Behaviour of OEM Dunlops on '24 Nismo

[HarryBo]

I've been driving my new '24 Nismo for just over a week now, here in Canada with outside temperatures around 5 - 10 degrees Celsius (32-50F), with roads still waiting for city spring cleaning of winter road works sand/gravel. Accordingly, up to now, not having much expectation in terms of traction, particularly when going harder on acceleration.

However, today while driving with 10 degree temps (50F), I was traveling on a pretty clean straight city road, doing around 50 kph (30mph), in Sport mode Manual, I went half to 2/3 throttle with the intent to briskly get ahead of car traveling alongside, and boom back end out, a bit into next lane, front end in middle of my lane, quick correction and all ok, but likely shocked the car in next lane just behind me. I was embarrassed.

I'm aware that cooler temperatures and dirty roads limit traction, but this is concerning if it is a broader sign of what to expect from these tires.

I'm wondering whether this degree of traction, or lack thereof, is common and will improve, or are the OEM tires sitting on this 2 year old car that has been sitting in the showroom, inferior and in need of being replaced?

 

[SavedByFaith_]

I've been driving my new '24 Nismo for just over a week now, here in Canada with outside temperatures around 5 - 10 degrees Celsius (32-50F), with roads still waiting for city spring cleaning of winter road works sand/gravel. Accordingly, up to now, not having much expectation in terms of traction, particularly when going harder on acceleration.

However, today while driving with 10 degree temps (50F), I was traveling on a pretty clean straight city road, doing around 50 kph (30mph), in Sport mode Manual, I went half to 2/3 throttle with the intent to briskly get ahead of car traveling alongside, and boom back end out, a bit into next lane, front end in middle of my lane, quick correction and all ok, but likely shocked the car in next lane just behind me. I was embarrassed.

I'm aware that cooler temperatures and dirty roads limit traction, but this is concerning if it is a broader sign of what to expect from these tires.

I'm wondering whether this degree of traction, or lack thereof, is common and will improve, or are the OEM tires sitting on this 2 year old car that has been sitting in the showroom, inferior and in need of being replaced?

As a fellow Canadian, I'd say this is normal.

Make sure your cold tire psi are as recommended, 33/35 (I believe)

The tires need to be warm. (Typically getting to 36/38 is a good place for traction)
And with our current temps, it likely wasn't at the right temps.

Lastly, given the road conditions and temps, if you were on throttle in gear 2, this is normal(ish).
If you were in gear 3, it's less likely to have that traction slip.

Check your threads, I had to swap my rears after ~8000kms with my fronts being around 50% at that time.

Hope this helps.

 

[HarryBo]

Thank you! Very detailed and helpful. With 700 km on tires, wear not a factor. Was 10 degrees yesterday and was driving for about 20 minutes, so cold pressures that started at 32 psi, should have been at 34/35ish. Roads in Winnipeg were ok but not yet spring cleaned. Was in Sport mode in 3rd.

For now, temperatures and road will get the blame, waiting with baited breath that traction significantly improves so I can enjoy the proported capability of this otherwise exciting sports car.

 

[VR30Infection]

Tire performance (one type vs another) has a “give and take” sliding scale. The closer a tire is to a performance summer tire or track day tire or even a pure track tire being on the far end of the scale, the less and less traction you will have in cold conditions and or wet conditions. Performance tires need to be warmed up in order to do the job they were created for. I would assure you that if you took a ride in a “performance” model equipped with factory Bridgestone 007’s you would be very happy with your Dunlops when it comes to traction in almost any situation. Hope this helps.

 

[Tranzor Z]

These cars are downright dangerous. That's all there is too it.

 

[HarryBo]

Tire performance (one type vs another) has a “give and take” sliding scale. The closer a tire is to a performance summer tire or track day tire or even a pure track tire being on the far end of the scale, the less and less traction you will have in cold conditions and or wet conditions. Performance tires need to be warmed up in order to do the job they were created for. I would assure you that if you took a ride in a “performance” model equipped with factory Bridgestone 007’s you would be very happy with your Dunlops when it comes to traction in almost any situation. Hope this helps.

Thanks for detailed reply. I Indeed expected temperatures and road conditions to be a factor. From my 370z Nismo recollection, I didn't experience this degree of tire concern, though 350 hp in that case. Nor with my GTR tires. In both cases very familiar with reduced temperature traction.

Looking forward to warmer temp experiences and comparison.

 

[HarryBo]

These cars are downright dangerous. That's all there is too it.

Yep! With great power, comes great responsibility...🫡

 

[SavedByFaith_]

Thank you! Very detailed and helpful. With 700 km on tires, wear not a factor. Was 10 degrees yesterday and was driving for about 20 minutes, so cold pressures that started at 32 psi, should have been at 34/35ish. Roads in Winnipeg were ok but not yet spring cleaned. Was in Sport mode in 3rd.

For now, temperatures and road will get the blame, waiting with baited breath that traction significantly improves so I can enjoy the proported capability of this otherwise exciting sports car.

Glad the info was helpful.

Patience!
Till about Victoria Day I take it "easy", afterwards with temps 20c+ and sunshine, I know you'll enjoy the car for what it can deliver!!

 

[HarryBo]

Glad the info was helpful.

Patience!
Till about Victoria Day I take it "easy", afterwards with temps 20c+ and sunshine, I know you'll enjoy the car for what it can deliver!!

Hallelujah! From your lips to God's ears!

 

[haohmaru]

I dislike the OEM tires. Squirrelly at temps below 50F and not all that great at higher temps. I plan to swap them this year.

 

[HarryBo]

I dislike the OEM tires. Squirrelly at temps below 50F and not all that great at higher temps. I plan to swap them this year.

Interesting. Let me know what you decide to go with. I'm encouraged by the positive feedback thus far, but if I decide I want more, I'll not hesitate to change the tires out.

 

[chadgigachad]

I have a set of Dunlops on my Nismo. Amazing when warm, I love them. Horrible when they are cold. If you intend to do any sort of winter driving, get a set of all seasons/winter tires.

 

[FSUZ33]

i like the OEM Dunlops. I have a set of Z1 wheels with PS4S‘s that I got for my Z33 right before I traded it more my current Z…bad timing. Never been mounted, just need to sort the TPMS (reprogram?, idk). Plan to throw them on when the Dunlops are toast, so I’ll get a good comparison.

 

[HarryBo]

I have a set of Dunlops on my Nismo. Amazing when warm, I love them. Horrible when they are cold. If you intend to do any sort of winter driving, get a set of all seasons/winter tires.

Thanks! Feeling better about the OEM Dunlops. NOPE! No winter driving my Z. I've got an F150 Powerboost AWD 3.5 litre twin turbo, with leveled Eibach shocks and K03 tires and an Expedition Timberline that take care of our winter needs.

 

[CPerdomo]

Check your threads, I had to swap my rears after ~8000kms with my fronts being around 50% at that time.

Did you use the same brand for your rear tires?