All Season Tyres poll

[BigJohn]

Hi all,

I know the subject has generally been done to death, but I am still struggling with tyre choice on our T6.1. We got it with a set of 235/55 R17 (103) Bridgestone Weather Control A005 which I was initially very happy with, but when one popped after just 4500 miles, whilst doing 70 on the M25 we’ve kinda lost confidence in them! Reading here, it seems a few people have had issues with them popping or getting sidewall punctures. Obviously everyone is going to pick up the occasional nail - nothing you can do about that.

I found a second hand set of wheels with 215/60, 109/107T higher load rated tyres to give them a go, in an attempt to get something a bit more robust, but the difference in ride was immediate - noticeably noisier and rough, so they came off again (must get them up for sale…).

Now I’m trying to work out if I should switch them all over before doing the NC500 in Sept. The main alternative I’m looking at is the Michelin CrossClimate 2. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 looks good as well but isn’t Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rated - so no good for European winter driving which I think would be short-sighted, especially as snow chains don’t officially fit this tyre size.

So, a quick poll please, if you have direct experience of 235/55 R17 all season tyres, which ones are they, how long did/have you had them and have you had any issues with punctures? If there's no difference then I'll save some money and keep my fingers crossed!

Thanks,

John & Amanda

 

[Azteccamper]

Hi all,

I know the subject has generally been done to death, but I am still struggling with tyre choice on our T6.1. We got it with a set of 235/55 R17 (103) Bridgestone Weather Control A005 which I was initially very happy with, but when one popped after just 4500 miles, whilst doing 70 on the M25 we’ve kinda lost confidence in them! Reading here, it seems a few people have had issues with them popping or getting sidewall punctures. Obviously everyone is going to pick up the occasional nail - nothing you can do about that.

I found a second hand set of wheels with 215/60, 109/107T higher load rated tyres to give them a go, in an attempt to get something a bit more robust, but the difference in ride was immediate - noticeably noisier and rough, so they came off again (must get them up for sale…).

Now I’m trying to work out if I should switch them all over before doing the NC500 in Sept. The main alternative I’m looking at is the Michelin CrossClimate 2. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 looks good as well but isn’t Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rated - so no good for European winter driving which I think would be short-sighted, especially as snow chains don’t officially fit this tyre size.

So, a quick poll please, if you have direct experience of 235/55 R17 all season tyres, which ones are they, how long did/have you had them and have you had any issues with punctures? If there's no difference then I'll save some money and keep my fingers crossed!

Thanks,

John & Amanda

On my second set of cross climates. Now got the CC2 fitted. First set I got about 21k miles no punctures. Have had one slow puncture on new set (about 10k to date) when a screw pierced the tyre - £10 fix
I find them a great all rounder.

 

[Kernowboy]

I found a second hand set of wheels with 215/60, 109/107T higher load rated tyres to give them a go, in an attempt to get something a bit more robust, but the difference in ride was immediate - noticeably noisier and rough, so they came off again (must get them up for sale…).

I’m in the market…..

Wanted - OEM 17” Wheels

I’m after a set of original alloys (not steel) to fit winter tyres. Rims only is ideal, or with worn tyres for removal, but may consider a set already fitted with decent winter or all season rubber. Wheels must be in good condition.

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[mattpartridge]

Hi all,

I know the subject has generally been done to death, but I am still struggling with tyre choice on our T6.1. We got it with a set of 235/55 R17 (103) Bridgestone Weather Control A005 which I was initially very happy with, but when one popped after just 4500 miles, whilst doing 70 on the M25 we’ve kinda lost confidence in them! Reading here, it seems a few people have had issues with them popping or getting sidewall punctures. Obviously everyone is going to pick up the occasional nail - nothing you can do about that.

I found a second hand set of wheels with 215/60, 109/107T higher load rated tyres to give them a go, in an attempt to get something a bit more robust, but the difference in ride was immediate - noticeably noisier and rough, so they came off again (must get them up for sale…).

Now I’m trying to work out if I should switch them all over before doing the NC500 in Sept. The main alternative I’m looking at is the Michelin CrossClimate 2. The Hankook Kinergy 4S2 looks good as well but isn’t Three Peak Mountain Snowflake rated - so no good for European winter driving which I think would be short-sighted, especially as snow chains don’t officially fit this tyre size.

So, a quick poll please, if you have direct experience of 235/55 R17 all season tyres, which ones are they, how long did/have you had them and have you had any issues with punctures? If there's no difference then I'll save some money and keep my fingers crossed!

Thanks,

John & Amanda

Hi John,
I have Michelin CC2 on my T5.1 Cali. They’re on VW Sportline 18 inch alloys, and give a good ride with great traction, and little noise.
Matt

 

[pluc99]

I have had the 235/55/R17 Michelin CC2 installed on my 4M for 18 months now with no problems. I'm happy with them.

 

[pjm-84]

255/45/18 for me

I find the CCs wander a little on the motorway at speed (65mph) , particularly if its gusting. Plus they appear to struggle a little with dry cornering with the weight of the Cali when carrying corner speed. Just a little harder to hold a line.

Will check the tyre pressure tonight and report back (just in case they are low).

 

[Kernowboy]

This is quite good to compare, particularly if you are looking for a specific bias (ie.better in snow etc.):

2022/23 Tyre Reviews All Season Tyre Test - Tyre reviews and ratings

All season tyres are trying to be one tyre for every situation, but as we know no tyre can excel in every category, meaning tyre manufacturers often take away from one area to be better in ...

www.tyrereviews.com

I’ve had the CC2 on a Tiguan previously, lots of use in all conditions incl. snow and found them to be excellent all round. But haven’t haven’t had them on a Cali so can only offer a generic thumbs up.

 

[2into1]

I've had Cross Climate SUVs for 25k miles. I've been pleased with them but they are getting loud as they approach change time. So much in fact that I've had the wheel bearings checked, but they can't find any fault, so I'm hoping a change of tyres will change things.

 

[Hedley Wright]

Three punctures (unrepairable) in four months/5,000 miles on factory fitted A005s. Switched out to Michelin Latitude Cross, 10,000 miles since including NC500 and Outer Hebrides Feb-April no punctures. Fuel consumption worse by 2-3 mpg but handling improved (stiffer sideŵalls?). I preferred the Latitude Cross to Cross Climate as they are not handed, every puncture on the A005s was nearside (which is predictable as there’s more objects likely to cause a puncture there) and the supplied spare was offside handed. Not sure if you can still get the Latitude Cross, they are not 3 peak certified but performed brilliantly in the snow in Scotland (4motion).

I really don’t understand why VW continue to supply A005 as the all weather tyre, they are simply not suitable for the California.

 

[OooOooTheMonkey]

Three punctures (unrepairable) in four months/5,000 miles on factory fitted A005s. Switched out to Michelin Latitude Cross, 10,000 miles since including NC500 and Outer Hebrides Feb-April no punctures. Fuel consumption worse by 2-3 mpg but handling improved (stiffer sideŵalls?). I preferred the Latitude Cross to Cross Climate as they are not handed, every puncture on the A005s was nearside (which is predictable as there’s more objects likely to cause a puncture there) and the supplied spare was offside handed. Not sure if you can still get the Latitude Cross, they are not 3 peak certified but performed brilliantly in the snow in Scotland (4motion).

I really don’t understand why VW continue to supply A005 as the all weather tyre, they are simply not suitable for the California.

Why aren’t they suitable for a California?

 

[Hedley Wright]

Why aren’t they suitable for a California?

I don’t believe the sidewalls are strong enough. Being as puncture prone as they are is proof enough imho.

 

[Fish111111111.]

Hi we have the continental all season tyres factory fitted, only done 2.5 k on them and no real complaints. There probably not the most quiet but don't wander around at motorway speeds, cornering is fine " it is a cali" afterall not my bmw. They up to now seem to be a good compromise for the whole year.

 

[pjm-84]

Trust me my BMW is quicker even in comfort mode but is on summer tyres! My Cali is on coilovers / circa 50mm lowered so will place more demand on the rubber.

Ex motorbiker...... so corner speed is key.

 

[WelshGas]

4 sets of Michelin Cross Climate over 100,000 miles . No punctures. Equal wear all round, I have a 4Motion. I normally change when the tread depth is 3mm+.

 

[Iron Van]

I have CC2s sized 235 55 18 (104) and very happy with them. Still playing with tyre pressures but a lot quieter than the A005s it came with.

 

[OooOooTheMonkey]

Are the Michelin CC2s as good as having separate summer and winter tyres?

 

[Cloudbreak]

I have moved from the factory all season Goodyear on my T6 4m after one disintegrated on the motorway, took out the wiring loom connectors. Currently running a set of Nokians I took from the old Tiguan but just got a price for a set of CC2 235/55/R17

 

[Resfeber]

My 2ps worth.
Original tyres were Dunlop Sport Max that lasted approx 17k. Fine for dry use but real problem with grip when setting off on loose surface or hill starts. On grass virtually no grip and nearly got stranded on sites with any camber or slight gradient.

Current CC2 have done 30k and still have 4mm tread (only have 6mm to start with).
Much improved grip on loose surfaces and hill starts and far better on grass surfaces. Haven’t done any serious off roading and little snow and ice action over last 2 years but I have far more confidence in the Michelin’s ability that the original Dunlops based on the loose gravel and muddy surfaces that I have encountered and cannot detect any increase in understeer with these tyres when the van is cornered hard.

Only downside was the issue I had with gravel pick up from my drive.

1 puncture with the Dunlops and wheel alignment destroyed 2 front ones in short order over 1k miles. No punctures with the CC2.

My vehicle is my daily drive and only vehicle. 5k per year commuting and local, 5k per year long distance driving in UK for holidays

See
Post in thread 'Michelin Agilis Crossclimate tyres seem a rough ride?'
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/thread...ate-tyres-seem-a-rough-ride.44552/post-582960

 

[Californication69]

Comforser CF1100’s
Love them, a lot quieter than BFG’s.
And I know they’ll get me out of the field when I need them.
Still getting 32mpg on the M’way at 70mph.
Speedo perfect with Waze.
(Not looking forward to when I do, as I’ll have to remove the inner arches to remove all the mud due to my OCD )

 

[scottk]

I have the factory fitted Bridgestone all season tyres and had a puncture on the second day of ownership. Will be changing to Michelin CC2 which I have run on my cars for the last few years with no issues and good in winter.

 

[BigJohn]

View attachment 112324
Comforser CF1100’s
Love them, a lot quieter than BFG’s.
And I know they’ll get me out of the field when I need them.
Still getting 32mpg on the M’way at 70mph.
Speedo perfect with Waze.
(Not looking forward to when I do, as I’ll have to remove the inner arches to remove all the mud due to my OCD )

Those look the business! What size are they?

 

[WelshGas]

Are the Michelin CC2s as good as having separate summer and winter tyres?

Short answer No. If you live somewhere with guaranteed snow each winter for a few months, and it is a daily driver then having 2 sets of tyres and a storage facility is worthwhile, But in the UK hardly worth the hassle as although you might be mobile the vast majority won't be so 4 season tyres are more than adequate. The CCs cope very well with UK weather. I've used them in May in Norway in the far north on snow covered roads without any problems in -10c snow blizzards.
Unless travelling to countries or areas that insist on Winter tyres I would stick with CCs personally.

 

[OooOooTheMonkey]

Short answer No. If you live somewhere with guaranteed snow each winter for a few months, and it is a daily driver then having 2 sets of tyres and a storage facility is worthwhile, But in the UK hardly worth the hassle as although you might be mobile the vast majority won't be so 4 season tyres are more than adequate. The CCs cope very well with UK weather. I've used them in May in Norway in the far north on snow covered roads without any problems in -10c snow blizzards.
Unless travelling to countries or areas that insist on Winter tyres I would stick with CCs personally.

Great, thanks you.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Summer tyres tend a have better handling & stopping distance on wet/dry tarmac (+7 degrees c) v 4 seasons / winter tyres; so the word ‘summer’ is a bit misleading.

Winter are great for snow, cold temps due to the rubber compound, but work best with a decent amount of tread…so should be taken off for the rest of the year to keep them in good shape.

4 seasons are a good compromise to avoid having two sets on of wheels. Also great for muddy carparks campsites so a good Cali all rounder.

 

[Borris]

Hello BigJohn,
You are correct in that this "subject has generally been done to death".

IMO for what it's worth, beyond establishing the capabilities and limitations of winter, summer and all season tyres, which are all well documented by specialists on youtube amongst other places, asking forum members for advise on this subject based on their experience, isn't going to ellicit any detailed objective recommendations. That's because everyone will have different driving styles, will have used their vehicles in different ways and accordingly will have subjected their tyres to different conditions throughout the life of their tyres.

For example, one owner may have driven their vehicle like a demon for limited miles with incorrect tyre pressures and without avoiding pot holes or other potential causes of damage such as curbs and subsequently reports their tyres having failed early. Other factors such as vehicle loading, prolonged exposure to sunlight, condition of shock absorbers, tracking, age of the tyres etc will all play their part in reducing a tyres life. Another owner may have done galictic miles on one set of the same tyres without issue. Yes, I know that tyre manufacturers strive to ensure that their products can cope with all styles of driving and do what they can to make their tyres robust to counter these aforementioned life reducing factors. Some will be better at it than others.

I suggest that punctures are really down to luck as I doubt if there is that much difference in the abilities of the various brands of regular road tyres and types to resist a really sharp object like a nail.

For further guidance on which brand and type give the best performance under differing road/weather conditions, you'd be better off checking the many available objective tests that have been published.