Tyre review thread

[1975DCS]

Our little 133 has rears that are nearing their legal limit so this thread will come in handy.

I assume some people have tried 205s as opposed to the silly standard 195s? And any adverse issues with running the wider tyre? ie. rubbing etc?

By the look of the wheel arches you would say even bigger would fit...

So the 4 spare 215/45/17 Conti 5s I have in the garage would go on with no issues?

I doubt they do, but if you have them you could try... Maybe with a bit of work. But it will also make your gearing a bit taller.

I think 205/40 would be bang on and also makes the speedo reading bang on (100 is now 102/103). But 215/40 or 205/45 could maybe fit or made fit. The R2 has 205/50 R16 which is bigger in diameter...

 

[N0ddie]

I like the idea of a "thicker" tyre wall (50 as opposed to 40) as, in theory, the extra tyre will give a nicer quieter ride. However, the downside is more movement in the tyre when "giving it some".

 

[1975DCS]

I like the idea of a "thicker" tyre wall (50 as opposed to 40) as, in theory, the extra tyre will give a nicer quieter ride. However, the downside is more movement in the tyre when "giving it some".

I thought so too, but I would go with 205/45 then! It is still low profile enough and maybe better? Let's not forget most Tarmac racers don't have ultra low profile tires, although not to be compared to road tires...

 

[N0ddie]

205/45s are on average for a premium tyre £25 per tyre more expensive. Bugger that lol.

 

[1975DCS]

205/45s are on average for a premium tyre £25 per tyre more expensive. Bugger that lol.

205/50 like my Skoda Octavia RS did is also rare and more expensive! Price wise 205/40 is the best choice!

 

[JMR]

I had Bridgestones all round (brand new) when I bought my Civic Type R and they were good in the dry and absolute shiiiiite in the wet.

I dont drive silly fast, but I spun mine off the road in the wet, proper heart in your mouth driving when its wet.
I hated them, would not have them again, i'd rather drive round on the space saver.

The Bridgestones all suffered from premature cracking in the deepest grooved of the tread too.

This was one of them

 

[JMR]

As you can see, loads of tread left, but i wasnt keen on those cracks, so replaced them.

 

[N0ddie]

Which model tyres were those?

 

[JMR]

RE040 Potenzas

 

[N0ddie]

What are people opinions on running 205/40/17 XL size?

Little bit more tyre again. Anyone have experience in this size and any rubbing issues?

 

[poweller23]

I have had no problems at all with running 205/40r17 I am running toyo proxies T1R's and there awesome

 

[maggi200]

I've tried the t1r and maz1 in 205/40/17 and I'm inclined to say the maxxis out performs the t1r (an old favourite of mine) and is slightly cheaper. No issues at all

 

[N0ddie]

I realise a lot of people have tried 205/40/17s. I was more meaning the XL bit.

 

[poweller23]

That just means extra load not extra wide btw so doesn't make any odds

 

[N0ddie]

That just means extra load not extra wide btw so doesn't make any odds

I'm positive the XL ones are ever-so-slightly wider. I had XLs on one axle and normal ones on the other and there was a definite difference.

Anyhoo! Ordered the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A for the 133 last night. Must be good if Renaultsport fit them to their Megane Trophies that have the 'Ring record.

 

[singlespeed]

That just means extra load not extra wide btw so doesn't make any odds

I'm positive the XL ones are ever-so-slightly wider. I had XLs on one axle and normal ones on the other and there was a definite difference.

Between different brands, there would probably be different widths of tyre for the same designated size, as some manufacturers use a different shoulder/sidewall profile.



What does make a lot of odds is the inflation pressure requirements between eXtra Load (XL of RF) tyres and Standard Load tyres.

XL tyres are designed to have a higher loading, which inturn requires more pressure to support this load. What isn't readily apparent and is realy confussing is below 35-36psi, an XL rated tyre of the same load index will have a load limit less than an equivalent SL tyre :?

It's out of date, as in 195/40/17 isnt shown, but its an enlightening read and throws a spanner into some of the assumptions made about XL tyres
https://www.tiresafety.com/images/Tire Replacement Manual.pdf

 

[manofhow]

i couldnt find anything so thought i would start this for people that want to know about what shoes to put on their car. so if people could fill in the relevant details with tyres they have tried.
(i know tyres are subjective so the same tyre can go up more than once with differnt peoples feelings)


e.g

name: conti sport 3
dry handling: 5/5
wet handling: 4/5
wear: 4/5
additional info: these are a good all round tyres for both wet and dry and seem to wear quite well

 

[Jjay]

Aha there be one with tyre reviews already ;-)

 

[Jjay]

viewtopic.php?t=7232

 

[manofhow]

cheers, i must have been special and not seen it