Tyres

robert_e_smart · Unread post by **robert_e_smart** » 12 Aug 2010, 17:07

Hi Folks,

No doubt this has been discussed before, but its good to revisit this if people have tried different tyres since previous discussions.

My Activa has 3 Nexxen V rated 205 60 R15s, and 1 Michelin Pilot SX GT W rated 205 60 R15 (probably the original spare).

Michelin don't make a W rated tyre this size any more, and the nearest thing they offer is a V rated Energy Saver, hardly the most suitable tyre for a car that can bluff its way round corners as quickly as the Activa.

Basically I think the Nexxens are poor, they have plenty of thread, even wear, but not enough grip. They're dreadful in the wet. The Michelin is on the drivers front corner (because the Nexxens are directional) and its much better.

Thats my 2 pence worth. I'd love to have a full set of the proper Michelins SX GTs on it.

Over to you guys, which tyres do you use, and how do you find them?

Robert

Koukku · Unread post by **Koukku** » 13 Aug 2010, 09:41

Still using Hankook R-S2's, on my second set now

Very stiff sidewall, very good grip, decent in the wet (if not worn out after repeated track use

).

They produce quite a lot of road noise though (atleast the 225/50-16 size does), and they're not available in the Activa's standard size.

Unread post by **DHallworth** » 23 Aug 2010, 20:12

I tend to only use Michelin tyres on every car I own because Costco in Glasgow do them at very reasonable prices.

Like you say though, the closest you can get is the Michelin Energy's. On my Activa seem pretty good. I can't say I've had problems off them, the grips good and in the wet they seem pretty good.

In saying that, it's a good 2 years since I drove it properly, it's only done 50 odd miles in the last 2 years.

David.

robert_e_smart · Unread post by **robert_e_smart** » 23 Aug 2010, 21:40

After giving the Activa a good thrash at the weekend, it makes me really hate the Nexen Tyres on it. The grip is dreadful. I'll run them off her if they don't land me in a ditch first.

XantiaMan · Unread post by **XantiaMan** » 24 Aug 2010, 11:04

Nexen are budget tyres, not the worst, but far from the best.

I have Hankook S1 EVO's on my Mondeo, brilliant, quiet and grippy for the money, so if you can find them in a W rating, give them a go.

I had Goodyear Hydragrips on the Activa and they were fine.

When i first got it, it had Nexen N2000's on the front, and despite being worn, in the dry they gripped really well, it was only the wet that showed them up. I also ran up the Pod with these on, could have got a 15.9 without them though!

rmunns · Unread post by **rmunns** » 25 Aug 2010, 23:44

If you were stopped by the policios here you would get a fine for different make of tyre on same axle.

They have a much tougher attitude to changing tyres/ wheels from the standard fitment.

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 26 Aug 2010, 10:21

Talking of police response to dodgy tyres, I was shocked when I saw one of those Road Wars type programs from Oz.
They pulled a car over which had no MoT equiv, and it's tyres were showing cords on the outer edge.
Gave him a ticket and sent him on his way!

messerschmitt owner · 26 Aug 2010, 10:53

Robert

I have been finding Toyo tyres excellent - both the Proxes TR1s on the smart roadster - easily the best tyres I have found for it - and also the CF1s on the XM. I think the 205s may only go up to a V rating though.

You can get them cheapish from camskill tyres too - although shipping from Whitehaven to Ireland may be dear.

Campbell

robert_e_smart · Unread post by **robert_e_smart** » 26 Aug 2010, 11:22

Thanks for the tip Campbell,

A friend of mine uses Toyos on his Dyane (different league of car all together) and he prefers them to the Michelins.

I'll hopefully not be needing tyres for a long enough while, but might go down the Michelin Energy Part worn route, or whatever other suitable part worns are available then.

messerschmitt owner · 26 Aug 2010, 13:37

Robert

the toyo tyres are cheap but in no way cheap quality - I am on my second set on the roadster and they outperform the Continentals fitted as factory standard. My front tyres on the XM are Toyos too (£50 a corner fitted) and they're excellent - have been testing the sport setting on the suspension and they give lots of grip.

I know you probably want W rating but the chances of doing that speed are so remote that I reckon the Vs will be just spot on.

robert_e_smart · Unread post by **robert_e_smart** » 26 Aug 2010, 14:39

Its not so much the car getting up to W rated speeds, its more the speed these things can carry through corners, the stiffer sidewall is needed.

I'd be surprised if I can find W rated part worns.

messerschmitt owner · 26 Aug 2010, 15:07

Toyos have stiffened sidewalls!

robert_e_smart · Unread post by **robert_e_smart** » 26 Aug 2010, 15:40

Toyos have stiffened sidewalls!

Ohh, You're making a good case for the Toyos Campbell. I'm a creature of habit, a Citroen must sport Michelins.

rmunns · Unread post by **rmunns** » 26 Aug 2010, 21:21

I recently had 4 Kleber Dynaxer HP2's fitted to my Hdi and I'm delighted.

Just one thing, though.

It hasn't rained since they were fitted and one of their strong points is their rainwater removal capabilities.

They are made by Michelin and I rate them very highly. Good grip, quiet, looks like long-life.

About 60% of the cost of Michelins. Nice-lookers as well!

XantiaMan · Unread post by **XantiaMan** » 27 Aug 2010, 08:31

robert_e_smart wrote:Its not so much the car getting up to W rated speeds, its more the speed these things can carry through corners, the stiffer sidewall is needed.

I'd be surprised if I can find W rated part worns.

W's have a stronger sidewall, thats why they were specced, not because of the top speed. I would say a V rated tyre with an XL load rating would be fine, as W's are so hard to find.