TOP 5: premium summer tyres R17 (spring 2015)

Bridgestone Potenza S001 225/45 R17 91Y

Bridgestone has a variety of tyre options in its arsenal, ranging from mid-range to high-end. The main focus is on the premium segment and the Potenza S001 tyre is one of its representatives. The company has its main production in Japan, but offers our drivers products manufactured in European factories.

The summer flagship model is designed for premium cars and sports cars. The main evidence of this is the asymmetric tread pattern with hard blocks in the shoulder areas. This design, with a lightweight "active insert" in the bead area, should provide perfect grip and good handling thanks to responsive steering responses. At the same time, the interior is responsible for reducing rolling resistance and improving safety on wet surfaces.

This model has passed many tests from specialized to ordinary consumer tests. Independent experts assure that the Bridgestone Potenza S001 is one of the best tyres for summer use. There is almost exemplary behavior on wet surfaces and good resistance to hydroplaning. The tyres also feature low rolling resistance, short braking distances and precise steering responses. The test results are also confirmed by owners of solid cars. This unanimity allows drivers to recommend the Bridgestone Potenza S001 as an excellent choice for the warm season.

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 225/45 R17 91Y

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 belongs to the premium Ultra High Performance segment. Its advanced properties are based on the latest innovations in the tyre industry. Due to this, some automakers equip their cars with this model even on the assembly line. And among ordinary consumers, it enjoys a good reputation.

The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 model for our market is produced at a factory in Poland. Advanced ActiveBraking technology will increase the contact patch of the tyre during braking. This is the focus of attention as the main advantage. And Goodyear's claimed performance should deliver strong performance on both dry and wet pavement.

Consumer feedback fully confirms the claimed performance, while also noting high noise and good mileage. In average conditions, reliable traction on various surfaces and good handling on various surfaces are mentioned. True, there are minor drawbacks in hydroplaning, however, ascent is observed at speeds above average.

Based on the feedback from experts and ordinary consumers, we can say that the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyre is one of the best in its class, and at a reasonable price, the manufacturer delivers better performance than some competitors. Nevertheless, this tyre is recommended only for calm drivers who prefer non-aggressive driving.

Michelin Primacy 3 225/45 R17 94V

The German-made Primacy 3 tyre from the world-famous manufacturer Michelin, like the other participants in this review, is not the first year present on our market. Its relative high cost compared to competitors is most likely due to the use of advanced technologies (Michelin is one of the leaders in the tyre industry) and proprietary pricing approach.

The Michelin Primacy 3 summer tyre is popular among consumers, but the latter is caused First of all, brand awareness. Based on the feedback from those who have already skated on these tyres for several seasons, their price is slightly overpriced, since the performance of this model is not at all perfect. On wet surfaces, the tyre exhibits a slight lack of traction, and the handling exhibits slightly slow responses to steering turns during sharp manoeuvres. In areas flooded with water, a floating effect occurs, which can lead to loss of control.

Performance is much better on dry surfaces. It is worth noting short braking distances, good handling and low noise (due to low rolling resistance). The latter should ensure good tyre mileage.

Confirmed by consumer reviews and tests by leading world experts. Performance has minor flaws for a premium brand. In their opinion, the tyre deserves attention, but its price could be more democratic even with premium positioning.

Pirelli PZero Rosso Asimmetrico 225/45 R17 91W

The PZero Rosso Asimmetrico summer tyre is a typical representative of the Italian brand Pirelli, which can rightfully be considered a trendsetter in the low profile tyre segment. Like other participants in this review this model belongs to the premium segment and should provide the highest performance. To do this, the manufacturer used not only a special composition of the mixture, but also created an unusual tread design. Thanks to the latter, water and dirt should be effectively removed from the contact patch, and this in turn provides better performance on different surfaces.

According to ordinary consumers and based on independent expert tests, the Pirelli PZero Rosso Asimmetrico tyre really deserves attention. It provides equally good grip on both dry and wet surfaces. This makes braking distances shorter and steering responses more precise. There is low noise and low rolling resistance (so there is a chance to save a little on fuel).

For our climatic conditions, this tyre fits almost perfectly. Its strong sidewall should handle our roads well. However, there are complaints about increased tyre wear. And this despite the fact that the manufacturer evaluates this model quite expensive. Nevertheless, if you want good tyres and are willing to pay a considerable amount for them, buy PZero Rosso Asimmetrico.