I will need to replace the tyres on my recently acquired 2014 XK sometime in the next few months. The subject of tyre choice can create lots of debate and everyone has their favourites. But does anyone know if there are road tyres developed especially with the XK/XKR models in mind?

David

 

Based on general consensus within our forum, I would say most of us here prefer to run Michelin Pilot Sport 4 on our Jags

 

.... and some of us will NEVER buy Michelin Pilots because they are among the worst tires possible, and for some reason ridiculously expensive also.
I'd say the CONTI tires are more popular in here.

 

Here we go again! There are more threads about tires on this Forum than dogs have fleas!


You can't recommend a tire (tyre) without knowing more about the driver's priorities and the weather conditions. ​​​The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is a summer tire that is not suitable for cold weather. It's expensive and there are better choices.

@CaptainF is in Stroud, England where, depending on the season, Mother Nature can vary from very cold and nasty to sunny and beautiful. For details, see: Stroud, England Weather

I suggest checking with local independent tyre shops and online retailers that are similar to US based Tire Rack for their recommendations.

Stuart
​​​​​​

 

Folks, we seem to be missing the point here. I deliberately did not ask for tyre recommendations because it is a controversial matter which sometimes provokes ill tempered exchanges. I asked if anyone was aware of any tyres that were developed specifically with the XK/XKR in mind. I know for example that the Dunlop SP had a J mark which allegedly indicated they were supposed to be for Jaguar. Those would be a fairly old design now of course. Some weeks back I found an article on the web about an independent Jag dealer who was involved in motor sport and had been working with a tyre company to develop both race and road tyres, but I'm blowed if I can find that article anywhere when I search again.

 

From the workshop manual...

 

Thanks Guy. Looks like the current version of those Dunlops is available for a bit over £840, fitted. I'll probably go for that.

 

Cheers!

 

I’d suggest reading reviews on TireRack.com.

But, since you asked I have new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 on my ‘15 XKR. I’ve put about 4,000 miles on them and am very pleased with them.

 

One which was developed but was then applied to Jag was the Pirelli P-Zero, it was originally designed for the Lambi Diablo. The reason for its use was the 3 different types or tread to cover, snow, wet and dry conditions.

 

A friend sold all the tires ever made for 40 years at the retail level, and he developed a few principles about tires. One of which is, to avoid run-flat tires.

 

Back then at least, Jaguar worked more with Dunlop and Pirelli and the SportMaxx J was usually fitted to XKs and XKRs. However, unless you want the car to be as close to original factory spec., tyre technology has moved on dramatically in the intervening years and the Dunlop brand under Goodyear has been left somewhat neglected. Dunlop products won't be bad but you can do better with a little research.

If you want a modern tyre that sits in the same area as the original Dunlops, take a look at the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 and its direct competitors. If you want a more performance-oriented tyre, look at the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and the Continental SportContact 7 and their direct competitors.

Use these as your benchmarks and see what else is out there that might suit you better. A good resource is: https://www.tyrereviews.com/ and the comparison tests. I don't find the personal reviews of any help as I have no idea what knowledge the person giving the review has. One person will say a tyre is great and another will say it is rubbish. Relatively objective tests with measurements soon show which tyres perform consistently well.

 

AS4 or 4S. Very different tires.
Yes, very pleased with the 4S in the summer months. But not so pleased in the spring and fall. And absolutely not in the winter.

AS4 are “fine” for the shoulder months. I have them now but was thinking of changing the up.

And where I am, proper winter tires are a must.

 

One thing here, just like a LOT of other "One Things".....
The tires that were originally mandated to fit these things no longer exist, unless you can find remanufactured model tires from eighteen years ago.
i.e., you can't. Therefore, tire makes and models have nothing to do with what was 'designed' for these cars originally.
Just like (gulp) oil. Even the cheaper modern oils are superior to the "superior" oils from eighteen years ago.

 

My car car better 18 years ago on original OEM oil, only use Jaguar branded oil as they make the best oil.
I think your comments are very subjective.

(sarcasm)

 

But, the Michys are not supposed to be used below freezing. That can irreversibly damage the tires….errr….tyres.

 

LOL…. ruin the car! Those tires on near freezing, wet roads are treacherous … like dull skates in the corners.

 

Exactly! UUHP tyres are not designed to be used in cold conditions and certainly not in snow and ice.

Not sure where this temperature limit comes from though. I couldn't find it on any Michelin web site. Sounds a bit like litigation avoidance. Make sure that nobody tries to use a summer tyre in wintery conditions by threatening to self destruct the tyres

 

I have had the Continental DWS 06 on my 2011 for 5 years... i will be going with the new version when they go on sale :
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...=83YR0DWS06PXL

They ride nice, have good grip in the rain, and have been nice and quiet.