Tyre Review: Dunlop Formula D05

After 3 years 2 months of driving with the stock set of tyres that came with the Proton Preve, it was time to change the front 2 tyres.

The standard tyres were the GT Radial Champiro BAX 2 205/55/R16 tyres, manufactured in Indonesia. Though the grip was quite okay, the sidewalls were a bit stiff, in my opinion, contributing to the firmer ride. That aside, I would say that the tyres were not very lasting, as the rear set which I changed a year ago barely lasted 15,000 km. This probably is not mainly due to the fault of the tyre, but attributed to some issue with the suspension where Proton changed the nut and replaced the tyres for me without charging me a cent. I believe this was causing the rather high wear on the rear tyres, which is abnormal. Proton charged me for alignment and balancing though.

I decided to replace the front set with Dunlop's newly launched Formula D05. Tyre size was the same as the GT Radial's, obviously. This tyre is considered a performance tyre rather than a normal comfort oriented tyre. They have another version called the SP Sport J5 tyres but those do not come in the size that fits the Proton Preve.

As these Dunlops are manufactured at Continental’s plant in Alor Setar, both tyres have been designed specifically for Malaysian road conditions, particularly in terms of wet weather performance.

The Formula D05 features wiper blocks that increases the contact with the surface area of the road, thus reducing the film of water between the tyre and the road. This should result in improved braking performance in the wet.

I changed the tyres at a shop in SS2 Petaling Jaya. Each tyre costs RM270, with alignment costing RM30 and balancing RM6 per tyre. Prices are before GST. The front worn GT Radial's were disposed, the rear GT Radials put in front, and the new Dunlops were placed on the rear axle. Most tyre manufacturers recommend the better set of tyres being at the rear, even for front wheel driven cars. This is because if the 'balder' set of tyres happen to aquaplane at the rear, the car will go into over-steer and it is harder to control a car when it is over-steering.

How's the new Dunlop tyres performing so far? Rather satisfied with it. Good enough grip, noise levels have reduced and from what my passengers sitting at the rear have reported, a more comfortable ride with a less bouncy ride when going over uneven roads and potholes. They also have new dry and wet weather wear indicators, the first to be available in Malaysia, according to Dunlop.

The design of the tyres are quite attractive, with an indent where it curves in before it meets the rims. This is a good feature, as the surface of the tyre is further outwards compared to the rims, giving the rims some protection from scratches. We definitely don't want our expensive alloy wheels to be scratched. 

Let's just hope the tyres provide good reliability and will last much longer than the previous set.