Which tyres to buy?

[ms00skr]

I have a 2004 Ford Focus Zetec 1.8 petrol, the tyres that are on the car (195/60R15) constantly need topping up and I've noticed that they differ from what the Owners Guide says (195/65R15). Any ideas on which ones I should purchase? Thanks in advance.

[Drive Blind]

what do you want in a tyre?

cheapness?
longevity?
outright grip?

[ms00skr]

Longevity and good value. I mostly just commute and not much more and need to keep costs down but appreciate this doesn't mean buying cheap in the first place. Found some Kuhmo K18 on Camskill for £39.30 each.

[PlayersNo6]

"Longevity"

Anything by Pirelli?

What speed rating does the handbook state is needed?

[ms00skr]

up to 100mph

[dave_s13]

Khumos are very good.

I've recently put 4 Ecsta Sports on my volvo and they are great.

Absolute $h1t in snow though.

[rallycross]

If its always needing air topping up its not the tyres, the problem is the rim is not seeling with the beed of the tyre, we had this on a Focus 2004 zetec with standard Ford alloys, the local tyre shop tried a few times to get it to stop losing air removing the tyre and re-fitting with seeler.

The third time they used a drill bit to buff the inside of the alloys to get a better grip between the tyre and the alloy - which worked. It didnt cost much to do this.


But if you do need new tyres it wont make much difference on that car either 60 or 65 series tyres, as long as they are all the same (and what size is your spare?) do you really need four new tyres?

[PlayersNo6]

"up to 100mph"

Check out this table :

http://www.blackcircles.com/general/speedrating

Despite the maximum speed you will drive I reckon on a 1.8 Focus you will probably need an H rated tyre at least - handbook will advise.

Hardest wearing will be Pirelli P6000 or Goodyear NCT5 - neither are good handling tyres for 'enthusiastic' driving though. I think both of these were OE fit at some point on the MKI Focus.

Best to check out what is available and at what price on :

http://www.mytyres.co.uk/

Pick a few and review on :

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/

Once you've narrowed down your choices ring round your local places for the best price.