Hi Tom, thats great I will message A2Z Neil. He's already been really helpful! Thanks
Good morning.
Hi Thanks, and please let me explain my logic. When I design cars for my job, we design the wheels to fit tyres. Normally there is a tie-up between manufacturers. For example, in a previous job, the tyres were designed specifically for the car. The cars are then tested with the manufacturers also testing and developing at the same time too- even if the tyre is already a size in production. This ensures the best dynamics for the car, and the best performance for the tyres. This was so 25 years ago when the A2 was in development. As you know, it was a very technologically advanced car in many ways, and in many, very basic. Economy was paramount, and having an aluminium structure, so would be NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) and ride. Tyres are key to this. Citroen in 1955 developed their DS with Michelin, a tyre company that owned them.
Thanks A2Z. Yes thats very helpful. I wanted to know some info like that and perhaps some historical knowledge I wasn't aware of. Thankyou!Good morning.
Sorry for my delayed response to this but we've had a few days away in our trusty steed clocking up some miles around beautiful Devon and Dorset and only got home late last night, unfortunately hitting a substantial pothole on the A34 on the way back that i need to check hasn't caused any wheel, tyre or dudpension damage
I understand and commend your thinking regarding trying to maintain the quality of keeping the car original but when it comes to tyres I'm afraid manufactures don't always fit what necessarily is the best but often what they can get the best deal on from a certain manufacturer.
The original tyres on the 16" 6 spoke SE wheels were indeed the Pirelli P6000 Powergy in 185/50R16 81V variety but they were pretty poor and suffered premature crazing and cracking of the rubber compound, evident in the sidewalls and between the treads but worse still suffered stepping where the tread wears evenly which causes amongst other things excessive noise and an uncomfortable ride.
That said I have also had original 16" 5 spoke SE wheels fitted with Dunlop SP Sport 9000 tyres from new in the same size which possibly supports my theory regarding fitting what they can get the best deal on at the time but obviously also could be down to availability or that they realised some tyres weren't too clever and changed to another brand.
As others have said tyres have come a long way in recent years and even the budget tyres now are generally much better than they were and in fact most use the mould patterns from older premium brand tyres so aren't anywhere near as bad or plain dangerous as they once were, not that I'm recommending using them at all btw.
Unfortunately because the factory 185/50 16 size isn't mass produced as they are only used by a few models of cars and therefore produced in very low volumes they tend to be expensive so best bet is to do your homework and check reviews and the tyre labels on a site such as Camskill.co.uk who I use and post options that you're contemplating buying on here before you do
I hope that helps a little
Hi A2Z I have had a look, and there are 3 options. Historically, VW/Audi has used Continental as a tie-up and so this would be logical in more modern tyre terms. They are between £110 and £145 each. There is also Yokohama- known for their stickyness for grip but therefore a lack of durability. They come in at around £100 each. Lastly, I was considering Vredenstein as they are a good sensibly priced mid-range tyre and a good allrounder for most vehicles. I can't see Dunlops, but if you recommend them- I have to say because of the prevous brand tie-up I am tempted by Continental. ThanksGood morning.
Sorry for my delayed response to this but we've had a few days away in our trusty steed clocking up some miles around beautiful Devon and Dorset and only got home late last night, unfortunately hitting a substantial pothole on the A34 on the way back that i need to check hasn't caused any wheel, tyre or dudpension damage
I understand and commend your thinking regarding trying to maintain the quality of keeping the car original but when it comes to tyres I'm afraid manufactures don't always fit what necessarily is the best but often what they can get the best deal on from a certain manufacturer.
The original tyres on the 16" 6 spoke SE wheels were indeed the Pirelli P6000 Powergy in 185/50R16 81V variety but they were pretty poor and suffered premature crazing and cracking of the rubber compound, evident in the sidewalls and between the treads but worse still suffered stepping where the tread wears evenly which causes amongst other things excessive noise and an uncomfortable ride.
That said I have also had original 16" 5 spoke SE wheels fitted with Dunlop SP Sport 9000 tyres from new in the same size which possibly supports my theory regarding fitting what they can get the best deal on at the time but obviously also could be down to availability or that they realised some tyres weren't too clever and changed to another brand.
As others have said tyres have come a long way in recent years and even the budget tyres now are generally much better than they were and in fact most use the mould patterns from older premium brand tyres so aren't anywhere near as bad or plain dangerous as they once were, not that I'm recommending using them at all btw.
Unfortunately because the factory 185/50 16 size isn't mass produced as they are only used by a few models of cars and therefore produced in very low volumes they tend to be expensive so best bet is to do your homework and check reviews and the tyre labels on a site such as Camskill.co.uk who I use and post options that you're contemplating buying on here before you do
I hope that helps a little
Awesome, thanks! Obviously, Pirelli were bad for that tyre! I'll take a look at Kumhos. Incidentally, on the back I have one 2015 Pirelli thats cracked and perished. The other tyres are all random makes and budgets spanning 2015 to 2019. Thanks for the recommendation!
Hi A2Z I have had a look, and there are 3 options. Historically, VW/Audi has used Continental as a tie-up and so this would be logical in more modern tyre terms. They are between £110 and £145 each. There is also Yokohama- known for their stickyness for grip but therefore a lack of durability. They come in at around £100 each. Lastly, I was considering Vredenstein as they are a good sensibly priced mid-range tyre and a good allrounder for most vehicles. I can't see Dunlops, but if you recommend them- I have to say because of the prevous brand tie-up I am tempted by Continental. Thanks
I thought your choice of Continental was a good one. I just can't justify the cost for a car that goes to the shops and back.
You're right, things change. Tech changes -and maybe improves- I used to have Pirellis on my Mk2 Golf GTI. They were absolutely the best tyre. Then. For that car. Going with the original maufacturer has two points of advantage if the tyre the car was developed with - and not specified with afterwards to sell, as the cars were all making a loss- still has a legacy. This was a question of interest, but I suspect its down to common sense, preference and budget. Experience of them is why I asked here, as there are some very experienced people here who know the A2 inside out with practical knowledge, not fanciful designers ideas like me. So, I am going to go with Continental I think!
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www.camskill.co.uk
