Tyre choices

[mikemikemi]

I'm currently looking for some new tyres, as the ones I've got need to be replaced soon.

Size is: 225/45/18

I've currently got Bridgestone Potenza RE40s on and have been looking at others to try.

My current options have been:

• Michelin Pilot Sport 2
• Vredstein Ultrac Sessanta

From reviews I've seen these two seem to get the best reviews and in terms of ratings are about even. However, the Vredstein Ultracs are much cheaper.

Compared to my current tyres, the Michelin cost more (~£20) and the Vredstein cost less (~£40).

Anything else I should check out?

Any other thoughts?

[Teamsreth]

What car is it to go on?

I have Pilot Sport 2 on mine.

Great feeling, very informative, massive grip, and good wet feel too. Life seems to be quite good too. About 3K from the rears and less than 50% worn. (They get a bit of a hammering too)

[mikemikemi]

Going on an RX8.

3k on the rears and 50% worn doesn't sound great though.

My current set have done over 20k, hence the need to change them soon

What car have you got yours on?

[dave87]

The original owner of my car (Civic 2.2 iCTDi) got 20k out of the original Pilot Sports on the front, and I got another 17k on the rears (his 20+17k, 7k of which they were rotated onto the front).

I've now got Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics all round now, and IMHO, as good if not better than the Michelin Pilot Sports.

Where are you getting your prices from btw? and are they definitely 225/45/18s? Only asking as the tyres on my Civ are 225/45/17s?

[mikemikemi]

The original owner of my car (Civic 2.2 iCTDi) got 20k out of the original Pilot Sports on the front, and I got another 17k on the rears (his 20+17k, 7k of which they were rotated onto the front).

I've now got Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics all round now, and IMHO, as good if not better than the Michelin Pilot Sports.

Where are you getting your prices from btw? and are they definitely 225/45/18s? Only asking as the tyres on my Civ are 225/45/17s?

Prices are from various outlets, Costco for Michelins, Camskill for Vredsteins (+ mark up for local garage to fit) and my local garage for the Bridgestone.

Yep, definately, 225/45/18 as these are the stock tyres on my car, annoying really as 45 height ratio is not as common as 40 which reduces tyre choice and makes them more expensive.

Admittedly, I could go 225/40, but I think the tyre will look noticeable smaller in the wheel arch (~20mm in diameter: rim + tyre). Also considered 235/40, but more rubber so usually more money.

[Teamsreth]

Going on an RX8.

3k on the rears and 50% worn doesn't sound great though.

My current set have done over 20k, hence the need to change them soon

What car have you got yours on?

Sorry, just checked my receipts, (The Wife said that if I only got that mileage, she would put it up for sale), and its actually 5400 miles. Fronts have only done 3K, but they don't look like they have worn at all.

BMW E34 M5 3.8, and that 5.4K was very, very hard. Car is bleeding heavy, and she gets some serious stick. (I thought that mileage was good)

[mikemikemi]

Sorry, just checked my receipts, (The Wife said that if I only got that mileage, she would put it up for sale), and its actually 5400 miles. Fronts have only done 3K, but they don't look like they have worn at all.

BMW E34 M5 3.8, and that 5.4K was very, very hard. Car is bleeding heavy, and she gets some serious stick. (I thought that mileage was good)

This sounds more similar to what some poeple have been saying, being ~15k-20k miles. I expect less from a change as I've been told the bridgestones have a harder compound which means they last longer but dry and wet grip suffer for it.

I'm prepared to lose a few miles to get a better tyre.

[Teamsreth]

I wouldn't have anything else on her. About £30 more expensive than the average, but well worth it.

I wanted the F1s, but they are not rated for the load. Have had 4 other owners have blowouts.

[dave87]

I wouldn't have anything else on her. About £30 more expensive than the average, but well worth it.

I wanted the F1s, but they are not rated for the load. Have had 4 other owners have blowouts.

Really? I know they do an extra load version in my size?

[mikemikemi]

Hi all, going with the Vredsteins.

I can get them from Camskill at £110 each delivered and local garage will fit and balance for £15 a tyre.

At that price I think it's worth giving them a go given the reviews they get.

I'll let you know how I get on when I've broken them in.

[Teamsreth]

Really? I know they do an extra load version in my size?

Just checked, and they do list one, but as other owners had had trouble with them, I didn't look too hard into the ratings at the time. Car is 1760kg without extras.

It does also look like the BMW specific PS2s have been discontinued anyway. Nuts.

[Guy]

Slightly late to this thread, but Falken FK452's . . . .

Only £90 a corner in your size as well

[mikemikemi]

Slightly late to this thread, but Falken FK452's . . . .

Only £90 a corner in your size as well

Nevermind, maybe I'll check them out next time.

Went for the Vredsteins in the end, 4 fitted at £525 (at nearish tyre shop), decided to go for it rather than messing around getting them from Camskill and then finding a garage to fit.

No real initial impressions as I've not worn them in, but so far they feel like a softer ride compared to the bridgestones and slightly less road noise too.