Tyreexpert
Further to previous post, my current tyres are 195/60 R15 88V. Could you let me know what you recommend and a likely price. I live in Wokingham and work in Farnborough, so anywhere reasonably close to either of these would be great.
On my current front tyres, the outer edge on one tyre has worn to almost no tread. Do you think the car needs tracking?
One more query - at the moment, the fronts only need changing. Should I put new tyres on the front or swap them all round and have the new tyres on the back? If this makes sense, I find the ride worse at the back, so it might be better to have new tyres at the back.
I know the recommendation always used to be to put new tyres on the front, but more recently my garage has said they should go on the back. All rather confusing!
Thanks
Edited by Pugugly {P} on 18/02/2008 at 20:48
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PM Point 1. All manufacturers recommend that when fitting a pair of tyres they should be fitted to the rear. I quote from the Goodyear technical manual " This will improve vehicle handling and stabilty and reduce the risk of a potentially dangerous rear tyre deflation which could cause a severe oversteer effect - far more difficult to control than the understeer produced by a front tyre deflation". Point 2. Front wheel misalignment would normally cause both front tyres to wear unevenly ie both inner or outer edges. It might be worth checking wether there is excessive play in one of the track rod ends which may need replacing or even a slightly loose wheel bearing. Nevertheless it is always worth having the alignment checked when having new tyres fitted. All the independents I know will always check alignment FOC. If it does need adjusting you should be looking to pay between £10-£16 for the standard type of adjustment. Point 3. Price Guide.e balance and casing disposal are as follows, (a) = assymetric (d) = directional (t) = touring . Thse are the 3 different styles of tread pattern. The touring pattern is gradually being phased out being replaced with the assymetric which while still give the quieter ride and comfort of the touring patterns has the extra benefits of greater water clearance and and more cornering stabilty. The dierctional patterns do clear more water and are much gripier ( remember the old F1 wet weather tyres ) , They do tend to be a little noiseier and usually dont have the longevity of their assymetric cousins. I personally always drive on directional tyres as grip is always more important to me than wear and noise. Avon ZV3 £52 a The best of Avons stable and good value Bridgestone ER300 £66 a The latest from Japan too new to comment Bridgestone RE720 d £66 The leader in its day with dual compound tread which gives similar roadholding throughout the tyres life. Continental premium contact 2 a £66 The latest version from Germany and a superb performer. Firestone TZ200 a £52 Bridgestones junior brand Good value similar to Avon. Goodyear Hydragrip d £59 Came top in the last autocar test in nearly all aspects. Michelin Primacy a £69 Top quality but always the most expensive tyre Goodyear NCT5 t £57 Good performer but now a little long in the tooth.. PIrelli p6000 t £55 see NCT5 Pirelli P7 t £66 The latest from the Italians good oe presence but I have not yet driven on it Uniroyal rallye 550 d £54 Conti`s junior. very good see firestone comments Dunlop Sp200 £58 t see nct5 Dunlop SP01 a £68 probaly the quietest tyre on the market. My favourites are 1 Goodyear hydragrip 2 Continental premium contac 2 and 3 Dunlop Sp01 Of the 3 entry level premium quality tyres I would plum for the Avon ZV3.... I will let you know of the good independent stations next week as Goodyear are taking me to see the All Blacks lose on Saturday.
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Tyreexpert
Many thanks for this - very useful. Will wait to hear from you re best place to go.
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I would without hesitation recommend Merityre Specialists. They have several depots in your area one of wich is in Frimley Green. Merityre and considered one of the leaders in independent tyre trade. They are leading members of the Pirelli Driver organisation. This means all their sites are technically audited by Pirelli on a bi annual basis, and they have just been awarded the new Michelin accreditation for customer service. I have spoken to their Ops Director Dene Arnold who assures me they will look after you in every way posibble. I am not aware of their pricing structure but Dene assures me that they will be closely in line with the price guide previously mentioned. I would suggest that you print these threads, whic may prevent any confusion. I understand that the branch number is 01252835145. they also have a branch in Farnham No 01252 733133. the managers name in that branch is Mick Wells.. Hope all goes well for you. Kind regards......
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Go with the Pirelli P6000 everytime, you won't be disappointed! Reasonably priced and excellent in wet weather conditions with its unique "S" type tread.
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Each to his own I suppose. P6000 are the worst tyres I've ever had.
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I have hydragrips on at the moment - I found them OK, but at 14K miles they are almost due for replacement on the front (V70 2.5D).
I like the contisport2 but I also find the khumo's quite good (and cheap) on our audi.
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