New Tires

[Vitz_man]

As is the way with things everything seems to need replaced all at one time on my car at the moment so i'm looking at some new rubber for my alloys.

The tyre size is 195/50 R 15. I've been running on the Toyo T1-R's i've had since I got the alloys but I realise they may be a little unnessisary on a small light hatchback. While i'd like something that obviously doesn't break the bank, i'd still love to have good road holding for when the boy racer in me comes out to play. :P

Any suggestions?

Thanks all. :)

[Raeman]

I've just had 2 Avon ZV3's on the front of mine and they seem ok. Got the same tyres on the back aswell.

Had a chance today to try them out on ice free main roads (At last) and they seem great, quiet and smooth with really good grip and great wet grip aswell.

I got mine done at National Tyres cost was £59 each but they gave me a discount as i have spend a fair bit there on tyres over the last 12 months for 2 cars.

Mine are 195/50/15 on the standard sr wheels. :)

[alfiejts]

if you go onto mytyres.co.uk and put your size in, they list many makes and there are road test results against each one. Some of those are in English and some in German, but you can still see the "star rating" result in those.

Even if you don't buy there, you can compare various tyres.

autoexpress.co.uk and autocar also do tyre comparison tests that have the results on their web sites...

Just one plea - stick to a "known brand" not an unknown cheapo make.

On the autocar web site you can also see the results of a test of "cheap imported tyres" against known brands.

Some "unknown" makes took 10m longer to stop from 50mph than the known brand comparison (that's two car lengths...) and in another test, when both tyres were braked from 50mph, the cheap tyre was still travelling at 30mph when the known brand had completely stopped...

That's a massive difference in grip and as the tyres are all that hold you onto the road, whilst I too want to spend less money, I don't want to risk my life for £20 or so.....

I prefer to buy the best tyres I can at the best price I can get them for rather than buying the cheapest tyres.

From your post, it sounds like you have a similar mindset and want good tryres too, at a reasonable price, but just sharing my thoughts for others who may read this.....

[Vitz_man]

Thanks for the tips guys. Based on a little bit of research im looking at a pair of Falken ZIEX ZE-912's.

If anyone has any experience with these tires or could reccomend a better choice i'd be most greatful. Thanks :)

[Raeman]

Just had a look on the My Tyres website and those Falkens get a good review. Great price aswell!

The Avon's i got are on too and are a lot less than i payed! Ah well there on now and i like them.

Have a look....

mytyres.co.uk

[alfiejts]

just be aware that by default, the "mytyres" site qoutes supply-only prices. there is an option to get "fitted" prices or you can find a local fitter to fit them for you. (typically £30-£50 for a set of 4).

I've bought from them three times now without issue, but it is an extra hassle to find a local fitter. Some of the "big chains" will only fit their own tyres so you may end up ringing around or driving around trying to find somewhere....

[Vitz_man]

Thanks for the tips guys. Turns out i've found a good deal on another set of Proxy T1-R's. According to mytyres.co.uk they're better for grip in all aspects too even though they do fall down in the snow aspect of things, which is something im familiar with at the moment! :P

Even though it was a toss up between them and the Falkens I think i'm just going to stick to what I know. I loved them when I first got them so maybe a brand new set will convince me of them even more! :)

Thanks for the help guys! Much appreciated!