Pirelli P Zero Rosso

[Teddy]

I'm disappointed with the P Zeros on my 2.0 TSi. Despite 6mm tread i've experienced repeated aquaplaning at 70mph (in dreadful conditions, granted), and in warm dry conditions wheelspin in 1st gear.

My old mk5 GTi wouldn't break traction on the same roads in first gear on both Bridgestones or even the Nexens which were on when i bought it. I'd have expected the 10mm wider tyres on the Rocco the have enhanced try weather traction. Could it be higher tyre pressures to aid the higher published fuel economy (which doesn't stack up compared to the GTi) or different engine mapping to give more low down power?

[RW1]

Hi Teddy,

Had similar comment with my Bridgestone Potenza's (235x45x17's) a while back, when I first bought the Scirocco, ie, aquaplaning, some sliding in cornering and wheel spin setting off. And there was much more tyre rumble noise than I expected.

Measured the tyre wear at 3 points across the width of the tread at 2,000 miles and the centre area of the tread was going down much quicker which suggested over inflation of the tyres on the front.

Tank flap on mine recommends 33psi for all the tyres, for half load. Dropped the tyre pressures to 30 - 31psi all round.

Effect, better road holding, no wheel spin unless very sporty take-off, less tyre rumble and the wear rate is even across the tread width at 5,000 miles. The tyres are still worn more in the centre area but that is historical.
The Scirocco feels much more planted on the road.
Fuel economy - still going up! But that is really is part of the bedding-in process of the engine and won't steady until 10k miles given the trend line I have.

C.

[Shaun]

The wife had p zeros on her old car, they were possibly the worse tyre i have ever encountered, i never felt safe in that car with those on !!!