Nankang Tyres

[PMR]

XK V8 Coupe (normally aspirated).
I need to replace 2 rear Continental 275/40 ZR 18 Extra Load tyres.
Nankang AS-1 tyres have been suggested as an alternative to the usual well-known top brands.
Car is used for usual road driving (no ice or snow & no track driving).
I would be grateful for anyone's thoughts and experience.
Thank you

[mike020150]

Once you have made a list of the correct size, load and speed rated tyres, tyres can become a very personal choice. Some have better turn-in, better grip in wet or dry conditions (not necessarily both) and some are harsher, noisier and so on. If at all possible, it's always best to try a car with your choice of tyres fitted before buying. It's especially important if you are straying from those brands of tyres chosen originally by Jaguar as the best compromises for Jaguar's original suspension bushes and settings. When you are trying to get rid of them, a bad set of tyres always seems to last far longer than a good set! Mike.

[ianoliver57]

Having had both an XKR and an F Type, I would be very careful about what I put on the rears. As Mike says, not all tyres are good at everything, but, the rear driving wheels need good grip in as many conditions as you can manage. I would be inclined to stick with known brands for peace of mind.

Regards

Ian.

[cafcpete]

Looking at EU tire ratings, I would interpret them as loud, not good in the wet and with poor fuel economy. Admittedly not the XL version, but I would be surprised if that was better.
I might look elsewhere.

[J44EAG]

I have Jynu Gallapro types on my X350R and also on our Peugeot Partner disabled vehicle. I`m more than pleased with them for a number of reasons.

They are quiet, have excellent dry grip, very good wet grip, are not so good in the snow, (but even premium grade summer tyres don`t perform that well in extremely cold conditions), are long lasting, have a very much above average compliant ride and in my opinion are excellent value for money. They come with a damage warranty as well which means you get a new tyre fitted but only pay for the amount of tread worn away if the tyre needs replacing. I like them. If they hang on well with the XJR on full song, then they can`t be bad.

Costs? £100 each, fitted and balanced for the XJR and £65 each, fitted and balanced for the Peugeot.

As has been said, tyre choice is subjective. Differing drivers like different tyres. I for one don`t like Pirelli which I find harsh, cause understeer and become very skittish when part worn in wet conditions...I`d rather run on old rope! Dunlop Mxx by comparison really performs well. No groans at all with that make.

You can trust my judgement. I used to be an estate agent.....

Mike K

[PMR]

Thank you for responses.

I will probably fit like-for-like Continental tyres but part of me does feel that if we support other brands getting close to top brand performance, we can help bring down the high prices to nearer to the better other-brands. I also have a strong suspicion my restrained driving - although enjoying the XK performance on dry roads - means something like Nankings would be OK. I will let you know ......