- A short note here: As a former Bridgestone engineer, I strongly recommend checking Discount Tire - Treadwell out. Now, you can effortlessly get recommendations based on value, performance, and local favorites without going to the Discount Tire store.
TRIED & TRUSTED!
Pirelli P Zero is Pirelli’s max-performance summer tire. This tire has been particularly built for sports coupes, bold sports cars, and luxury sedans. Early on, Pirelli P Zero released as original equipment on Aston Martin DB9, Audi R8, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Lamborghini Murcielago, Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT and Mercedes-Benz AMG.
At a Glance
| Pirelli P Zero | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Performance-focused drivers who want to improve handling capability, comfort, dry & wet grip |
| Test Report | vs Pilot Super Sport & ExtremeContact DW |
| Category | Max Performance Summer |
| Vehicle | powerful sports cars, sports coupes and high performance luxury sedans |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22” (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Weight | 19 – 40 lbs |
| Made In | USA |
| Warranty | N/A |
| Prices | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Pirelli P Zero has a unique performance on wet and dry grounds. Since Pirelli P Zero mainly focuses on performance, it’s slightly noisy and can be a bit bumpy due to low aspect ratio sizes. Though, nothing is unbearable out there. Even though its tread life is acceptable for trucks, it has poor tread life for daily driving usage.
After much positive feedback, the Pirelli P Zero has also made its way into the replacement market. Even though P Zero has been in the market for long years to prove its performance, people are still debating about its capability.
Well, it’s acceptable because these kinds of high-technology tires generally have decisive use restrictions and most people fail to follow them. In this article, while giving some advice to use, I’ll also evaluate Pirelli P Zero’s performance. Let’s dig into it!
Note: 11 different Pirelli P Zero tire is available and all of them are specified for different usage. I recommend you check them all out before deciding.
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S (review) | Wet and dry grip | Noisy |
| Pirelli P Zero Corsa System (review) | Tread life, handling | Wet and winter performance |
| Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus (review) | Wet, dry and light snow performance, tread life | None in my point of view |
| Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season (review) | Dry grip, tread life warranty | Noisy, wet grip is limited |
| Pirelli P Zero Nero GT | Treaf life, wet and dry grip, handling | Vibration |
| Pirelli P Zero Winter | Winter performance, tread life, comfort | None for a winter performance tire |
| Pirelli P Zero Corsa(PCZ4) | Quiet ride, average tread life, handling | Bumpy |
| Pirelli P Zero Run Fkat(PZ4) | Handling, steering response, durability | Winter performance |
| Pirelli P Zero | Handling, and steering response | Tread life, a bit road noise |
| Pirelli P Zero All Season | Dry and wet performance, winter capability | Comfort, |
| Pirelli P Zero Rosso | Stability | Tread life, comfory, high road noise |
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Table of Contents
Dry Performance
Dry performance is crucial for maximum performance tires. Especially for summer-specific ones. Well, two evaluation criteria are important in that case. Dry traction and handling. Let’s evaluate them one by one.
Dry Traction
Dry traction is the easiest part of tire development. It’s mostly related to the compound selection. The equation is simple. Softer compounds always provide a better grip. Since we’re talking about the maximum performance tires, Pirelli P Zero has exceedingly fluffy rubber.
Due to its special silica and carbon black tread compound, it has unique dry traction. Moreover, these special compound provides better grip while tires are still cold for the first couple of miles.
Note: Performance tires should be heated up for maximum performance. Therefore, Pirelli P Zero’s cold-grip ability is a huge advantage for daily drivers.
Handling
High handling capability is a must for performance tires. Due to reach out maximum handling capability, manufacturers prefer fulfilled tread patterns. Consequently, more intense contact patch.
In that case, the outer side of Pirelli P Zero’s tread has an exceedingly narrowed rib groove. That robust shoulder and rib combination helps you to maintain stability while cornering at high speeds. Moreover, this section is supported by a wide center rib that is built for rapid steering response.
Pirelli P Zero has a satisfying handling capability. Therefore, it’s a good option if you don’t have a sports vehicle but you wanna put a fancy look to your vehicle. Though worth reminding, in return, you’ll lose some tread life.
Wet Performance
Depending on the built intent, some maximum performance tires can fail regarding wet performance. If the building intent focuses on track, well, a lack of wet performance is expected. However, if the building intent is daily driving, then solid wet performance is a must.
Pirelli P Zero has a little of both. It’s a hybrid tire that can be used both ways. However, in my point of view, it’s optimized very well. Maybe you don’t get a maximum of daily driving or track, though, you get 8 out of 10 from both which makes it extremely preferable.
For a better understanding, let’s evaluate its wet performance on part subtitle.
Wet Traction
Wet traction mainly consists of starting and acceleration. In that case, soft compound and increased biting edges help tire a lot.
Pirelli P Zero has some advantages on both points. It has a fluffy and sticky compound. Moreover, it has a good amount of notches for a summer performance tire. Therefore, its wet traction capability is highly acceptable.
Though worth reminding, the tire should be heated up to reach maximum grip level. So, daily drivers, that might be an issue for 10-15 minutes.
Hydroplaning Resistance
Hydroplaning resistance is the tires’ water evacuation capability. It is the highest priority safety feature of high-speed driving on wet grounds.
In that case, circumferential grooves and open shoulders play a crucial role. Well, Pirelli P Zero’s tread design also promises a lot out here. Unlike most performance summer tires, it has 3 circumferential grooves and semi-open shoulder blocks. Hence, it has unique hydroplaning resistance for performance tires.
If you’re a daily driver, still keep your speed at the lowest level under the pouring rain. This is not a tire for inexperienced high-speed drivers for wet.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
Tread Life
In point of fact, dry and wet performance are the only features that are fair to evaluate. The goal is to reach the maximum performance for this tire. So, tread life stays behind on the importance list.
Pirelli P Zero has a fluffy compound. 220 UTQG is one of the lowest one in the market. Therefore, in my point of view, this is not a daily driving tire. Though, track drivers can get approximately 20,000 miles. It’s a good number for such a grip.
Note: If you’re not spending too much on traffic and check your inflation pressure regularly, you can get 35,000-40,000 miles of tread life. I recommend a 2-3 psi low-set of your regular tire pressure. This tire can heat up quickly so let’s stay on the safe side.
Getting maximum wear life from a tire is related to you as well as your tire, If you’d like to learn how to get maximum tread life:
Fuel Efficiency
If you’re switching from the passenger tires, it’ll definitely increase your fuel consumption. Even more, it has an extremely soft compound, so, it’ll probably be a bit more aggressive than your former performance tire.
Comfort
Well, in my point of view, if we’re talking about performance tires, discussing comfort level is kinda pointless. Yet, since it covers some of the daily driving usages, comfort is also part of my analysis.
Driving Quality
Performance tires have a lack driving quality due to low aspect ratio. However, these tires generally have a soft compound that covers some of this deficiency.
In our case, both scenarios are valid. I can’t say this tire has low driving quality. However, its thin sidewalls make this floating feeling while steering. This level is acceptable for tracks, yet, daily drivers may not like it.
Road Noise
This design is too aggressive for this level of speed ratings. Its sectional shoulders and center rib are also slightly more robust than they have to be. This is necessary for better handling but it still makes this tire vocal.
However, Pirelli uses specific technology for this tire. They adhere a layer of sound-absorbing foam to the inner liner of the tire to reduce cabin noise in the vehicle. It works but noise is still an issue. I can’t say more than average.
Sizes
Most tire sizes begin with modifier letters(P, LT, etc.) that identify the type of vehicle or type of service for which they were designed. Here is a perfect guide for reading tire size –> https://tireterrain.com/how-to-read-tire-size/
| 17” | 18” | 19” | 20” | 21” | 22” |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205/45R17 88Y XL BSW | 205/40R18 86Y XL BSW | 225/35R19 88Y XL BSW | 235/35ZR20 92Y XL BSW | 245/35ZR21 96Y XL BSW | 265/40R22 106Y XL BSW |
| 225/45R17 94Y XL BSW | 225/40ZR18 92Y XL BSW | 225/40ZR19 93Y XL BSW | 235/35ZR20 88Y SL BSW | 245/40ZR21 100Y XL BSW | 275/40R22 108Y XL BSW |
| 225/50R17 94W SL BSW | 225/45R18 91W SL BSW | 235/35ZR19 87Y SL BSW | 235/45R20 100W XL BSW | 255/30ZR21 93Y XL BSW | 285/30ZR22 101Y XL BSW |
| 235/45ZR17 97Y XL BSW | 235/40ZR18 95Y XL BSW | 235/35ZR19 91Y XL BSW | 245/30ZR20 90Y XL BSW | 255/40R21 102Y XL BSW | 285/35ZR22 106Y XL BSW |
| 235/60R17 102Y SL BSW | 235/50R18 101Y XL BSW | 235/40ZR19 92Y SL BSW | 245/35ZR20 95Y XL BSW | 265/35R21 101Y XL BSW | 285/40R22 106Y SL BSW |
| 245/35ZR18 92Y XL BSW | 235/50R19 99W SL BSW | 245/35ZR20 91Y SL BSW | 265/40ZR21 101Y SL BSW | 285/40ZR22 110Y XL BSW | |
| 245/40R18 97Y XL BSW | 235/55R19 101Y SL BSW | 245/40R20 95Y SL BSW | 265/40ZR21 105Y XL BSW | 315/30ZR22 107Y XL BSW | |
| 245/45R18 100Y XL BSW | 245/35ZR19 93Y XL BSW | 245/40R20 99W XL BSW | 265/45ZR21 104W SL BSW | 325/35R22 110Y SL BSW | |
| 245/45R18 96Y SL BSW | 245/40ZR19 94Y SL BSW | 245/40ZR20 99Y XL BSW | 275/30ZR21 98Y XL BSW | 335/25ZR22 105Y XL BSW | |
| 245/50ZR18 100Y SL BSW | 245/40ZR19 98Y XL BSW | 245/45ZR20 103Y XL BSW | 275/35ZR21 103Y XL BSW | ||
| 255/35ZR18 94Y XL BSW | 245/45ZR19 98Y SL BSW | 255/30ZR20 92Y XL BSW | 275/45R21 107Y SL BSW | ||
| 255/40R18 99Y XL BSW | 245/45ZR19 102Y XL BSW | 255/35ZR20 97Y XL BSW | 285/30R21 100Y XL BSW | ||
| 255/40R18 95Y SL BSW | 255/30ZR19 91Y XL BSW | 255/40ZR20 101W XL BSW | 285/35R21 105Y XL BSW | ||
| 255/45R18 99Y SL BSW | 255/35ZR19 96Y XL BSW | 255/40ZR20 101Y XL BSW | 285/40ZR21 109Y XL BSW | ||
| 265/35ZR18 97Y XL BSW | 255/40ZR19 96Y SL BSW | 255/50R20 109W XL BSW | 285/45ZR21 113Y XL BSW | ||
| 275/45ZR18 107Y XL BSW | 255/40ZR19 100Y XL BSW | 265/30ZR20 94Y XL BSW | 295/25ZR21 96Y XL BSW | ||
| 275/45ZR18 103Y SL BSW | 255/40ZR19 96W SL BSW | 265/35ZR20 95Y SL BSW | 295/35ZR21 107Y XL BSW | ||
| 285/35R18 97Y SL BSW | 255/45R19 100W SL BSW | 265/35ZR20 99Y XL BSW | 295/35ZR21 103Y SL BSW | ||
| 295/30ZR18 98Y XL BSW | 255/45ZR19 104Y XL BSW | 265/40R20 104Y XL BSW | 295/40ZR21 111Y XL BSW | ||
| P 295/30ZR18 94Y SL BSW | 255/45ZR19 100Y SL BSW | 265/45ZR20 108Y XL BSW | 305/25ZR21 98Y XL BSW | ||
| 255/50R19 103Y SL BSW | 265/45ZR20 104Y SL BSW | 315/35ZR21 111Y XL BSW | |||
| 255/55R19 111W XL BSW | 275/30ZR20 97Y XL BSW | 315/40R21 111Y SL BSW | |||
| 265/35ZR19 98Y XL BSW | 275/35ZR20 102Y XL BSW | 325/25ZR21 102Y XL BSW | |||
| 265/35ZR19 94Y SL BSW | 275/40ZR20 106Y XL BSW | 325/30R21 108Y XL BSW | |||
| 265/40ZR19 98Y SL BSW | 275/45ZR20 110Y XL BSW | 355/25ZR21 107Y XL BSW | |||
| 265/40ZR19 102Y XL BSW | 285/30ZR20 99Y XL BSW | ||||
| 265/50R19 110Y XL BSW | 285/35ZR20 104Y XL BSW | ||||
| 275/30R19 96Y XL BSW | 285/35ZR20 100Y SL BSW | ||||
| 275/35ZR19 100Y XL BSW | 285/40R20 104Y SL BSW | ||||
| 275/35ZR19 96Y SL BSW | 295/30ZR20 101Y XL BSW | ||||
| 275/40ZR19 101Y SL BSW | 295/35ZR20 105Y XL BSW | ||||
| 275/40ZR19 105Y XL BSW | 295/40R20 106Y SL BSW | ||||
| 275/45ZR19 108Y XL BSW | 295/40R20 110Y XL BSW | ||||
| 285/30ZR19 98Y XL BSW | 305/25R20 97Y XL BSW | ||||
| 285/35ZR19 103Y XL BSW | 305/30ZR20 99Y SL BSW | ||||
| 285/40ZR19 107Y XL BSW | 305/30ZR20 103Y XL BSW | ||||
| 285/40ZR19 103Y SL BSW | 305/35ZR20 104Y SL BSW | ||||
| 295/30ZR19 100Y XL BSW | 305/40ZR20 112Y XL BSW | ||||
| 295/35ZR19 104Y XL BSW | 315/35R20 106Y SL BSW | ||||
| 295/45R19 113Y XL BSW | 325/25ZR20 101Y XL BSW | ||||
| 305/30ZR19 102Y XL BSW | 325/35R20 108Y SL BSW | ||||
| 305/35R19 102Y SL BSW | 335/30ZR20 104Y SL BSW | ||||
| P 355/30ZR19 99Y XL BSW | 345/25ZR20 100Y SL BSW |
For Better Understanding: 215/55R17 94V SL BSW
215: Tire Width
55: Aspect Ratio
R: Radial
17: Rim Size
94: Load Index
V: Speed Index
SL: Load Range(can be XL also)
BSW: Black Sidewall
Note: This tire name contains ZR instead of R. No worries, that just means this tire is specific for high-speed usage(above 150mph).
What is the Classification of Pirelli P Zero Tires?
The Pirelli P Zero family comprised 11 different tire patterns. Each tire has been built with different intentions. Moreover, Pirelli put limits on some P Zero tire product ranges. They are only available for certain rim sizes. You can see all P Zero tires in the below table. I’ve also added Pirelli’s performance ratings for better understanding.
| Vehicle | Sizes (Rim) | Comfort | Mileage | Wet | Dry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S | Car | 24” | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Pirelli P Zero Corsa System | Car | 18”, 19”, 20”, 21” | 6 | 5 | 9 | 10 |
| Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus | Car | 17”, 18”, 19”, 20” | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season | Car | 17”, 18”, 19”, 20” | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Pirelli P Zero Nero GT | Car | 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22” | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Pirelli P Zero Winter | Car | 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22” | 9 | 8 | 9(9 for snow also) | 9 |
| Pirelli P Zero Corsa(PCZ4) | Car + SUV | 19”, 20”, 21”, 22” | 6 | 5 | 9 | 10 |
| Pirelli P Zero Run Flat(PZ4) | Car + SUV | 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22”, 23”, 24” | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Pirelli P Zero | Car + SUV | 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22” | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Pirelli P Zero All Season | Car + SUV | 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22” | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Pirelli P Zero Rosso | Car + SUV | 19”, 20” | 8 | 5 | 8 | 8 |
Note:
- Pirelli gives these ratings for suitable vehicles. You might see lower online ratings due to the wrong tire selection.
- I didn’t add run-flat tires to this list. Please note that run-flat tires have a slightly harsher ride and lower tread life. Moreover, run-flat tires are hard to find. I don’t recommend them unless you aren’t shopping online.
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
TireRack
- Fast and Free shipping
- Usually delivered in 1 day
- Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
- Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
- Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
- Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
- 4.6/5 points on Google rate
Pirelli P Zero: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/pirelli-p-zero
DiscountTire
- Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
- 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
- Free rotation and balancing
- 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
- Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
- Almost all brands are available
- Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
- Frequent discounts and promotions
Pirelli P Zero: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/pirelli-p-zero
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
Pirelli P Zero: https://simpletire.com/brands/pirelli-tires/p-zero
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.
Conclusion
Pirelli P Zero tires are designed for maximum performance. Therefore, most of them have a limited tread life. They are a superior pick for dry and wet handling and stability. Yet, you should select the right tire for your vehicle if you want proper performance. The below table will help you to pick the best one for yourself.
| Pirelli P Zero | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Performance-focused drivers who want to improve handling capability, comfort, dry & wet grip |
| Test Report | vs Pilot Super Sport & ExtremeContact DW |
| Category | Max Performance Summer |
| Vehicle | powerful sports cars, sports coupes and high performance luxury sedans |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”, 21”, 22” (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Weight | 19 – 40 lbs |
| Made In | USA |
| Warranty | N/A |
| Prices | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
Take-Home Points,
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, they might be a better pick for bigger vehicles( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.
I hope this article was helpful for those who are debating between P Zero tires. If you need any further information, please let me know. Have a safe ride!
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