General Tire tyres

steve@cromford

A2OC Donor
This morning I went to the car to find a completely flat front tyre. Not great on a morning when I have to travel from Leicester to Heathrow first thing!
I re-inflated the tyre and immediately heard the puncture hissing. The hole was in the side too, so no repair possible.
I went to my local independent tyre fitter, when I've had many a Kumho fitted over the last few years.
I asked for a Kumho replacement only to be told they don't fit them any more, due to a change in Kumho's trading policy.
I was offered a General tyre at £59 fitted (195/55-15) and instinctively asked for something more expensive thinking they were just some budget brand. They said they could fit any of the premium brand tyres but recommended I had the General tyre, stating that they are at least as good as Kumho and owned by Continental. I went for a pair and half an hour later was on my way to Heathrow.
The journey was mostly motorway but I took the scenic route home (M40/Fosse Way)
I have to say I'm pretty impressed.
No noticeable increase in road noise over the Kumhos and very grippy, though of course I'll have to see what they're like in the wet, if we get any wet any time soon.
They come with a free accidental damage warranty and a clever wear indicator to tell you when they need replacing.

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Wonder what my local trusted tyre place will do, they are/were a Kumho agent too. Glad initial impressions are good, do let us know if they're horrible in the wet - tomorrow might well be a chance to test that! The roads will be very greasy anway with the first rain in weeks, until there's been a good downpour to wash it all off.
 
I work for a large light commerial vehicle rental company and we fit General tyres to all our vehicles ranging from vw caddy up to Merc Sprinters, all seems well with the tyres so I think they seem to be good cheap brand.
 
Earlier today, my little A2 sailed through it's MOT with no advisories. However during the last service, my Audi specialist flagged a cut on a recently fitted rear Kumho Ecsta HS51 - 185/50 R16, along with heavy wear to both fronts. Therefore, I intend to replace all three before the autumn. Last week, I received a quote from my local tyre specialist - @£73.00 each (fitted and balanced). Which seemed pretty competitive, espcially as they provide a first class service. So far they haven't mentioned any changes in Kumho trading policy, but I will let you know what happens when I come to place the order. My other cars are performance models, so it's not really fair to compare, especially as I inherited the current Kumho's with the A2 when I purchased it two years ago. However I've been very impressed by the level of grip that the Kumho's provide in both wet and and dry and I've always admired their brand.
 
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In Norway, the VW dealer also fit General as a budget option to the premium brands.

Myself; for the first time running Landsail on both A2 and VW Touran. Very happy so far. Landsail scored better than all premium brands in a Nordic test just a couple of years back
 
Am running Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun 205/40 R17 84W XL, MFS on the back end, replaced very old Pirelli P Zero's. Gently running them in, but can already detect a significant improvement. The ride is greatly improved, it is softer, helped of course by replacement Spiden Springs, pre Carpet Baggers, also hold the back end like s**t to a shovel. Will update as appropriate. Should also add this is on Irish back country roads
 
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