Tyre choices

[Butcher]

I think they like a safety margin, the speed rating is usually a little above the maximum listed speed for the model of car. The last thing they want is someone going for it and the tyres delaminate and cause a crash...

[roachcoach]

Well in my case the book specifies dimensions and speed ratings, got me wondering what it says about make now (I think there is a recommendation, but don't think it is in the specifications table).

Not sure why I would need such high speed ratings on a car that will never see a track, I'm sure the same as the 2.0l engine would do. Still I buy the higher rating to make sure the insurance company don't have anything to complain about should the worst happen.

Probably because the manuals will be written to be as global as possible, plus you could easily take your car somewhere that you COULD max her out in which case if the manual said lower rated tyres were fine and something went wrong they'd be in a legal world of hurt.

[DanceswithUnix]

Probably because the manuals will be written to be as global as possible, plus you could easily take your car somewhere that you COULD max her out in which case if the manual said lower rated tyres were fine and something went wrong they'd be in a legal world of hurt.

Sorry, badly explained. I am happy that the book tells me what speed rating I would ideally need if using the limits of the car. Fact is, it won't be doing 149mph (V rating). I would like to make the decision that an H rating tyre is good enough (130mph, plenty of margin there and the same spec as the 2.0l uses) but feel the fact that insurance companies act like an arse forces me to spend money for no good reason.

Happy to spend the money on my wife's car which has been on track and therefore has done those sorts of speeds.

[roachcoach]

I gotcha

[Avenger1324]

Bridgestone RE050A's for my RX-8.

I replaced the previous owner's choice of worn (original) RE040 and Nankangs, and the increase in grip with the 50s was very noticable. Also on a testing day the point at which they lose grip with the road is much more gradual and easier to catch before you lose it.