Front tyres for Clio 2, why are Michelin's +£26 for mine?

skiddlydiddly

catflea wrote: »

Correct, you dont HAVE to fit the correct size tyres. You do have to declare it as a modification though.

Always best to stick to what the car should have

Where do you get that info from?I am pretty sure that its only wheel changes you have to declare not tyre sizes as generally that would mean a switch to alloys which increases the likelihood of theft.
My gf worked in motor insurance for 10 years or so and never once had to ask someone if they had changed the tyre dimensions whereas asking if it had the original alloys was.

Changing your tyre profile can altar the handling characteristics slightly but then so can tyre pressures themselves.

artbaron

If you had an accident and the insurers chose to get funny about it then tyre profiles could become an issue. It's best to err on the side of caution. After all, if it's not an issue there's no problem telling them. Different profile tyres can cause issues - insufficient speed rating, fouling the arches, contribution to aquaplaning, more attractive to thieves. All unlikely in practice without a wheel size change but all could legally be used to shaft you on a claim.

the182guy

Thanks for the input everyone. I have had a look around and the best I can find in the current size are
Continental Premium Contact 2

Are these any good? Are they premium like the Michelins, better than mid range?

The quote is £132.08 inc fitting using blackcircles.com which seems good if they are top tyres. Also, is it wise to get the tracking checked when replacing front tyres?

Hintza

the182guy wrote: »

Also, is it wise to get the tracking checked when replacing front tyres?

Have the old tyres worn evenly? If so leave the tracking alone, if not the probably best to have it done.

custardy

you should also fit the two new tyres to the rear and rotate the rears to the front

custardy

artbaron wrote: »

If you had an accident and the insurers chose to get funny about it then tyre profiles could become an issue. It's best to err on the side of caution. After all, if it's not an issue there's no problem telling them. Different profile tyres can cause issues - insufficient speed rating, fouling the arches, contribution to aquaplaning, more attractive to thieves. All unlikely in practice without a wheel size change but all could legally be used to shaft you on a claim.

very true,however in this case the new rolling radius isnt far of OE spec with regard to speedo readings

catflea

Conti's are good tyres

mollycat

£150 for 2 Barums that size is overpriced.

Thats where your discrepancy is.

dannymccann

Just fit the cheapest things possible on there, its only a Clio, unless you go racing

skiddlydiddly

artbaron wrote: »

If you had an accident and the insurers chose to get funny about it then tyre profiles could become an issue. It's best to err on the side of caution. After all, if it's not an issue there's no problem telling them. Different profile tyres can cause issues - insufficient speed rating, fouling the arches, contribution to aquaplaning, more attractive to thieves. All unlikely in practice without a wheel size change but all could legally be used to shaft you on a claim.

I don't really think those would hold any water.The speed rating iunlikely as generally when you go for a "sportier" tyre the rating goes up.Fouling the arches would normally be caused by changing the offset of the wheel.If you don't increase the rolling radius of the tyre it isn't going to get any larger in diameter.A wider tyre could be more likely to aquaplane but you are are unlikely to go to such an extreme difference in width.Things like wheels are stolen for a quick sale, not to mess about removing the tyres from them which requires specialist eqipment.

I really don't think there is anything to worry about changing tyres like this but maybe someone has some info that can prove me wrong?