Kona EV + hi-performance Michelins = best bang-for-buck dynamics hack! | Auto Expert John Cadogan

You know how I always say ‘never modify a new car to do what you want it to do’? Well, when it comes to the Hyundai Kona Electric after 7000-ish kays, I am really quite pleased I didn’t take my own advice on that. Details next.
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This is such a huge difference in underlying character - huge boost for driving dynamics in all conditions - and incredibly cost-effective, when you think about it. Like, it’s just over one per cent of the price of the vehicle.
Tyres are actually the most cost-effective automotive performance modification of all time - because they bolt straight up, and they enhance acceleration, cornering and braking. Show me the other mod which can do so much, for so little. All you need to bring to the party is skill.
So, 400 kays down the track, split between the ‘burbs and the open road...
The biggest single difference is lateral grip. Which also means more roll too, which makes the electron-powered Kona feel more confident during assertive cornering.
More progressive transition from grip to slip
Better on-centre feel and positive return to centre out of a bend. You also get better high-speed stability - and stability transitioning the crown for overtaking.
Better - astoundingly better - in the wet. It’s a complete dynamics character change.
Tyres all look black and round, but there’s a vast difference between the crap ones and the good ones, and these Michelins are very good. There’s an amazing amount of tech - so here’s just a small insight…
Tread specificity - outside for grip, concentric ring for high-speed stability and inside edge for water dispersal
No spare for the Kona EV - you get a mini compressor and some goo. So a plug kit like this one can pay a real dividend on the open road. It won’t fix all punctures but it will keep you mobile after a simple puncture. I got mine from Sparesbox.
Noisier, and probably won’t last as long. Quite expensive. But you get what you pay for - and you can certainly buy tyres from brands you’ve never heard of for less than half the price. But my strong advice is: don’t penny-pinch on tyres - you never know when that extra grip might save your life, or someone else’s.
Overall, a tremendously positive change. I found them selling online for about $230 each (although Hyundai supplied these ones free and pre-scuffed from a previous assignment). I understand why all carmakers fit eco tyres to EVs, but if you understand driving dynamics, upgrading to a set of high-performance tyres like these Michelins makes a world of difference - it makes driving the vehicle safer by giving you higher limits, and it’s a lot more fun … if you’re into that.

[@RobertSmith-di5ll]

Careful John - independence is your strength - best wishes

[@GOINFINITI]

INdependence means exactly that - giving an honest review - not a bribed one - so I am always looking forward to recommendations from reliable sources such as John

[@philiplee7604]

It was a “ Paid promotion by Michelin “ you will never get a 100% truely independent review when any KZbinr is being paid by their sponsor.

[@MT-eb2dx]

@@philiplee7604 lol, the sponsor was Olight in case you missed it. The tires are simply the best wet tires there are, no need for sponsorship. Everybody knows it.

[@hopebear06]

Absolute best tyres I've ever driven on in 35 years. Just got home from aquaplane level rain. No issues at all. Excellent investment.

[@letsseeif]

The safety proposition of a simple the tyre upgrade, trumps the small loss in range and/or economy.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Totally agreed. x10

[@SirBunghole]

Agree. Went from the factory Hankook to a Michelin CrossClimate. Cost me fuel but saved my bacon.

[@wobblysauce]

some people have different priorities... save now or save later.

[@garrypointer]

Nice choice of tyres John ..tanks for your precise reviews.🚘

[@AutoExpertJC]

No worries, Gaz.

[@ElectricCarAustralia]

I was impressed to see the new MG ZS EV comes standard with Mitchelin Primacy 3 215/50/17 when I picked it up a couple of weeks ago.

[@Evil12monks]

Thanks for the video gives me something to watch on my lunch break at work.

[@AutoExpertJC]

My pleasure, Michael.

[@mavcomart]

I have driven on Michelins for 40 years. I have tried to describe the grip vs slip characteristics of Michelin tyres to people. I failed but you nailed it. With every car I ever purchased, I could hardly wait to get to new Michelins. Even my wife can tell the difference and that's saying something. Money well spent. Thanks John 👍

[@AutoExpertJC]

They do excellent work. That's for sure.

[@thatGuyRULES123]

@@AutoExpertJC I'm glad to hear that Michelin does so we'll, as I'm looking at importing some Cross Climate 2's for my X-Trail as I live near Jindabyne, and work in the snow fields

[@SpencerHHO]

In a strange way I am actually pretty happy you are doing sponsor spots. goes to show that even unfiltered though you are, smart companies see the value in your viewers and following.

[@Weissman111]

Good to see the guy using a torque wrench on the wheel bolts - I avoid those that use an sir gun to tighten them.

[@simonhusseymusic]

Thanks John. Tyres are everything and just maybe the difference between arriving or dying. Shame most don’t see it that way. Nice choice on the Pilots.

[@JWL-UK]

Totally agree. People should be educated about tyres, key differences, etc when they apply for a licence and every time it's up for renewal.

[@markh.6687]

@@JWL-UK They're still trying to educate people not to talk/text and drive, or driving around the gates at level crossings/grade crossings, let alone tire/tyre education.

[@themaconeau]

1:25 I saw the light, Electric Jesus! 😂

[@AutoExpertJC]

He does that to folk...

[@garrypointer]

Nice line mac .au .ACDC

[@KenanTurkiye]

4:37 slip & rip ! Great content Mr. Cadogan.

[@SirBunghole]

Never skimp on anything between you and the ground. Bed, shoes, tyres.

[@markh.6687]

Parachutes.

[@allanbower1967]

Fitted them to my Swift Sport, totally awesome!!

[@albertkang1052]

AGREE! It's a different world. I have become a tyre enthusiast because my wife can't tell what I did to the car. I have fitted many different tyres and yes, the PS4 is a very good tyre for Australian roads. (Fitting a PS4S won't make a huge difference) I also recommend the S1EVO3 from Hankook.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Hankook is massively under-rated. They do good work. (But all the premium brands are quite close with their direct competitors...)

[@dazaspc]

I got a deal on these pre scrubbed/2nd hand tires. You should never scrimp on tires. Way to give a clear message John.

[@MrRhubarb65]

Nice to chat with you briefly this morning, John, near the 'Pie in the Sky'. MALS!

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks for stopping & saying g'day Gary - safe travels mate.

[@garageblitztv3215]

No messing around John - straight to possibly the top 3 or 4 tyres (tires USA) on the market... Also cheers for the Olight discount - managed to sort out some Xmas presents in a flash 😉 plus it was a good excuse to upgrade an old 4 cell maglite and an LED Lenser. Cheers mate 🍻

[@levelflightvideo]

Best tyres I have ever had on my Subaru's

[@TastierBackInThe80s]

John in 2020: "DONT modify your car!" Also John in 2020: "Modify your car, it's cheap, and it's awesome!" But I so want a Kona electric.

[@speeddemon0117]

It's my car. I will do with it whatever I want.

[@DylanFahey]

@@speeddemon0117 You can't make me !

[@minimumtrade]

I run Michelin PS4S 19" and Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric 5 17" on my two cars. Each gold standard tyres and would absolutely recommend.

[@samboelliott1]

Sunday night treat. Awesome.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks mate.

[@travisp11]

Saturday for us in the USA!

[@AutoExpertJC]

More weekend for you!

[@travisp11]

@@AutoExpertJC Right on! Thanks!

[@MT-eb2dx]

These tires are truely amazing performer!

[@GOINFINITI]

Agree 100%. I always put the best possible max performance tires, no matter the car - and the safety bonus (besides pure performance) that comes with them is the best improvement you can get.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Yes - people often overlook the 'safety' aspect of performance tyres.

[@woodandmetalandstuffpauldo8561]

John, I had the same tires fitted to the 05 SV8 commo about 2 months ago, The car has factory fitted FE2 suspension (Holden called it the Police pack) and now combined with the pilot sport 4 tires it feels better than it has in years, I can actually turn off the traction control in wet or dry weather and not worry about facing the wrong direction at the worst possible time. PS: purchased the tires from Jax tires in Bankstown, fitted and wheel alignment $750 shitsvillian micro pasos.

[@Dennis-zr3fb]

Thanks John, appreciate the fact you use the word torch, my opinion, we Shitsvillians like to keep our identity, esky not cooler, footpath not pavement. Cheers Dennis

[@mamba101]

Just fitted Michelin pilot sport 4S to my car, has transformed it

[@AutoExpertJC]

They are excellent.

[@t0ymad]

We just fitted some Pilot Sport 4 on our Toyota Voltz (no it's not electric, but it was made in the factory that is now owned by Tesla). We replaced some Bridgestone RE003 and Toyo T1 Sport, in a similar size to the Kona being 215/50-17 just a little narrower. The Michelins are noticably quieter than the previous two types, so I was quite surprised that you said that they were noisier than what was on there before. The thing we have found is that they feel quite vague when you are pushing them unlike the previous UHP tyres, however they have more grip and appear that they will last longer. My wife loves them, so it looks like I might be switching my preference from Japanese to French! I found out years ago that the right set of tyres can really make a car, like you and Jason Fenske seem to both agree with.

[@ryanhill7318]

Thanks for the great video! My wife an I have a '21 The stock tires were terrible. I'm wondering if any other suspension parts from the Gas kona would fit? Maybe a sway bar?

[@aussiecue]

Glad you're still toting the get home bag. Much more "Mill Spec" then mine

[@AutoExpertJC]

5.11 make damn fine stuff mate.

[@noisynobody]

I love my Michi's. They're definitely a try at least once on your car kinda tyre. I mean, they can be cost prohibitive most of the time, but if the stars align and you need new tyres soon, and Michi's are on special at Jax or somewhere, definitely get them!

[@tlpNZ]

Thanks for the follow up on a comment you made the other day. As my next car will probably be an EV looks like the first mod I'll make.

[@peterryan7340]

I everyday carry my Warrior Mini. Great flashlight!

[@AutoExpertJC]

It's a keeper, alright.

[@Crosshead1]

I just fitted a set of PS4s (215/45x18) to my BN Mazda3 SP25 GT, replacing the original Dunlop SP Sport Max TT. Wow, what a brilliant tyre. It’s transformed my Mazda. Really confidence inspiring. And for us real tyre geeks, it’s interesting to note that the 215/45x18 size is made in Spain while all the other sizes for the PS4 I’ve seen here are made in Thailand. It seems to have much deeper rim protection than the Thai made product.

[@Crosshead1]

Just took them for a bit of a run on one of my favourite stretches of road, the Old Pacific Hwy from Cowan to Hawkesbury River. It rained on the run back up the hill. It seemed to make virtually no difference to their prodigious grip. Bloody brilliant. Get yourself a set. You won’t regret it. And no, I don’t work for Michelin.

[@dillonvossen1144]

love these tires! have them on my G70

[@jamiepole5199]

Great tyres ... have them on my Subaru Liberty and they transform it. Loads of fun and confidence assuring driving. Worth every cent .... they only have to save you once to pay for themselves, and I struggle to see why people can't see this ... but hey, each to their own.

[@shane864]

They only last 15k miles and they pick up nails and screws like magnets in city driving. The last car I had Pilot Sports on got 8 flat tires in one year commuting in LA. It was insane. Pilot Sports are terrible on a daily driver commuter. They're totally incredible to drive on sure, it's the reliability and lifespan that sucks. Conti sports are a much better choice imo... almost as good performance but less gummy so they don't pick up nails nearly as easily.

[@jocalibusohump]

Nice....I have michillen tyre yesterday in national tyre uk 🇬🇧.it’s a significant boost in my Renault Megane.

[@gregsullivan7408]

I'm a chauffeur, and haven't looked back since moving to Michelin Primacy 3ST (now Primacy 4). Same effective cost as the cheapies, due to the much better longevity (120,000 vs 60,000km), excellent grip in the wet (don't push it hard enough to assess dry grip) and very quiet.

[@johnbuckle3757]

Excellent review. Also, here in England, ‘OLIGHT’, are offering a similar discount on their flashlights (torches). A Christmas stocking-filler for rich people, or a main present for poor people like myself - Ideal for my Mercedes E class.

[@what_up777]

Was considering those Michelin pilot sport 4 or Bridgestone Potenza adrenalin 003 for my next set of tyres. Thanks for the review.

[@8700s14]

Have had both, RE003’s get my vote!

[@patrickfogarty5809]

Got rid of factory fitted conties and have ps 4s plus now. The old car has 5 year old ps 3 with over 40K on them. Still going strong. Bestvtyre ever and worth the money

[@bradz9413]

Sweet camo bro

[@AquaMarine1000]

Tyre plugs are a temporary repair for tubeless tyres. Tubeless tyres are not really tubeless but have a built in air tight liner which if punchured should be inspected and repaired with a patch from the inside. A patch will stop any chance of air being forced along the plug and into the tyre casing causing delamination and failure. I hope this helps. Cheers

[@Charles-wq1uh]

Best cure for a puncture is a spare tyre especially in the dark and or wet. In Australia no spare is silliness.

[@davidigglesden]

What about the rolling diameter. Did it remain the same to go low profile? Thanks David

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

I am constantly gobsmacked at how some tyres are even legal. Crap tyres on a Porsche turns it into a Beetle. People spend tens of thousands on a car with 'safety features' then throw it all in the bin skimping on the only thing that actually attaches to the road.

[@AutoExpertJC]

They even buy retreads in performance sizes (some people...)

[@mrbulkerman]

I have pilot sport 4s on my Ford Kuga in the uk, yes they're expensive (1300 shitsvillian dollars) but not as expensive as replacing a car. Worth every penny for the better grip and more confidence in iffy conditions...

[@SuperScania1974]

Totally agree with the tyres, cheap tyres are a false economy, personally I like using Continentals Premium Contacts here in the UK.

[@stevelloyd5785]

I note your tyre guy doing what you warned not to do, I.e. use the impact drive to put the nuts on the studs.

[@jamesplotkin4674]

Noticed that, as well. Perhaps he could turn the impact super-slowly to "feel" thread engagement. Still, I don't do it that way.

[@Rawkus919]

Yeah I woulda slapped him.

[@8700s14]

4 ugga duggas is spot on for wheel nuts 👍

[@Peter-vn8ue]

Let's hope Hyundai put this tyre as standard on the new 2021 Kona EV. I hope John you are going to review the new Kona EV when it arrives in Australia. I will be interested to see what have been added improve over the current model. I hope we get that blue colour for the 2021 model in Australia.

[@LifeSized101]

Extendable breaker bar kit for them tough nuts, I carry as well

[@AutoExpertJC]

Good idea.

[@donbrackenreg2270]

Living in Regional NSW, if I were to look at buying a new car (my 30 year old 75s Land Cruiser isn't even run in yet), I would not even attempt to back out the driveway unless I bought a full size spare wheel. As you say, the tyres are the only thing keeping your car pointing in the right direction, and if you do a five wheel rotation, you get a free extra 25% wear.

[@brunoterlingen2203]

John, what are the legal implications re the use of tyre-repair-plugs? Here in QLD the tyre repair service bays are not allowed to use those kits. Yes, I have used them of close to 25 years.

[@jpkellerman7056]

Always have two sets of rims with two very different sets of tires. One set made of expensive glue to hold you firmly attached to the road no matter the situation. On the second set you Chuck the cheapest and lowest grip tires you can obtain bonus points for directional tires fitted wrong way round or slightly worn tires for absence of tread, these make for smoke machines and used for slow motion racing. Nothing like drifting in the rain at slow enough speeds that you can just get out and walk if things get spicy not to mention all the time in the world to react when you cock up. It will be the slowest and most fun racing ever I promise.

[@emersonmsd]

I have the Pilot sport 4 on my Prooced. One of the best I've ever driven but it takes about 500km to get them working best. Haven't had a kangaroo jump out in front of me yet, more like dear and wild pigs here. (SK) By the way as I'm British, it's a torch.

[@Lesfac]

Just looked at the prices of the Olights. Funny money!! Very happy with my Aldi special 1000 yarder.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Some people don't understand quality...

[@Lesfac]

@@AutoExpertJC What about VFM?

[@danpol3073]

Hi John. Have you had a little bingle? There seems to be a couple scratches on the bottom of the front bumper bar.

[@jamesplotkin4674]

Begins approx 8:10 and looks like a good scrape.

[@stendecstretcher4983]

Well spotted.

[@davidwright5739]

Do you still buy tyres from Tyroola?

[@tonylawton7475]

Hi John, I also have a Kona 64 kwh. Having taken your advice, yesterday I had Michelin Pilot 4s fitted. The pros, much better cornering speed, like on rails. No wet weather as yet... Cons over my regular "commute" of 250 kms, my consumption has gone from around 15.4 kwh/100 kms, on the previous Michelin Primacy4s to around 17.4kwh/100kms, and today it was on the higher end of hot ie 26°C in NZ parlenz. The Primacy 4s had around a 1 kwh penalty on the original Nexon tyres, with an added benefit of 2x longevity and better wet grip. Not rocket science, just some antidotal input... Regards Tony

[@vmac11k99]

...and the second best place to test lateral forces is down old Pac Hwy to Brooklyn with a belly full of fish and chips, while Berowra Waters road is better taken on empty stomach.

[@granthoughton769]

Quite agree, quality tyres are where it's at. So how many km"s would you reasonably expect from these? I run Nitto Invos (fourth set - Honda Accord). Whilst a bloody fantastic tyre, 25,000 is all I can expect. Admittedly this from quite windy, rough as guts, "Kiwi quality" tar seal drive to work. 36,000km out of a lower spec Continental MC6 set on the same car as a comparison. Never tried the Pilots, might just have a crack.

[@allanapplin250]

Would be interesting to hear back regarding the number of kms you actually end up getting out of the Michelins! I think you may be pleasantly surprised.

[@gregsullivan7408]

Indeed - I was more than pleasantly surprised when switching from cheapies to Michelin Primacy 3ST on my Caprice - better in EVERY way, and the significantly better mileage from the Michelins resulted in the same overall running cost.

[@guanghunglo3594]

Had PS3's on my Kia. Did about 45k before needing replacement. Replaced with PS4's. Great tyre.

[@woosha10]

I have the Michelin pilots on my Kizashi . Great tyres this is my second set .

[@markh.6687]

Second set?? How long did the first ones last (time/mileage)?

[@woosha10]

@@markh.6687 55000 kms I got out of first set

[@markh.6687]

@@woosha10 (about 34,000) miles. Seems like those would last longer, but the Kizashi is a sportscar, no? Some hard driving on them perhaps? :)

[@woosha10]

@@markh.6687 I didn’t rotate them , my fault there . they were also about 5 years old . Pretty happy with the performance of the tyres

[@markh.6687]

@@woosha10 True; rotation can extend overall tire life. I know someone who got 50,000 out of factory tires on his 1980's Ford station wagon (saloon wagon?) because he rotated them and kept them balanced. I was quite surprised, but they were factory tires.

[@ursodermatt8809]

i wonder when the Auto Expert is going to try to roll his kona.

[@superconfort]

There is space for the spacesaver wheel. Multiple people did it. Just buy the kit from a i30 and put it in under the boot

[@richardagent1924]

Citroen has started making the Ami EV, a 6000 Euro vehicle. It's a two seater with a 70km range and 3.5 hour regharge time. Unfortunately it's a quadricylce, a 'car' which in France you don't need a driving licence for, and a 14 year old can drive Top speed 42kph and no requirement to meet crash testing, just like those electric bikes and scooters. Perfect for a second car.

[@elchicovip01]

My Kia Niro EV whent for the better grip michelin thin. It does what I want most of the time.

[@TheSurfingAlien]

I wonder how long it will take before the Fleshlight company will send John a sample for review :-)

[@AutoExpertJC]

I hope it takes quite some time. Like, the heat death of the universe can be first.

[@TheSurfingAlien]

@@AutoExpertJC Well, if they do, you can send their products back with a note saying: "F*ck that shit"

[@oneselmo]

Auto Expert John Cadogan Oh, John, have you not heard that old Naval expression: "Any old port in a storm"?

[@electrofiction.]

I imagine that a premium touring tyre would be a fair compromise for everyday driving, with improved grip and handling over an eco tyre vs the cost and wear rate of a high performance tyre.

[@IIGrayfoxII]

I run PS4's on my 2.0 impreza as well. It is not a performance car, but I will equip damn good tires on my car. Weird that my PS4's dont have the same type of tread pattern. The center rib also has sipes like the inner rib. Could be cause the ones for my car are not as wide.

[@MattBlack6]

Just got a new tele, a smart one. You look friggen great, but I can't comment, I believe. Bugger. BTW I've already got an M2R warrior pro. I recon it'll get some use tonight in this shit weather. Flood rescues abound. (And no, I'm not in the sandwich eating society.)

[@AutoExpertJC]

You can comment, Matty - you're here aren't you? Good luck with the rescues. (I'm torn between the Warrior Mini and the M2R Pro - probably go with the M2R when I know I'd need a flashlight, and the Mini for EDC.)

[@MattBlack6]

@@AutoExpertJC I'm torn about buying a warrior mini. I already have the Baton Pro, side switch, so not so handy for defence, but a little brighter. The M2R fault for me, it too narrow a beam for close up work.

[@MattBlack6]

Oh yeah. I commented on my phone, whilst watching ha, addicted.

[@maxpower7774]

Not for nothing but Pilot Sports on anything will make it handle like a hero, kinda why it generally tops all tyre tests and is therefore the most expensive option you'll have. 3x more than the still excellent Hankooks I could actually afford when I recently replaced my tyres.

[@AutoExpertJC]

To be fair, Hankook is also doing excellent work on high-performance tyres.

[@yggdrasil9039]

Sorry it must have flashed by and I missed it. What was the range loss with these tyres?

[@AutoExpertJC]

Negligible. Under 5%.

[@yggdrasil9039]

@@AutoExpertJC Blimey. That's good. Well worth it. Keep up the good work John, and great to see you championing - in your measured and reasoned way of course - EVs in 'Sraya.

[@dbeysoyt]

increased rolling resistance will take a bite out of efficiency - improved energy recovery from better grip will spit some back.

[@tlpNZ]

Really? I think physics would not agree. Grip and friction not the same thing John covered this the other day. All wheels that are not slipping, just rolling and moving from one velocity to another gains or looses the same amount of energy.

[@DanWallis86]

Hey John. Always good watching your videos. It’s always nice to see you out on the road. I like the look of the olight too. I do like the mini. Just getting my missus sign off on the funding is the hard part.

[@bushpigjoe666]

Pilot 4's are the balls!

[@AutoExpertJC]

They certainly are. All four of them.

[@keithnewton8981]

Our 64kw kona comes with michelin primacy 4, 215 /55 /17 94v you gone to 225 can you do that.

[@brendonv8749]

Last flat I had, the sidewall was completely destroyed after less than 200 odd meters. In Australia you need a proper spare.

[@markh.6687]

Do they even include a storage space for tires/tyres on cars anymore?

[@andrewhallett-patterson9778]

Apart from dynamic handling and wear failures, are there any legal ramifications for the incorrect fitment of asymmetrical tyres ? 👍👍🇭🇲

[@markh.6687]

Perhaps a suit for negligence against the installer and shop; in the States so do not know if 'Straya law allows it. Something along the lines of 'did fail to be aware that the tires were installed improperly, thereby increasing the risk of death or injury from loss of control of the vehicle, and reduced the useable life of said tires by improperly installing same."

[@damianpeterkelly1234]

The other mod that can do so much for so little? Easy; some driving lessons. Most people really are the weakest link.

[@KeefeLoke]

Do you get Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 5 there? Quite a competition to those Michelins.

[@williamhoffmann1445]

Yes we do get them here in Australia. I have them on my MX-5 and am very impressed with them. Being directional doesn’t matter when there is no spare. I just hope they last longer than the Dunlop SP 9000 tyres (also directional) that came on the BA XR6 Turbo I had years ago.

[@williamhoffmann1445]

Sorry. I have Goodyear F1 Directional 5 on my car, not asymmetric.

[@KeefeLoke]

@@williamhoffmann1445 oh. I thought directional is more tricky to switch.

[@santouchesantouche2873]

Would upgraded front and rear sway bars rival tyres for bang for buck in this respect?

[@Techo1329]

Best bang for buck handling upgrade, but with that said not much point in upping sway bars and running crap tyres. The sway bar will knock out the body roll and reduce oversteer, but it won't make your tyres more sticky. Don't waste money on crap like strut braces and lowering...just make sure your bushings and shocks are in good nick and go straight to the swaybars. I put Whiteline adjustable's on my VT years ago. Also run Pilot Sports on it, and handling and grip are superb for a large sedan with no trade off in ride quality or rear tyre wear.

[@What_I_Make]

Good topic would be low noise tyres.

[@gregsullivan7408]

Michelin Primacy 4 are very quiet on my V8 Caprice. I'm a chauffeur so don't push it hard, but I get excellent longevity (120,000km), and they also grip very well in the wet.

[@deanbowell7501]

No full spare! Guess I'm running out of options of my next new vehicle. No full spare, no deal for me! I don't give a crap how good the vehicle is. Nobody wants to be stuck in the middle of bum f#$k for a tyre. I'm the type of person that likes to go out and see our beautiful country. Hey sweetheart, want to drive to Perth on our time off, yeah ok, she says. Might stop at Broome on the way back to Brisbane, hell yeah, she says. Best Wife ever. ROAD TRIP!

[@braddonglendinning5140]

Is that the new Palisade in the back ground just after the tyres were fitted?

[@AutoExpertJC]

Yep - probably. They were prepping them like mad for the launch at the time, and made the debut announcement last week.

[@braddonglendinning5140]

Thank you John, looking forward to seen your test on it and your thoughts.

[@AutoExpertJC]

I'm getting one in the week before Christmas.

[@Neofolis]

I have not had my Kona EV long and I still have the standard Nexens all round. They are not a great tyre by any metric. The rolling resistance and noise level are OK, but hardly class leading. I suspect I won't go the performance route, probably something like Michelin Premacy or Goodyear Efficient Grip, both of which are likely to improve on the Nexens in every measureable way.

[@gregstuchley6657]

In 💩svill, cars have to be road worthy, but why aren’t the roads car worthy 🤔 again Johnno another informative video. I’m still not an electric Jesus convert. Especially a car with no spare tyre

[@rjbiker66]

Interestingly enough tesla for 2021 is fitting hankook eco tyres to the Model 3....replacing Michelin PS4.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Sounds like a cost thing - but Hankook does good work with its performance tyres...

[@Nobody_Famous]

@@AutoExpertJC they are trying to do anything to squeeze a higher range rating out of the car. Hub cabs are redesigned too.

[@paulpellico3797]

my wife freaked out at spending so much money this month on tires. and as john says, tires are the , or one of the, most important upgrades and actual features of your vehicle . so I looked at her and explained that tires...and brakes, are things I gladly pay more for the best of.

[@dariussmith2954]

Only ever put ps4s on my superchararged v8 fantastic tyres

[@stevesloan6775]

Darius are you in Australia? I’ve been trying to find PS4S tires here in Australia, but can only find the PS4 and not the PS4S versions.

[@dariussmith2954]

@@stevesloan6775 yes mate I am and I had no trouble getting my ps4s try Bob Jane they should be able to order them but covid is slowing everything down

[@gashy1000]

Great info John, well Michelin tyres in our family go back a long way, Dad used to run Michelin ZXZ tyres on his HT Premier in the mid 70' s, which he regularly drove as if it were stolen. More recently though, my daughter traded her Kia Rio in on a Sportage for her move to work in Bourke NSW. Anyway the Sportage was equipped with Michelin tyres, unsure the name of but they were 215/70 x 16 and by far the best sized tyre to suit a vehicle I have ever seen. Perfect width, excellent platform to carry that vehicle, spot on height in the tyre wall for cushioning less than average roads in the outback regions and spot on again in rim diameter for riding over the same. Very well done to whom ever was incharge of tyre selection. And under my draconian style supervision of wheel rotation combined with wheel alignment, balancing etc 90,000km was achieved out of the 5 wheels. I would get my black marking pen and number the tyres so when they were rotated, I would know if the dickheads were doing it the correct sequence and more than once they were caught out. Cheers.

[@QALibrary]

I am very much surprised that John seems to be greatly enjoying his EV still - wonder what his experience of taking on a long drive and finding and using a public charger?

[@gregsullivan7408]

Shmee150 has just done a video on a long trip in his Taycan - lot of sitting around charging. He's a bit concerned about the looming ban on ICE vehicles over there.

[@RoaroftheTiger]

Of course John is correct. "Better 'tires" (damn Yank ! lol) always offer a Better Driving experience ... More enjoyable, and a Safer one, too ! thanks John. ;-)

[@markh.6687]

I'm American; I promise the next time I have the chance, I'll spell something in Aussie English, like "colour", "labour", or "favour". :) Oh wait, I seem to have just done that!

[@RoaroftheTiger]

@@markh.6687 Well done, Your "honour" ! ;-)

[@joedonaghue2952]

john i noticed at 5.06 you drive with thumbs at 9 and 3 o'clock also thumbs wrapped around wheel . I've told my daughter ( learner driver ) to stop driving like this , am I correct ?

[@williammillard687]

Monkey-style (thumbs out) is great for off-roading when the wheel may suddenly spin, breaking your thumbs.... on-road it’s not so important.

[@vinbar35]

@@williammillard687 I would have thought breaking your thumbs whatever the driving conditions fairly important, LOL. I know the context but it just made me chuckle a bit.

[@williammillard687]

@@vinbar35 - good point ! I forgot about those unsealed/corrugated roads endured in Australia! Plenty of thumb-breaking opportunities there too..I was unthinkingly referring to western-world type ‘on-road’ driving!

[@williammillard687]

@@vinbar35 seriously though, broken thumbs would be horrible and to be avoided at all costs...I agree !

[@vinbar35]

@@williammillard687 Pot holes are probably the worst potential thumb breakers here in the UK.

[@aussiebloke609]

I wonder if the range didn't change all that much with the stickier tyres because you're now able to exploit momentum-saving techniques - that is, you're not having to slow as much for curves, and thus not having to accelerate as much to get back up to cruising speed. While I'm sure regen braking is helping to put much of that braking energy back into the battery, it's never going to be a 100% efficient process, so avoiding slowing down in the first place sounds to me like a win on overall power consumption.

[@Juicefpv]

I put on 235x45x18 with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres on my Kona EV from brand new, as the OEM tyres were rubbish. The EV is like a go kart and sticks like shit to a blanket

[@youbencowell]

Up here in Brexistan, I fitted Michelin Crossclimate tyres to replace the eco tyres on my Kia Soul EV and found the car to be much nicer to drive. Previously I fitted Pilot Sport 4's to a Kia Optima, and that made the difference between night and day. Why do manufacturers fit rubbish tyres?

[@timjefferson1886]

Cost (bean-counters).

[@MrFister84]

I'm guessing the biggest difference between my GR Yaris base model and Rallye will be the Pilot Sport 4S.

[@Dan4096]

Also the Torsen diffs and forged wheels

[@RJ-vb7gh]

It's honestly amazing for someone like me from a climate where it snows to see a tread pattern like these tires. Is there anywhere in Australia where it snows?

[@AutoExpertJC]

Yes - but it's proportionately uncommon. We're a summer tyre-only fraternity. (Like, no requirement for winter tyres here...)

[@markh.6687]

@@AutoExpertJC In America, they sell "mud and snow" rated tyres, which work fairly well for an all-season (all-weathers??) tire/tyre.

[@robman2095]

Yes in the Snowy Mountains in south-east Australia around the border area between Victoria and New South Wales

[@mamba101]

Mark H. Oh no, all season tyres are bad at everything, really dunno why they’re so popular in the states. Either only summer tyres if you only sometimes get snow (then you don’t drive) or summer and winter.

[@markh.6687]

@@mamba101 One reason for popularity is that you don't have to worry about changing tires Fall and Spring, nor do you need two sets of rims, nor store them someplace. The other I see is that for the vast majority of drivers, performance tires are a complete waste of money when you're not driving even close to the limits of "ordinary" tires (like people that buy tires rated for 180mph plus (U.S. DOT "Z-Rated") and they never reach 100mph. In the U.S. tire ratings, the speed rating only means the tire can withstand the higher temperatures generated with high-speed driving; our traction grading system rates from A-C (C being lowest traction). The "don't drive with summer tires" isn't really an option for many people either. I have good results with all-season tires because I'm not out driving like a.....wait for it!....Dickhead Pro. :)

[@SteveMack]

I've forgotten already the brand, but saw another Chinese ( ? ) model vehicle yesterday - They're coming out of the woodwork!