Tyre Review : Goodyear Duraplus I live in Pune and I've got a 10 year old Fiat Siena, and I haven't been very kind to her. I don't drive around too much, about 6000kms a year, and so far she hasn't complained much about my lack of attention.
A month ago her steering began vibrating a bit while I was driving her around, but it wasn't too noticeable. However, one day I had to ferry a rather large passenger around, and the car began wobbling like a drunken walrus. I sent my car for servicing, and to have the suspension checked, and my mechanic told me I needed to get the tyres changed.
It was about that time that I re-stumbled upon team-bhp, and read up on all the tyre recommendations. I was inclined to go for Michelin XM1+'s like everyone here suggests, but I was running on 10 yr old steel rims, and I wasn't sure if it was wise to use them with tubeless tyres. I called around and realised my tube-type options were either Apollo Amazers, Goodyear GPS2's and Bridgestone S322's. These were all budget tyres, and I didn't feel like wasting my money on them, so my next option was to either get Yokohama A-drives, or Michelin XM1+'s and use them with tubes, or if the tyre dealer didn't advise that, then to buy 4 new steel rims.
The lowest quotes I had for size 175/70R13 tyres.
Tubeless:
Michelin XM1+ - Rs.3450.
Yokohama A-Drive - Rs.3200
Apollo Acelere -Rs.3200
Continental CP2 -Rs.3450
Goodyear GPS2/GT3-2900
Tube Type:
Bridgestone S322/B250 - Rs.3500
Apollo Amazer - Rs.3300-3400
Goodyear GPS2 - Rs.3050
When I set out to pick up my tyres I was initially headed towards N Mehta Tyres at Rastapeth, because of all the dealers I spoke to he seemed the most genuine. Actually, the guy at Lokmanya tyres was more genuine, but he was too far away from my place. But before I left I decided to visit Tirupati Tyres at Yerwada, the shop closest to my home. The shop was a bit rundown, and the owner didn't seem very helpful, but he was professional and efficient, and I decided not to drive into town.
He quoted Rs. 3600 for Goodyear Durapluses (tube-type), and I bargained and got it down to Rs. 3400 with alignment and balancing. But he charged 2.5% for card payments, so it worked out to Rs.3485 per tyre.
The shop was a bit rundown, and not one that a motoring fanatic would like to visit, but I got my tyres from there anyway.
My previous tyres were completely shot, the threads had gotten bent, and the inner rim of 1 my front tyres had a huge nail stuck in it. So, I was glad I changed them when I did.
There was a promotion with the tyres, and I was supposed to get a trolly suitcase free with the tyres, but the dealer didn't have it in stock, and told me to come and pick it up later. The wheel alignment wasn't done either because the dude who was supposed to do it was on holiday. There was another guy there, but he said my car was too complicated for him.
Anyway, it had taken 1hr30 mins already and my very patient girlfriend was getting a bit tired, so I had no problem going away, and coming back the next week to pick up the bag and get the alignment done.
Incidentally, I called next week, and found out the promotion wasn't for tube-type tyres in size 175/70R13. I called Goodyear to confirm and they said sorry, bad luck, no bag for you. I've yet to go back for the alignment, I'll probably go sometime this week.
After getting the tyres fitted, I drove out, and immediately heaved a sigh of relief, the wobble was gone, the car was rock solid. My initial impression wasn't too good. Acceleration seemed to have reduced a bit, but the car felt solid, really stable. My previous tyres weren't very good and were quite old, but these made my car feel like she hadn't ever felt before. The tyres weren't too grippy, but a couple of days later it was really pissing down, and the tyres did their job, really well. I didn't push them, but they made me feel safe and in control.
Tyre noise has come down as well, and even though I've only driven on tar roads at speeds of upto a 100km/hr, I feel these tyres will be quite silent.
My Bridgestones used to get quite noisy on highways, and I don't think these will. I may drive down to Goa from Pune later, so, I'll update this thread then.
There were reports online that these tyres had soft sidewalls, but I don't think they do. The ride while much improved isn't exactly what I'd call plush. I think the tyres may have been overinflated, so I'll confirm that and post back as well.
Rolling resistance has reduced as well. I think I can roll on for a km+ now, if I'm doing about 30-40 when I slide it into neutral.
For someone looking to buy tube-type tyres, it's a toss up between the Bridgestone Turanza, and these Goodyear Durapluses. The Turanzas are more expensive though.
Would I buy them again? Maybe not...I'm not unhappy with them, but I think the next time round, I'll buy new rims with my tyres and get a good comfort tube-less tyre. The USP of these tyres is that they'll last a 100,000 kms, and with my average of 6000kms/yr, it'll be 16years and 8 months before I reach that figure, and the rubber would probably have cracked with age from them. But if I was driving a 100kms/day like some people I know, then they'd definitely be reconsidered.
Also, I'd like to add, that while all other tyres in size 175/70R13 were rated either S or T, these were H rated. And while my car may not be able to hit 210kms/hr, it's nice to get that extra bit for free.
So, here's my take on these tyres, they're decent. They aren't sporty, and they aren't comfort, but somewhere in between. They're quiet, and I think (or rather hope!) they'll be quiet for most of their life. They seem safe and durable. Let's hope they are. |