Tyres. Budget or Premium brands?

Rallydriver

They say tyres shouldn't be kept longer than about 5 years. The rubber ages and goes hard, especially if they are in the sun. Also the carcass can become mis-shaped if left standing for long periods.

Cracking of the rubber is definitely a sign they need replaced even if there is tread left.

ailuro2

Yes, I've worked there for over 20 years so I'm biased.

But this is MSE, so here's the link to get a £40 fuel voucher when you buy 4 michelin tyres...looks like it's mostly Kwik Fit that are doing the vouchers.

http://www.michelin.co.uk/michelinuk/AfficheServlet?Rubrique=20090623142210&Langue=EN&Page=20070306164952_06032009125551_100

If you're doing 36K a year, then you should consider buying Energysaver tyres, one tyre out of 4 pays for itself in fuel savings. That could cut the cost of your car running costs by a reasonable amount.

They are also manufactured here in the U.K., so if there's not much difference in price between these and budget tyres then why not buy a decent tyre and support our country's manufacturing base at the same time.:D

I was glad last night I was on Michelin tyres, a young lad with no lights, no helmet and no sense came cycling out of a side road right in front of me last night just before 8pm, he was going at a fair rate ofknots, if I hadn't have braked as I did he'd be a goner.
While some folk might call it natural selection I really don't want to have an insurance claim after all these years of no claims bonus, and go through the arrest procedure when it wouldn't have been my fault etc. never mind having to live with knocking someone down!!

Paradigm

Thanks for all the replies, all suggestions taken onboard

Just a comment about Michelins...

I had them on a T5 some years ago & they lasted forever but the grip in cold, wet weather was dodgy to say the least...MXV's I think they were?

Hopefully the compound has been improved since?

MrsE_2

ailuro2 wrote: »

If you're doing 36K a year, then you should consider buying Energysaver tyres, one tyre out of 4 pays for itself in fuel savings. That could cut the cost of your car running costs by a reasonable amount.

They are also manufactured here in the U.K., so if there's not much difference in price between these and budget tyres then why not buy a decent tyre and support our country's manufacturing base at the same time.:D

I don't think my DH knows about these & he does 36k+ a year.
Do I google Energysaver tyres?
Is there only one type/brand?

AdrianHi

MrsE wrote: »

I don't think my DH knows about these & he does 36k+ a year.
Do I google Energysaver tyres?
Is there only one type/brand?

Michelin, new version of there energy saver tyre not been out much more than 12-18 months:
http://www.michelin.co.uk/michelinuk/en/auto-utilitaires/avantages/20070312100246.html

A small money saving in the end but every little helps. I've read independent tests on these tyres (dry grip, wet grip etc.) and they are as good if not better than the best of the rest (for touring/family cars - i.e. not for sports cars / track use) for performance too so it's a great choice IMO.
Tried to get them for my wifes car last tyre change but they were sold out. Got Michelin Pilto Primacy HP's instead which are also a very good all round tyre for road use.

ailuro2

Paradigm wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies, all suggestions taken onboard

Just a comment about Michelins...

I had them on a T5 some years ago & they lasted forever but the grip in cold, wet weather was dodgy to say the least...MXV's I think they were?

Hopefully the compound has been improved since?

MXVs, you certainly are going back a bit, of course on a Volvo T5 anything else would have eaten tyres, my b-i-l ued to have one!

Michelin spend more as a percentage than any other tyre company on R&D, so yes, the compounds have changed.

I wish I could tell you more, but I'd be giving company secrets away, can't have that can we?:p

Michelin do energysaver, but other companies are starting to bring out their own versions too. Saving on fuel to pay for tyres seems very MSE to me.

Buy cheap buy twice is something I saw today, and thought it very apt for tyres.;)

creased-leach

The OH has recently invested in something he's wanted for years- his own tyre changing gizmo. The guy in the garage down the road then balances them at £2 a shot...and it's amazing how many friends we've suddenly gained!:rotfl:

Paradigm

I've found camskill are selling the Avon ZV5 for £69 (just have to have them fitted) so I've ordered a pair, even though I still have a few weeks of life left in the old ones. At that price I couldn't say no

They wear quickly but the wet & dry grip is amazing & I trust them so it's a price you have to pay I suppose.

Thanks for all the suggestions :T

Wig

I know I'll get slated for this, but it's what I do....take it or leave it, it's a personal choice.

I get scrapyard tyres including the steel wheels for £15 per pair. I know some scrapyards want to charge way too much like £20 - 25 for just a single wheel/tyre and sometimes not even on the wheel, some of them have their own fitting facility. I just say no thanks, and tell them I can get them for £15 for 2 wheels/tyres at other scrapyards. I inspect the wheels/tyres myself and am very confident that they are good enough.

On the other occassions, when I do buy new tyres, I buy the cheapest brands. Never had a problem, and I don't drive stupid, so my tyres aren't pushed to any limits.

I also used to buy remoulds, never had a problem, but the remoulds now, cost not much less than the Eastern European tyres.

I recently had 3 punctures on different wheels, and was somewhat relieved to know that those wheels had only cost me £7 each.

xycom1

Current car came with Michelin energy saving tyres, they're OK, IME better grip than Pirellis, but still get some ESP activation. My preferred brand is Continental TBH, good balance of wet/dry grip. The Pirellis that I've had the misfortune to drive on in the past have been !!!!poor.