Tyre Advice

[snowjoke]

Just got my new RAV4.2... the garage fitted two new Bridgestone Dueler H/T 687s on the front (which, I believe, were the standard fit on this generation of RAVs). Looking at the rear tyres, they're near their limit so I'm going to replace those too.

I've read mixed reviews about the Duelers... apparently quiet and good in dry conditions but not good in the wet/snow/off-road, and they wear out too quickly.

Admittedly most of my driving will be on-road but I could conceivably drive across the odd field in the future or drive in the rain.

Would bad things happen if I go for some different tyres at the back or should I stick with another set of Duelers?

[bothwell_buyer]

Just got my new RAV4.2... the garage fitted two new Bridgestone Dueler H/T 687s on the front (which, I believe, were the standard fit on this generation of RAVs). Looking at the rear tyres, they're near their limit so I'm going to replace those too.

I've read mixed reviews about the Duelers... apparently quiet and good in dry conditions but not good in the wet/snow/off-road, and they wear out too quickly.

Admittedly most of my driving will be on-road but I could conceivably drive across the odd field in the future or drive in the rain.

Would bad things happen if I go for some different tyres at the back or should I stick with another set of Duelers?

On a broad view, I'd just say that dfiferent tyres have slightly different characteristics - which you already know. Having different makes on front and back (unless its radial and cross-ply ) won't make so much difference depending on what use you make of the car, and how hard you push it.

I keep all the same make on all-round, but then my car gets thrashed! I like to be able to predict how it behaves and not get surprises too often.

[nest]

I just bought 4 Hankook W300 M+S, cause my allseason Yokohama started to wear out, and I don't need any surpises.:)

They've got asymetrical layout, so, they should be ok even if I'm on a wet road, or in deep snow. The dealer said that should last 4 seasons. After the cold season, I'll give you my impression about these tyres.

[snowjoke]

When I say "mixed" reviews of the Duelers maybe I really mean "universally terrible"...

reviews

If I don't want to mix tyres (I've read a few things advising against it), is there anything I can do with a pair of Duelers that have only driven 50 miles if I replace them with Grabber UHPs??

[Robert6920]

For a less emotional review, try here

[Hoovie]

The Duelers may not be the first choice for many when it comes to replacement, but I don't think many (any?) on here would chuck them in the bin if fitted and brand new.

I prefer the way the RAV4 drives on the General Grabbers, but it was by no means bad on the bridgestones.

Also, I think you should check out your spare tyre.

If it is unused then you will have 3 new Duelers - in that situation, I personally would buy one more and just stick with the bridgestones for the next 30,000 odd miles.

If it is worn out, and you particularly want a different brand, then that could be a home for one of the tyres at least?

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

I've used General grabbers. Cheapish and effective. Never had any problems with them.

[snowjoke]

I checked the spare tyre and it's a brand new Toyo Transpath. The ones at the back are worn out Runway Enduro 606.

I also checked the tread on the Duelers and it's only 4mm, whereas it's supposed to be 8mm on new tyres...

[Hoovie]

so they didn't put on new tyres then? just "new to you"

Go for new General Grabber UHPs and write off the approx £50 value of the Bridgestones if you want to match front and back (with just 4mm left, I would also do that)

[Remoh1]

please bear in mind the reviews you were reading were from ameicans and canadians, the climate they will be used in is far different from what you will experience in bucks (I live in bucks too). The sort of snow they are talking about is way deeper than we will ever get. Also check the last guy he has done 56,000 miles on one set of tyres, thats a hell of a lot of miles, its no wonder they have no grip left

[Notebook]

Hi All

I was just wondering about tyres, If they fit - eg 235 60 16 in my case, are they / will they / do they have to be etc 4x4 tyres?

I have no desire to ever go of road, and just wondered.

My duelers are nearly gone on the front, and have a transpath as the spare, brand new, so I will be buying another transpath to match the spare, and placing one off the front while it is still legal as the spare.

Grabbers? never heard of them - look chunky - is that pattern described as m+s? - this mean winter / snow / offroad jobbies?

(just looked again and was looking at the AT2 not UHP) UHP still look good.

I drive very slow / smooth etc, so how would these compare mileage wise with the duelers / transpath etc.

maxxis and federal any good?

bit of a mix, but it is christmas

[Hoovie]

UHP is supposed to mean "Ultra High Performance" and the Grabber is a Road Tyre with 4x4 looks, rather then an all-out off-road tyre, I would say. Suits the 'soft-roader' style of the vehicle, IMO.

The Grabber UHP does also have M.S on the side which I am presuming is meaning it is classed as a Mud+Snow snow - could be handy when the bad weather hits as although you may not intend to go off-road ever, sometimes the road may be hidden by snow, etc!

I have not noticed any increase in road noise after changing over from the Duelers to the Grabbers, which I was expecting actually, with a more 'aggresive' tyre pattern.

Can't comment on any other tyres directly

[Robert6920]

I have fitted Michelin Latitude Tour HP and they are a super tyre for predominently on-road use (I'd say they'd clog badly in mud), with good grip wet and dry, and best of all they are noticeably quieter

Not cheap, but a good tyre

[snowjoke]

so they didn't put on new tyres then? just "new to you"

Go for new General Grabber UHPs and write off the approx £50 value of the Bridgestones if you want to match front and back (with just 4mm left, I would also do that)

When I phoned them and told them they weren't new, they came back with some BS about them being "good as new", and claimed they never said they were going to fit "new" tyres. They quickly got very shirty and rude to the extent of using the F word and putting the phone down, which surprised me greatly, as I've never experienced anything like that from any sort of service or shop before - and I was merely asking politely for what I'd paid for.

So anyway fortunately I paid the £300 deposit on my Capital One credit card, so I can make a claim against them for misrepresentation and services not delivered if the dealer doesn't put things right (which I doubt they will).

[Notebook]

Was it a toyota dealer?

[snowjoke]

Was it a toyota dealer?

No, it was a place called "Croft Motors" in Uxbridge, who specialise in Audis and seem to be run out of an old barn.

[bothwell_buyer]

Was it a toyota dealer?

No, it was a place called "Croft Motors" in Uxbridge, who specialise in Audis and seem to be run out of an old barn.

aha - an ideal candidate for a visit by the Trading Standards people, and Health & Safety for good measure....always riles!!!

[Notebook]

Was it a toyota dealer?

No, it was a place called "Croft Motors" in Uxbridge, who specialise in Audis and seem to be run out of an old barn.

aha - an ideal candidate for a visit by the Trading Standards people, and Health & Safety for good measure....always riles!!!

I agree - well said

[koopa_pr]

I made the mistake of replacing all my Duelers in one go, thinking like for like was a good bet on my 4.2 rav as this is my first 4x4.

What a mistake, the tyre is generally ok in the dry, but in the snow and icy weather we have had in the UK over the last few weeks, I have spent more time sliding than driving in a straight line and I lost all confidence in driving the car.

Originally I assumed in was due to the usual wear in period whilst the top sheen of rubber is removed, but 2500 miles later the car is getting worse.

I had the wheels laser aligned but all ok.

With a second baby due in mid Jan, I could not take the risk of accident, and have replaced them already with Michelin Latitude Tour HP the same that Robert6920 suggested and what a difference.

My view is good as a summer tyre but not an all-season tyre.

[Hoovie]

so they didn't put on new tyres then? just "new to you"

Go for new General Grabber UHPs and write off the approx £50 value of the Bridgestones if you want to match front and back (with just 4mm left, I would also do that)

When I phoned them and told them they weren't new, they came back with some BS about them being "good as new", and claimed they never said they were going to fit "new" tyres. They quickly got very shirty and rude to the extent of using the F word and putting the phone down, which surprised me greatly, as I've never experienced anything like that from any sort of service or shop before - and I was merely asking politely for what I'd paid for.

So anyway fortunately I paid the £300 deposit on my Capital One credit card, so I can make a claim against them for misrepresentation and services not delivered if the dealer doesn't put things right (which I doubt they will).

I would be inclined to get a full set of whatever tyres you are after, keep the two duellers and take then back to the garage for the full value of two replacements and say that if it doesn't happen, you will bring in the big guns.

[snowjoke]

OK thanks all. Getting four Grabber UHPs fitted on Thursday, £344 for the lot including valves and balancing via Blackcircles.

Since I've never had a new set of tyres before, can someone enlighten me as to the difference between balancing, alignment and tracking? And do I need it?

[Hoovie]

balancing ... each wheel/tyre needs balancing so it goes round without vibration - IMO a must to have it done.

Alignment and Tracking - probably depends on the wear pattern of the old tyres to help determine that? Car being new to you and the tyre history, impossible to tell that way.

and if the car tends to drift to one side or other when driving - should be very neutral.

Personally, I'd be inclined to see of they would check out all the stuff as a bit of a package deal while it is in having the tyres done and if the price is reasonable, go for it.

[Notebook]

Let me know what you think of them

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

balancing ... each wheel/tyre needs balancing so it goes round without vibration - IMO a must to have it done.

Alignment and Tracking - probably depends on the wear pattern of the old tyres to help determine that? Car being new to you and the tyre history, impossible to tell that way.

and if the car tends to drift to one side or other when driving - should be very neutral.

Personally, I'd be inclined to see of they would check out all the stuff as a bit of a package deal while it is in having the tyres done and if the price is reasonable, go for it.

Nowdays tyre fitters will balance the tyre as part of the fitting anyway. Many also ofer a free alignment / tracking check and you only pay for them to correct it.

[Hoovie]

I didn't know that.

I know that Quickfit charged me £20 or so to align my tracking after they said it was out. I happened to go to another place shortly after for some reason or other I don't recall and they actually snapped a spanner on the part that has to be undone for thre tracking adjustment as it was so rusted on, so I am dubious about many of these places.