18" tyres recommendation for FR 1.4

[Mr Pig]

Just got the car so I need to get used to how it feels but the Goodyear seem to have crazy grip.

I've liked any Goodyear tyres I've had. They always seem to offer good grip and more importantly feel progressive and predictable.

I agree that tyre pressures make a big difference but I disagree about the difference between the beam and independent rear suspension. I've had both (Leon and Golf) and also had the two systems on two other very similar cars (Nissan Primeras). They feel different, I prefer the independent systems, but in terms of actual grip I don't think there is much in it. It's worth remembering that on a beam axle both back wheels stay parallel to the ground at all times and there have been a lot of brilliant handling cars which featured a solid rear axle. Mk 1 and 2 Ford Escort for example.

I'd rather have the independent set up as it's much more playful and engaging but the beam gets the job done just fine.

 

[Glosphil]

I went from the original Bridgestones to Goodyear Eagle F1 A5 & they were an all round better tyre. I used winter tyres for 5-6 months of the year.

I then fitted Michelin Crossclimate 2s for all year round use. Seem as good as the F1 A5s in summer & almost as good as the winter tyres when the temperature is low.

 

[andylong]

Unless you swap your tyres cross climates or similar are the way to go in my view. It doesn't matter it seems how good your tyre is, if it's cold and wet a cross climate will be better.

 

[Glosphil]

Some drivers seem to think that winter, or a season, tyres are only better than summer tyres when there is snow or ice. However, they are also better in low temperatures (less than 7C according to the tyre manufacturers), especially when the road is wet.

 

[Mr Pig]

Some drivers seem to think that winter, or a season, tyres are only better than summer tyres when there is snow or ice. However, they are also better in low temperatures (less than 7C according to the tyre manufacturers), especially when the road is wet.

The problem is that in the UK our recent winters have not been very bad so for a lot of people winter tyres just don't seem justified. I get that but one crash is one too many in my book. And also, winter tyres don't actually cost that much to run so...

 

[Walone]

The problem is that in the UK our recent winters have not been very bad so for a lot of people winter tyres just don't seem justified. I get that but one crash is one too many in my book. And also, winter tyres don't actually cost that much to run so...

I'm considering getting some 'all seasons' tyres for next autumn/winter but not sure what to get. My current tyres are still good, 3.5mm+ but they are now 7+ years old and starting to show minor cracking on the edges. I've only done 30k since new!!

 

[Mr Pig]

I'm considering getting some 'all seasons' tyres for next autumn/winter but not sure what to get. My current tyres are still good, 3.5mm+ but they are now 7+ years old and starting to show minor cracking on the edges. I've only done 30k since new!!

I would consider all seasons for use all year round if you don't want to be swapping wheels twice a year. They are obviously a compromise but better than summer tyres in the winter and better than winter tyres in the summer.

 

[andylong]

Yeah I feel your pain. Its a dilemma I face, my current car has some continentals on an still has loads of tread, however my work route now has a lot of untreated roads and inclines all of which have tested the tired even at low speeds.
Wet, cold (sub 10 degrees) don't suit a summer tyre so I will take the plunge come autumn.
The test tyre reviews did has cemented my choice as there's not really any arguement that summer tyres perform poorly in the above conditions and that an all season tyres will be a better choice.
We may not have severe winters in the UK but half the year is wet and over half the year is sub 10 degrees.
If you rarely go out in the wet or when it's cold it probably won't be an issue ofcourse.
If you like to whizz about it's even more of an issue as you are closer to the limit of grip more.
Issues get disguised with traction control and abs but it's worth remembering that if you are out of grip you can't slow down to get more and it's usually just electric cars that can tailor drive to individual wheels without applying the brakes.

 

[Mr Pig]

If you like to whizz about it's even more of an issue as you are closer to the limit of grip more.

Whenever I've talked to people about tyre quality the one response that comes up more than any other is 'I don't need good tyres as I don't drive fast'. What they mean is that they don't accelerate hard or drive aggressively but they do drive fast. 70mph on the motorway is fast. 30mph in the town is fast.

99% of the time tyre choice is unimportant. The car is crusing along with no great stresses on anything but the 1% happens to all of us. The kid walking out in front of us, accidentally arriving at a corner a little too fast. At that moment a good tyre might make the difference between a fright and a kid going to hospital. Staying on the road and carrying on your day or becoming flowers on a tree. Worth a few pounds extra every few years.

 

[andylong]

Drivers are in control of the speeds under whatever conditions exist, mistakes will be made.
Having the wrong tyre on the car is something else, it's a choice, but not yet a legal issue.
I imagine at some point, maybe it's already happening, drivers being stuck on for having the wrong tyre on the car for the conditions in a civil court by insurance companies.

In Europe winter or all weather tyres are compulsory, maybe not all Europe ofcourse.
Most of the safety stuff, tyres, lane assist etc is driven from the on those grounds.

 

[Mr Pig]

Having the wrong tyre on the car is something else, it's a choice, but not yet a legal issue.

Having the wrong tyres on the car is a legal issue. There is a tyre specification for your car. If you fit tyres that don't comply, either too low a speed rating, different size etc, your insurance company can void your insurance. Even if you fit winter tyres, you should tell them. For years we had to call the insurance company twice a year to tell them we were changing the tyres. Eventually they told us we didn't need to notify them as they knew we were doing every year.

But there can be a large difference in performance between tyres which have the same speed rating etc. If you think a Chinese tyre costing £50 will perform as well as a £130 Goodyear you're wrong.

 

[andylong]

Wrong tyre for the conditions I should have said.
It's been a while since I looked back at this, but voiding your insurance is like it never existed and there are really only a few reasons they can do that, construction and use violations are not one of them. Deception comes to mind.

They can sue you following an accident or somesuch, but that would be to get the payout back off you they have paid to a 3rd party and they cancel your insurance.

I cannot recall the act and section but it's in the road traffic act somewhere to the effect that unless (certain criteria) apply insurance covering 3rd party risks will be upheld by the insurance company until cancelled.