Tyre buying - what a minefield!

thehappybutterfly

We recently bought a 12 year old Suzuki GV 2.0l. The tyres are all between 9 and 12 years old and a couple of them have some cracking - like they're dried out. Despite this, it passed its MOT.

Anyway, we've decided to replace all four of them. After lots of online research and popping into various local tyre fitters, we're going with McConechy's. However, when I was checking online, when I typed in the registration number, some websites are displaying a completely different tyre size. Is this something to be alarmed about?

Should we go by reg number or existing tyre sizes? It's all very confusing!

Iceweasel

Some of the sites that go by Reg Nr. are not that accurate.


Can you give us some more info?


3 door? 5 door? Diesel? Auto?


Confirm it's a 2002 model?


What tyre size is it fitted with at the moment?


Have you checked for a tyre info/pressure label - on the drivers door-post perhaps?


There may be several options listed on the pressure chart label - are the tyres on it right now listed?

thehappybutterfly

thanks Iceweasel. I wasn't sure of any other way of checking manufacture fit against modificatons.

Its a 5 door, 52 plate petrol.

the tyres on it now are 235/60 R16, 100H

Kwikfit didnt recognise the reg number but when I popped in the model etc, the tyre codes were, I think, 195/55 R15, T84. Completely different.

thehappybutterfly

I've decided to completely ignore KwikFit. I've had a look through the car manual (why didn't I do that in first place?) and the dimensions of the existing wheels are right.

jase1

The 195/55/15 tyres quoted are clearly wrong -- this size is used by a range of small-medium hatchbacks like old-model Astras, Focuses etc.

Nodding_Donkey

Well if it has 16 inch wheels you wouldn't get very far putting 15s on it lol.

235/60R16 seem to be standard but I would look at blackcircles for prices.

Nodding_Donkey

thehappybutterfly wrote: »

I've decided to completely ignore KwikFit.

this is usually good advice.

About anything

Iceweasel

thehappybutterfly wrote: »

thanks Iceweasel. I wasn't sure of any other way of checking manufacture fit against modificatons.

Its a 5 door, 52 plate petrol.

the tyres on it now are 235/60 R16, 100H

Kwikfit didnt recognise the reg number but when I popped in the model etc, the tyre codes were, I think, 195/55 R15, T84. Completely different.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara came with 3 different wheel/tyre options depending on the engine size and trim level.


There were 15", 16" and 17" options.


The 235/60 16 size is the correct tyre for the V6 Petrol version - so I would just replace exactly what the vehicle has now.


Tyre pressures should be 2.1Bar (31psi) all round.


The 15" wheels were only fitted on the smaller 1.6litre 16Valve engines models.

thehappybutterfly

Thanks all! I checked with blackcircles first then compared them with KrapFit, McConechey's, ATS and a local fitter. KrapFit were the most expensive. McC was the cheapest. Hankooks RA33 or RA23. The 33's are cheaper, more fuel efficient and better grip in the wet. And quieter.

Nodding_Donkey

It does depend on which make you want. I looked at the Bridgestone Dueller and they were a fiver cheaper

takethatfan1978

Remember to check camskills,they were the cheapest for me and had our mechanic fit them I agree though it is a minefield!

I had a vitara when I first learned to drive,always wanted one as a kid.

Bought it band new in 95,had to see after a couple of years as had a baby 'sniff' anyway found out it only got scrapped a year and a half ago.
Here it is was a wee cracker back then