Top 5 Tyres for 2011

The end of 2011 is almost here and with it comes the knowledge that another year of advancement, improvements and firsts will be waiting for us in 2012.  Before looking ahead though I would like to review my top 5 car tyres of 2011, as a tribute to the tyre industry and what they’ve provided us over the last 12 months. So, in no particular order

1) Goodyear Eagle F1

The Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres were good when they were first released, so what does Goodyear do?  They made them even better. The Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres complement a vehicle’s predictive safety systems very well.  Goodyear used its revolutionary Active Cornergrip Technology, which evenly distributes pressure when a vehicle is cornering at high speeds, meaning more asphalt and tyre contact.  These UHP tyres grip so well on a wet road you wouldn’t even know it had been raining.

Key Features

• ActiveBraking Technology: Each tread block contours under higher-load braking situations, therefore increasing contact patch size
• Crossed-ply carcass structure for increased rigidity and drastically reduced weight
• High-surface silica tread compound to reduce heat generation
• FuelSaving Technology: Less material in the tyre and less heat generation, leading to lower rolling resistance and increased fuel economy

2) Continental ContiSportContact

The Continental ContiSportContact was described by a friend of mine as “sticky” when he 1^st used them on his Porsche.  I think he pretty much covered what the Continental ContiSportContact was designed to do.  Wet or dry the Continental ContiSportContact will deliver all the time.  The only downside to these tyres is you won’t get a lot of mileage as they wear out quickly.

Key Features

• Continental's bionic tread compound technology molded into an asymmetric design.
• The tyre's internal structure includes twin steel belts reinforced by spirally wrapped nylon to stabilize the tread area promoting uniformity and high-speed durability.
• My favourite feature.  You can still continue driving even when the tyre is flat at 50mph for up to 50 miles (80km)

3) Yokohama Advan Sport

The Yokohama Advan is the premium road tyre range used by many in the World Touring Car Championship.  If it’s good enough for the professionals then it’s good enough for me.  Manufacturers like Bentley, Porsche, and Audi also use the Yokohama Advan for its performance and comfort level.

Key Features

• Uses nanotechnology to provide extreme grip in a wide temperature range.
• The durable materials used to make the tyres which allows it to be used in excess of 300kmh

4) Michelin Pilot Sport

The Pilot Sport is a tyre developed for the drivers of exotic sports cars and comes standard on renowned models like the BMW M3, Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and ultra high performance coupes and sedans. The Pilot Sport is designed to improve a vehicle’s capability in the wet, while providing progressive handling and exceptional feedback.

Key Features

• Unique tread design in outer tread and inner tread for high level wet and dry performance.
•  Ultra-reinforced sidewalls for really powerful cornering.

5) Dunlop SP Sport Maxx

The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx was recommended to me by my German friend (no he didn’t get commission).  After 19,000 miles of urban driving I can’t really complain much.  But I might try a different brand next time, because for some reason the price has gone up around 40% in the last 12 months...

Key Features

• Uses Max Flange Shield that helps protect the tyres from accidents with the curb.
• 5 Pitch Technology for reduce noise.

So that wraps up my top 5 tyres for 2011.  I am definitely looking forward to testing out more tyres and write about them.  Again these tyres are MY top 5 tyres for this year and everybody has a different opinion.  If you have a different opinion, or your tyres aren’t listed here feel free to leave a comment and share your experiences. 

Jason Harrison is an avid car enthusiast and full-time tyres salesman. When he’s not on the showroom floor Jason spends his time test driving some of the world’s fastest performance vehicles.