Low budget yet good quality tires

**jut703** · August 3rd, 2015 05:39 PM

Good choice on the Achilles 2233. Can't believe how grippy it is compared to my stock Dunlops.

Even when on the limit of grip, it transitions to understeer in a predictable manner. If anything, it doesn't squeal a lot so you really have to feel through the steering wheel if you're losing traction.

I'm pleasantly surprised that tires with a treadwear rating of 400 can grip this nicely. Performance in the rain is also good. I've intentionally tried to make it aquaplane on the highway but it stays planted despite running at triple digit speeds over puddles of water.

**Kestana** · August 3rd, 2015 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by jut703

Good choice on the Achilles 2233. Can't believe how grippy it is compared to my stock Dunlops.

Even when on the limit of grip, it transitions to understeer in a predictable manner. If anything, it doesn't squeal a lot so you really have to feel through the steering wheel if you're losing traction.

I'm pleasantly surprised that tires with a treadwear rating of 400 can grip this nicely. Performance in the rain is also good. I've intentionally tried to make it aquaplane on the highway but it stays planted despite running at triple digit speeds over puddles of water.

I got good feedback regarding the Achilles 2233 from other people during my visit to Evangelista last Saturday, but they weren't too particular about the details. I also noticed the tread pattern is asymmetrical like the Phi, PilotSport, and other touring tires. I'm expecting this to be comfort-oriented too, both ride quality, vibration and road noise. The stock tires on my Swift are 185/65/R15 Goodyear DuraPlus. Road noisy is very apparent. I can also feel the body roll during cornering. I hate it. I already rode a Swift with Yokohama tires (didn't notice the model) that were far more quiet so I know the tires can make a big difference.

Still interested in the ATR Sport 2 though. Unique tread design and I read feedback about how grippy and comfortable they are after a bit of Googling. The Swift isn't touring car material anyway, like most superminis and subcompacts. It's more like a go kart imo which needs more responsive tires. But I still hate excessive road noise. So I may get the ATR Sport 2 over the 2233.

Btw, may I know what car your Achilles 2233 is on and what pressure are you using?

Stats for my Accelera Phi:
Car: 2013 Kia Soul 1.6 AT, curb weight approx 2600 lbs
Tires: Accelera Phi 235/40/R19, both front and rear
Front: 19x8" rims, tire pressure 35 PSI
Rear: 19x8.5" rims, tire pressure 35 PSI

Stats for my Goodyear Duraplus:
Car: 2015 Suzuki Swift 1.2 AT, curb weight approx 2100 lbs
Tires: Goodyear Duraplus 185/65/R15, both front and rear
Front: 15x6" rims, tire pressure 34 PSI
Rear: 15x6" rims, tire pressure 32 PSI

**kai s.** · August 3rd, 2015 06:31 PM

^ Aren't you overinflating your tires? The instructions on the driver's side door recommend 29 PSI. I read somewhere here that +/- PSI is safe, but not beyond that.

**Kestana** · August 3rd, 2015 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by kai s.

^ Aren't you overinflating your tires? The instructions on the driver's side door recommend 29 PSI. I read somewhere here that +/- PSI is safe, but not beyond that.

The Swift came to me with like 40 PSI off the factory. lol. I can only assume they did it to preserve the tires during the delivery. Currently lowering it little by little but 34 front, 32 rear works best for me. It's comfortable enough. I don't think it's overinflated because the tire's surface is more or less even. No bulge. Also, I personally prefer higher tire pressure so I can go over potholes and humps more easily. The tire pressure affects ride, but noise not much, from experience.

I think the reason why the recommended PSI is so low is because the suspension is relatively heavy duty (Indian market CBU, so understandable) and the stock tires are so thick. 185/65/R15 on 15x6" alloy rims. The sidewall is 120 mm/4.72 in. That's almost as thick as the stock tires on many CUVs like the Subaru XV (225/55/R17, 124 mm sidewall) and Mitsubishi ASX (215/60/R17, 129 mm sidewall) and the Swift weighs much less than these cars.

**XTO** · August 3rd, 2015 07:52 PM

GT pa rin.

**jut703** · August 3rd, 2015 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by Kestana

Btw, may I know what car your Achilles 2233 is on and what pressure are you using?

I have a 2015 Altis 1.6G MT, 225/40 R18 tires.

I used to run 35 PSI for the sake of better FC. Then, one day I tried going for 32 PSI - it was a noticeably improvement in terms of handling; better steering feedback, more grip. I didn't notice any drop in FC either - I was still able to do 20 km/L on a highway ecorun with 32 PSI.

Recommended pressure for my car is 32/30. Running on 32 all around and haven't looked back. Try it, you might be surprised how much grippier your car would be if pressure is lowered a little.