Dunlop Direzza ZII Review

Best summer tires

 Pros

• Excellent steering response
• Excellent traction
• Appropriate for both highway and track driving
• Good value

 Cons

• Louder tread noise
• No treadwear warranty

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Bottom line

Tire experts and pro drivers love the performance of the Dunlop Direzza ZII, saying its outstanding accelerating and braking performance are ideal for the track. The Dunlop maintains stability when cornering, with handling that experts describe as refined and responsive. Because the Direzza ZII emphasizes grip over comfort, scores for road noise and smoothness are lower than all-season tires, and estimated life span is shorter. Dunlop doesn't include a tread warranty. However, it's relatively low price makes this a good choice as a budget tire as well.

Breaking it down

Performance

Track-worthy traction. In comparison to its popular predecessor, editors with TireRack.com say the Dunlop Direzza ZII displays an improved steering response, stability and traction. "Lateral stability through the slalom was noticeably better, with a considerable improvement in composure at the rear of the car," says TireRack.com. In a separate tire review with about 100 test drivers, TireRack.com says the Direzza ZII places second for handling on the track. Many of the testers "favored the crisp steering response and precise handling of the Dunlop Direzza ZII, which sliced through the transitions of the five-cone slalom and carved around the tight, 180-degree turn with relative ease."

Comfort

Compromises some on comfort. Unlike the smooth-rolling nature of grand-touring all-season tires, the performance-grade summer Dunlop Direzza ZII trades in some comfort for its extra traction. TireRack.com says the Direzza ZII was the firmest in its four-tire review (which included similar performance summer tires from Bridgestone, BFGoodrich and Yokohama). This rougher ride is "likely a trade off for the sharp steering response it delivers," say TireRack.com editors. Reviewers note that tread noise is fairly loud. According to TireRack.com test drivers, "This tire also produced several distinct pitches from the tread pattern that was heard at all speeds above 20 mph."

Durability

Short-term durability. As with many performance tires, the Dunlop Direzza ZII emphasizes performance over longevity. Softer tires like this maximize their grip but tend to have a shorter life span. The Direzza ZII is a 200 treadwear grade tire -- a much lower rating than the 800 treadwear rating of long lasting all-season tires. At TireRack.com many owners estimate the Dunlop's life span between 10,000 and 20,000 miles, saying it wears evenly and reliably. The Direzza ZII doesn't include a treadwear warranty; Dunlop only offers a defect warranty for up to six years or until 2/32-inches of tread depth remains.