Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia has launched two new Dunlop 4×4 tyres, the Dunlop RoadTrekker RT5 and the Dunlop MaxGrip AT5. The former is made for both SUVs and pick-up trucks, while the latter is most suitable for use on pick-up trucks.
According to Cameron Wilson, managing director of Continental Tyre Malaysia, the tyres were designed and built in Malaysia at Continental’s plant in Alor Star and are especially meant for Malaysian road conditions. They replace the RT2 and AT2 tyres respectively, which were introduced seven years ago.
Dunlop RoadTrekker RT5 is meant for 80% to 90% on-road use (highway terrain). It’s part-silica tread compound consists of a combination of silica and carbon black, which is said to contribute to improved grip in the wet, shorter braking distances, a longer lifespan and better fuel efficiency. Furthermore, it has a widened contour shape to ensure even wear.
It also has two dedicated water flow channels that disperses water quickly and efficiently, therefore reducing aquaplaning on wet surfaces. Bigger, stiffer blocks in the centre allow the RT5 to have more contact with the road, resulting in better handling. The RT5 is available in eight sizes ranging from 15 to 17 inches.
As for the Dunlop MaxGrip AT5, this set of all-terrain tyres are made for harsher terrain; however, it was also created to give drivers the best of both worlds. The company stated that the AT5 is designed for “50% on-road and 50% off-road use,” meaning there’s no need for compromise when it comes to daily usage.
Among its features include zig-zag blade blocks. The unique tread pattern is said to allow the AT5 to capture and release mud and stone at an aggressive speed. This in turn gives the tyres the appropriate amount of traction to move forward, regardless of the surface. It also has an optimised tread depth, meaning that it’s thick enough to provide more mileage and resistant to overheating.
Of course, another unique feature that the MaxGrip AT5 possesses is a sidewall protection ring. The protection ring “acts as a shield” and secures the tyre from scrapes against huge rocks, stones and boulders. The MaxGrip AT5 is available in six sizes, ranging from 15 to 16 inches.
Upon a short on-road and off-road test of the Dunlop MaxGrip AT5, grip levels proved worthy enough on both paved surfaces and earth (and rocks). Slight tyre roar could be heard when the vehicle was picking up speed; however, it dissipated as the speedometer kept rising.
As for comfort, the AT5 didn’t feel particularly like an off-road tyre, however, it did feel just a tad on the heavy side, when driving on-road. When pushed a littler harder off the beaten track, the tyre felt a little bit more solid compared to other all-terrain tyres – which is definitely a good thing for light off-roaders.
Both Dunlop RoadTrekker RT5 and MaxGrip AT5 tyres are now available at all Continental Tyre Malaysia dealerships including BestDrive Continental, Continental, Dunlop Klinikar and Viking Stores. Suggested retail prices, according to the company, ranges from RM400 to RM450.
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running silverstone AT117 with BFG MT KO tread..rm250/pc with GST.. cheap
Ok where to buy?
im quite sure that the prices will be higher than that
Unless u r at East MY, those prices r RRP and usually in shops its much lower, especially in klang valley. If its higher, just find another shop.
I’d like to share my experience with the Dunlop RoadTrekker RT5. I’ve read all the reviews and I was curious to why only the Maxgrip AT5 was used for the test drives in the articles I read. I have found out why. I bought 4 pieces early July 2017 from a Continental tire shop in Kuching, Sarawak. Specs: 255 70R16. Do not buy these, period. 3 reasons: poor design & performance, bad quality and appalling support. Point 1: These are NOT truly HT or highway terrain tires. There are no terrain indicators anywhere on the tires. In most cases, you will see a “M+S” description that means Mud & Snow for a typical HT tire. Dunlop makes you assume that this is a road tire based on the “RT5” moniker with 80 to 90% on road usage. But looking at the tread patterns, they are way too large for a normal HT tire. The result? Extremely noisy, like a low to mid level priced AT tire, so noisy you can hear them droning above 80km/h and offer little confidence on dry tarmac. Surprising for a road-biased tire. Feels light footed, contributed by the high silica compound and maybe the lack of rubber touching the road. Wet/ rain handling is better due to the HUGE dedicated water channels, not impressive because if not done well, they transmit more noise; true in this case. Point 2: 3 out of 4 of the tires I bought were poorly made. I returned to the tire shop to do another round of wheel balancing after I experienced vibration in my truck when driving above 80km/h. Found out that 2 of 4 tires were so bad, they were not able to balance it. The 3rd tire needed a lot of tire balancing beads to balance. What are the odds of having 3 out of 4 tire that are bad? It’s partly the shop’s fault for still selling to me and of course the manufacturer for passing this in the first place! Third and final Point: Customer service. No email, you are only given a number to call Continental Malaysia. Long story short, when I complained that the tyres were noisy and vibrating, they told me it’s due to the fact that the tires are new. I was told to run it for a few hundred kms. No diagnosis whatsoever. No replacement if you are not satisfied and not confident with the tires. When it came to the tire shop, the seller had to negotiate hard to get the local Continental tire supplier to accept the faulty tires. I can sense a lack in common sense from the supplier’s side as this was a pretty straightforward claim from the customer’s side. The gentlemen’s name was Ben (I have forgotten his surname). Thumbs down to you Mr Ben and Continental Malaysia. After firmly demanding a replacement, they accepted, and I then replaced my tires with a Toyo Open Country branded tire which I am fully satisfied with. Continental Malaysia gives a 5 year warranty to all tires sold under their branding which includes Continental, Dunlop and Viking tires. With this level of customer service and support, I wish their customers good luck. You claim process will be difficult and painful. To add on my bad experience with Dunlop tires, my Ford Ranger T6 came with an OEM Dunlop GrandTrek At20. Equally pathetic. Easily punctures and wears unevenly. Goodbye and good riddance Dunlop.