Cayman S Front Tyres

[Johnniem]

So, if you were off the Europe for a bit of hoonage in two months time and there were perhaps 2 - 3 mm left of tread on the front tyres and the outside edges were running a bit smooth (but would still get through an MOT!), would you spunk the money on two new fronts (235/35 ZR 19's) or would you change them after the hoon (no days on end of hairpin bends at 'aaaaaaaaaaaaaaghhh' leptons on mountain stages for me this time!). One of my TVR buddies always changes his Tuscan boots for semi slicks before the hoon so I am guessing it is OK yes?

The question was really raised in my mind as a result of thinking about the MOT, which comes up in November.

BTW, you can stop all this TVR joke nonsense about not making it back to Blighty if he takes the Tiv. It's a special Tuscan powered by an LS7 Chevy engine and would put most, if not all, Pork to shame. And it'll need its first service in, what, another 80,000 miles or so! Our trip before last involved many Tivs, Mercs etc and the one that broke down and had to be shipped home? Nissan GTR. mwahahaha!!!

[FarQue]

So your front tyres are getting low on tread and you have a longish trip planned and you're wondering whether you should fit new tyres? Is there more than one answer to your question?

[Johnniem]

Well, without using too much sarcasm, there are two. Yes or no. As explained in the post, there is another chap who changes his to semi slicks specifically for the trip. If you think that to replace the tyres is the only option then a simple 'yes' would have done. I also mentioned that the tyres are not illegal and would pass an mot, I had them checked at an OPC. As a last point, I also mentioned that on this trip there will no hairpin mountain passes to take into account (where the front tyres do get a lot of bashing). Thanks for your comment anyway. I think I have your answer.

[CampingGaz]

Would absolutely change tyres in that scenario - for possibility of wet weather, performance of tyre and finally piece of mind.

Are your friends tyres specifically 'designed' semi-slicks vs your 'worn' OEM tyres ?

Worth a read, showing how tyres loose grip below 3mm : http://www.tyresforlife.co.uk/www/tyres_for_life_u...

Edited by CampingGaz on Monday 14th July 19:55

[FarQue]

Fair enough, but it sounds like they're getting close to the limit... if it's pouring with rain you'd maybe want some deeper tread. Just saying.

[agtlaw]

I'd replace them. There are parts of Europe where when it rains, it really rains.

[mankey]

I'm with FarQue. Your tyres lose grip loooooooooooooooooooong before they get down to 1.6mm.

Anyone who's taken a corner (in any car) at more than the optimum speed will know that.

[ORD]

Worn rears just make the Cayman more neutral. Worn fronts will cause understeer and be a bit dodgy in the rain. Do it or don't, but don't pay much attention to the danger mongers. I'd stick with them unless I was planning to drive fast and/or in very bad conditions.

[CampingGaz]

You don't need high spirited driving to feel the issue of worn tyres, nor do I know a way forecasting the weather/road conditions over a long trip ...

Perhaps a more accurate depth measurement needs to be provided ? Between 2-3m is a huge variance....with worn edges ?

We spend £££££'s on great cars, look for ideal trips to stretch their legs and consequently get our enjoyment and then compromise it all for a few hundred £££'s

Danger Mongers ? Really ?

Edited by CampingGaz on Monday 14th July 20:32

[Johnniem]

Seems like a resounding 'change the tyres' view. Thanks guys. Will do.

[CampingGaz]

Then when you find that 'unexpected' piece of great road on your trip, you'll have the confidence to enjoy it....

Isn't that what owning a Pork is all about ;-) ?

Johnniem said:

Seems like a resounding 'change the tyres' view. Thanks guys. Will do.

[Johnniem]

Spot on CGaz!

[GeeForce]

I have a set of front Pirelli P-Zero's (same size as yours/N-rated/from my Spyder) if you're interested. 5mm all round. Was about to stick them up in classifieds. Pm me if interested. Ideal for hooning in as you can enjoy guilt free, unlike a new set :-)

Edited by GeeForce on Tuesday 15th July 00:08

[ORD]

Would also have the advantage compared to new tyres of not having to be scrubbed in. My new Pirellis were hog st for a couple of hundred miles.

I didn't mean to be rude, guys. I'm just not persuaded that most people drive close enough to the grip limits to notice the difference between 5mm and 3mm. It's pretty minimal in the dry.

Also, I did make the point that fronts are worth replacing sooner than rears. I wouldn't have bothered unless I intended to drive fast (which I would...so I would).

[Johnniem]

I'm definitely going to change them for new ones. Since I would have to do that before November anyway it seems a nonsense not to do it now, especially after all you salient comments and the fact that No 1 son will be in the passenger seat for the trip. No need to compromise on safety at this juncture.

This is why I love PH (even though it seems to cost me dear so often! hehe).

[LukeKerr]

Good comments - Once your tread gets below 3mm performance starts to degrade. People forget that the 1.6mm is just the legal limit but at 3mm you will notice a loss of performance.