres) are maintained. I check the tyre pressure every time I fill fuel (once a week) and ensure that I get my wheel alignment and wheel balancing done every time I service my car (every 5000km). I think that it was largely on account of this careful maintenance that I have not been bothered by constant punctures or any other maintenance related issues.
Until about 32,000 km the stock JK Vectras on the Swift did not give me any problems but the lack of grip, squealing upon acceleration, cornering and braking and the hard ride always bothered me. However, since the tyres were 165s maneuvering the car in Mumbai traffic was a breeze.
But ever since the first puncture (no incident just a flat tyre one fine morning) I started looking for new tyres. Research
I started my research at the place every gear-head in India goes to do his research Teambhp (incidentally - every single search string I punched into Google regarding tyre upgrades in India led me to Teambhp).
I read the observations that members had of MRF, Michelin, Goodyear, Yokohama and Bridgestone while most observations were positive on one point the opinion was unanimous the stock JK Vectras were in serious need of an upgrade.
I was veering toward Michelin but when I went back to my hometown in Kerala our driver (who has around 20 lakh km worth of experience) was very bullish about MRF. In fact, our 2008 Tata Safari was newly shod with MRF Wanderer Tyres that my driver was very impressed with.
I then discovered the MRF ZLOs on Team Bhp - read and re-read this thread multiple times and drove straight to the MRF showroom along with my driver to find out about the MRF ZLO 185/70/14. One point of concern that I has was that for the upgrade from 165-185, I would need to change the steel rims. I was quoted a price of Rs. 3850 per tyre and was also advised that I would not need to change my rims (I hope the advice was right!).
From there I headed to the Bridgestone Showroom where I was quoted a price of Rs. 4300 for each Bridgestone ER60 88H. Driven by cost considerations, the Teambhp reviews and my drivers opinion of MRF I decided to put my bets on the MRF ZLO. Buying Experience
Back in Mumbai I called Justdial and got the numbers of most tyre dealers for Bridgestone, MRF and JK. Most of the tyre dealers were very helpful over the phone (like Saifee Tyres, Santacruz suggested by GTO and Pal Tyres, Lamington Road suggested by Tejas) and Premji Tyres, Thane even sent me a detailed email giving me the following quote for each brand of tyre that they had in stock (which seems to be a good quote, all things considered):
1. Michelin Energy XM1+ 86H MRP Rs4972 Your Price Rs4625 each
2. Goodyear Duraplus MRP Rs4920 Your Price Rs4200 each
3. Yokohama AA01 88H MRP Rs4233 Your Price Rs4080 each
4. Continental CEC-3 88T MRP Rs4782 Your Price Rs4455 each
5. Bridgestone ER60 88H MRP Rs4735 Your Price Rs4350 each
The best quote I got from Saifee Tyres was Rs. 4000 for the MRF ZLO (Pal Tyres did not have ZLOs in stock and Premji Tyres Thane did not deal in MRF).
I also sent an email to MRF (write2us@mrfmail.com) and got an email from MRFs District Manager Peter Green requesting my phone number. He also promptly followed up with a phone call giving me the directions and the contact details of the nearest dealer whom I finally did not visit since it was a little out of the way. Overall, very prompt customer service.
Since my office is in Lower Parel, I needed something closer to work so that I could head out of office on a light day and get my tyres changed so I began looking for dealers in the Mahim and Lower Parel area.
I zeroed in on Kohli Tyres, Mahim (02224462200) and the best quote I got over the phone was Rs. 4100 per tyre. Went to Kolhi one afternoon haggled with the chap there (Ashraf a helpful sort) and got a deal of Rs. 3960 per tyre balancing and alignment complimentary weights and valves extra and 2% surcharge for payment by Credit Card.
I also got 500 off for my old tyres which I think he may have stiffed me on!
In any event, a set out 5 MRF ZLOs cost me Rs. 20,000 including weights and valves. Usage and Opinion
I was insistent on getting new tyres as soon as possible since I was planning a drive from Mumbai to Nashik for Sula Fest, 2012.
During the drive to and from Nashik, the tyres performed admirably the grip levels were good the steering felt heavier at speed and I was able to corner at speeds of 80-100 kmph on the Mumbai - Nashik expressway (which is an awesome drive by the way) without a hint of unsteadiness or tire squeal. Also there is a significant reduction in tyre noise and the ride over rough roads (like the approach roads to the Sula Vineyards) is noticeably better.
Once complaint however, is that the acceleration feels a little blunted. This is likely on account of the wider profile of the new tyres (185 v. 165) but this is something that I am prepared to live with for better ride quality.
Although it is too early in the day to opine on the general quality of the tyre or its longevity (since I have only done some 1000 km on them since purchase) I am happy with my new ZLOs. In any case, if I have any complaints about the tyre I know the contact details of MRF so that I can write to them and voice my views - and promptly post an update on Teambhp! |