Tyre choice - what do you reckon?
Discussion
About to replace the fronts on my (front wheel drive) company hack - I've got it down to two possibles based on various on line reviews.
245/45/ZR18 - Choice between Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta or Uniroyal Rainsport 2.
I would like good wet weather grip as a priority, and am not too bothered about all out dry weather grip or track days as I'm getting a bit too old for all that... and only need the fronts as the rears (Conti Sport Contact 3's) are only half worn.
Thoughts (or other options) appreciated.
245/45/ZR18 - Choice between Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta or Uniroyal Rainsport 2.
I would like good wet weather grip as a priority, and am not too bothered about all out dry weather grip or track days as I'm getting a bit too old for all that... and only need the fronts as the rears (Conti Sport Contact 3's) are only half worn.
Thoughts (or other options) appreciated.
Nokian Z G2 for a less well known, but very good tyre. Consistently praised in tests for its wet weather grip and handling. Mytyres are showing the Nokian to be a fraction cheaper than your suggestions as an added bonus.
minghis said:
I've heard this before, but logic says it's better to have the newest tyre on the front with the deepest tread to clear the water? Or not..
Pros and cons either way.
Imho, whilst in theory the front tyres will cut a path through the standing water for the rears to follow, when cornering the rears will cut the corner and be exposed to the deeper water. Cornering is also where you least want to be exposed to rear end aquaplaning.
As much as a little back end movement is fun when pushing on, aquaplaning is a different kettle of fish. I'd personally be inclined to put the newer ones on the back, but I have done the opposite on several occasions and not had any problems.
As always, different cars, driving styles and conditions mean the answer can be argued back and forth for longer than you keep the new tyres.
minghis said:
BoostMonkey said:
Rainsports, and get the new tyres put on the back and the conti's moved to the front.
I've heard this before, but logic says it's better to have the newest tyre on the front with the deepest tread to clear the water? Or not.. VBH has spoken. And you will listen. And ogle, maybe,
sherman said:
Im about to replace all 4 tyres on my car which are exactly the same size as the OP's and I have gone for Falken 452s. Have I done the right thing?
Excellent tyres, the only issue I had was putting 220bhp through the fronts, enthusiastically, meant they had a lifespan measured in weeks.ShampooEfficient said:
sherman said:
Im about to replace all 4 tyres on my car which are exactly the same size as the OP's and I have gone for Falken 452s. Have I done the right thing?
Excellent tyres, the only issue I had was putting 220bhp through the fronts, enthusiastically, meant they had a lifespan measured in weeks.sherman said:
Im about to replace all 4 tyres on my car which are exactly the same size as the OP's and I have gone for Falken 452s. Have I done the right thing?
Mid-priced tyre. Decent grip, shorter life.For the OP I guess the only question is how much his company will allow to be spent on some proper tyres before they hit the roof over the bill!
sherman said:
Im about to replace all 4 tyres on my car which are exactly the same size as the OP's and I have gone for Falken 452s. Have I done the right thing?
They aren't exactly the same size. The correct profile is 225/45r18 not 245/45r18.I'm not trying to pull you up, just make sure you get the proper size tyres
wolves_wanderer said:
sherman said:
Im about to replace all 4 tyres on my car which are exactly the same size as the OP's and I have gone for Falken 452s. Have I done the right thing?
They aren't exactly the same size. The correct profile is 225/45r18 not 245/45r18.I'm not trying to pull you up, just make sure you get the proper size tyres
It is 225/45 r18s Im getting. It was just a typo that I didnt spot when posting first time.
sherman said:
wolves_wanderer said:
sherman said:
Im about to replace all 4 tyres on my car which are exactly the same size as the OP's and I have gone for Falken 452s. Have I done the right thing?
They aren't exactly the same size. The correct profile is 225/45r18 not 245/45r18.I'm not trying to pull you up, just make sure you get the proper size tyres
It is 225/45 r18s Im getting. It was just a typo that I didnt spot when posting first time.
Ultrac Sessanta - fairly old tyre now, still good performance for the price though.
Rainsport 2 - excellent performance, but many reports of poor steering feel.
If you're looking for the new mid range king, my choice is this:
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/Fulda-SportCo...
Rainsport 2 - excellent performance, but many reports of poor steering feel.
If you're looking for the new mid range king, my choice is this:
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/Fulda-SportCo...
sherman said:
Erm. Im going to be putting 230bhp through the rears. I hope they should be ok.
Wil be fine. Had a set on an E46 330i with the same BHP (but more torque 
) a few years ago and had no problems. Lasted a lot better than the Toyo Proxes I had on it beforehand if memory serves. Good wet/dry grip and progressive breakaway if pushed too hard. I've just put Vredesteins Ultrac Sessantas on the back of my M3 with 6 month old Contis on the front and my feeling is that the Vredesteins have tipped the balance to it being rear end grippy now.
This is great for getting the power on out of corners, but it's adjusted the grip balance to the rear which is far less fun overall.
For excellent grip I'd recommend the Vredesteins.
This is great for getting the power on out of corners, but it's adjusted the grip balance to the rear which is far less fun overall.
For excellent grip I'd recommend the Vredesteins.
SWoll said:
sherman said:
Erm. Im going to be putting 230bhp through the rears. I hope they should be ok.
Wil be fine. Had a set on an E46 330i with the same BHP (but more torque ) a few years ago and had no problems. Lasted a lot better than the Toyo Proxes I had on it beforehand if memory serves. Good wet/dry grip and progressive breakaway if pushed too hard. 
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