Tires: Directional Tread Designs
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 405
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From: Sacramento, CA
W204 C300 2010
Tires: Directional Tread Designs
I couple of years ago, I went with a set of really inexpensive Kumho 711's. Sizes, 235/45-17 and 255/40-17, running 8" and 9.5" in the front and rear respectively. As the front tires wore out, they really started to follow every parallel groove in the road. Tram lining is a term I have seen used to describe this activity.
During that time, on the tire/wheel/suspension forum, there was even a specific tire that was recommended as a "do not mount" on a MBZ car. I think it was a Michelin or Dunlop from memory.
I am not a spirited driver, racer or anything close, but I like a little more rubber under the fenders. I ended up going with a non-direction tread, Sumitomo HTR +4, all season set of tires. They are almost out of life at about 20K miles. But they do not have any tram lining characteristics.
How about any one else? Most tread patterns for 17 -19" wheels are directional, surely not all end up following every groove on the highway. Can anyone else give their experience details?
During that time, on the tire/wheel/suspension forum, there was even a specific tire that was recommended as a "do not mount" on a MBZ car. I think it was a Michelin or Dunlop from memory.
I am not a spirited driver, racer or anything close, but I like a little more rubber under the fenders. I ended up going with a non-direction tread, Sumitomo HTR +4, all season set of tires. They are almost out of life at about 20K miles. But they do not have any tram lining characteristics.
How about any one else? Most tread patterns for 17 -19" wheels are directional, surely not all end up following every groove on the highway. Can anyone else give their experience details?
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John Deere
I have the Sumitomo HTR+ (non-directional) on my winter wheels, and Goodyear Eagle GSD3 directional on my summer set. Frankly, I haven't noticed any difference in following ruts, which may be evidence that the Goodyears are better behaved then other directional brands?
p.s. these are 8x17 sizes
p.s. these are 8x17 sizes
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 588
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'98 E320 4Matic, '85 380SL
During that time, on the tire/wheel/suspension forum, there was even a specific tire that was recommended as a "do not mount" on a MBZ car. I think it was a Michelin or Dunlop from memory.
