replacing SE 185/50/16 tyres recent experience

[humps]

With worn out fronts and 2 bad punctures in a week, my car was parked and not moved for three weeks. In that time I tried to source the Michelins, back order as we know (Even ATS couldn't get them). Ordered the Toyos (seems great value) from mytyres.co.uk, over two weeks no stock! Ended up with Dunlop SP9000. Got them fitted in the end after 3 weeks! And one kwikfit in london said they don't fit tyres not bought from them, that I've never heard of...

BTW, I went pass a local tyre shop and picked up an unused audi space saver spare wheel (not the collapsible) for 30 quid! It fits under the false floor at the back nicely! So guys, you don't really need the collapsible! Go to a scrap yard and get yourself a normal space saver.

On the SP9000, no problems with them. Good grip in the dry. Need more rain to test wet, but slight rain condition was ok. Even more predictable which is great. Goes over the speed bumps noticably softer than the michellins. Very quiet too. Over all better than the michelins, not sure about wear yet.

but I'm thinking it wouldn't be so bad if I had those 17"...

humps

humps
1.4SE Cobalt Blue, Bose and leather

 

[ianjohnsonws14]

Humps

The reason for the collapsible space saver is that it has the same rolling radius as the standard tyre and hence works with the ESP. With a space saver not intended for the A2 you can end up with a constant brake application on one of the wheels when you use it because the ESP or ABS senses that there is a wheel slipping!

Ian

2002 1.4 Petrol SE, silver with climate control for SWMBO, Honda Accord Tourer 2.2 iCDTi for me.

 

[bye_bye_alfa]

re SP9000

I do mostly motorways, but I did 37k on my tyres, then swapped front to back, and wore them all down to 51k!

Yes I know some people say don't swap em over, but I wanted a fresh set.

I bought SP9000's again, and this time, I'm having trouble getting them balanced, just read about wheel buckling, I know I haven't hit anything, but the roads in Sheffield are shoddy.


bby

 

[smartboost]

Balance problems can be caused by Radial Force Variation (RFV). Lead weights can't solve this type of problem, but "match mounting" for uniformity can.

Tyre manufacturers often mark the maximum RFV with a red dot, and rim manufacturers often mark the low point with a notch.

The low point on a rim may change over time, especially when hitting pot holes. However, some of the latest balancing machines can easily find the low point on a rim. It's then just a case of the tyre fitter lining up the red dot on the tyre with the low point on the rim.