Tyre choices?

[4x4]

Looking for a new set of boots.

I would like to go with the "proper" 185/14's ideally - but these seems scarce - and distinctly pricey.
I know 195/70 works ok for the boot board - a 205/70 is just too fat - but I think I can live with that.

So - what are you good people out there buying, and where are you getting them from?

[DJT]

Vredestein 185HR14. My local independent tyre shop (http://www.middevontyres.com) got them direct from Vredestein at £125 per corner including fitting and VAT.

[davidf]

+1 for Vredestein
My local independent tyre shop would not order them, but was quite happy to fit them if I got them. I ordered them from Oponeo, but I believe other on-line suppliers are also available.

[Rod1883]

As I posted a few days ago on another thread - http://socforum.com/forum/showthread...s-195-70-14-HR

I also have the Vredestein Classics, fitted about 18 months ago, and as others say they look right and so far feel good.
However, I do have an issue - the side walls have developed some small "bobbly" imperfections - the first one within weeks of fitting.
Vredestein don't want to know - very poor Customer service in my view.

I've seen very similar "bobbles" and lumps on vredestein classics on XK Jags.

I also have Vredestein Classics on the TR2 for about 7 years and again they look good, but have started to go out of shape. I always pump up to ~35+ psi over winter, and the car isn't left standing for more than 6 to 8 weeks at any one time, but they have flat spotted a bit. (do those radius tyre saver things work?)

Not sure I would go with the make again.

[Andy S]

There are several much cheaper options in the 185 80 14 tyre size. The trick is to avoid Van tyres and if you go for a T instead of H speed rating, or you select a different size you should phone your insurance company and clarify with them that they have no issues with this modification.

Camskill often have the necessary tyres and I'm sure other online stores list them. I found mine at a local fitting centre that was doing an offer.

Do a search of the forum as the subject has been covered many times and really does come down to what you want to spend and how much you use your car.

Andy S

[Rod1883]

I purchased my Vredesteins for the Stag from Camskill.
Great price but a word of warning:
The reason Vredestein wouldn't help me is because I should deal with the supplier - unacceptable in my view as the product itself is the issue.
Camskill would take a look at the tyres, with no guarantee of a positive outcome of course, but at my expense to get the tyres off the wheels and couriered back to them. I worked out it would cost me almost as much as the tyre did in the first place to get them, off, shipped, and refitted - even if they "found" in my favour.

I will pay a few pounds more to purchase tyres for a local supplier/fitter in future.

[Lingen]

4X4.
I have been using 195x70x14 tyres now for some years. They do look a bit smaller in the wheel arches, but the car handles well on them. There is also the advantage that there is a huge range of prices and makes to chose from at this size. I have just had four Dunlop Street Response 2's fitted for £240 and they are excellent. If you want to stick with the original 185/14,s I know someone who fitted Nankangs in that size last year, and has no complaints. They seem to be good value for money.
Mike.

[DJT]

The reason Vredestein wouldn't help me is because I should deal with the supplier - unacceptable in my view as the product itself is the issue.

The manufacturer is correct. Under consumer law, your contract is with the supplier and it is their responsibility to sort the problem.

[Rod1883]

The manufacturer is correct. Under consumer law, your contract is with the supplier and it is their responsibility to sort the problem.

...true, but the tyre that showed the fault was only weeks after fitting, and I made contact with the regional sales manager for Vredestein who initially agreed sending the tyre 3/4 of the way back up country was silly and promised to help me, but then didn't.
The Law is one thing, good customer service - going that bit further - is another and Vredestein failed in my opinion. Many good retailers do far more than the law says they have to.

My post is also to warn others of the distance selling issue that I ended up with.

[Andy S]

Did you use a credit card as the rules are quite different for purchases over £100 when dealing with distant sellers?

[KOY 23]

There are several much cheaper options in the 185 80 14 tyre size. The trick is to avoid Van tyres and if you go for a T instead of H speed rating, or you select a different size you should phone your insurance company and clarify with them that they have no issues with this modification.

Camskill often have the necessary tyres and I'm sure other online stores list them. I found mine at a local fitting centre that was doing an offer.

Do a search of the forum as the subject has been covered many times and really does come down to what you want to spend and how much you use your car.

Andy S

Not to forget grip, if you want it to stop before the car in front. My 15" wheels came as a package with some unknown tyres, which are coming off very soon as they lock up far too easily. If anyone wants a set of 4 185 section hardly worn tyres they are welcome to collect them. My view is that rubber is cheaper than metalwork repairs.

[redstag]

As I posted a few days ago on another thread - http://socforum.com/forum/showthread...s-195-70-14-HR

I also have the Vredestein Classics, fitted about 18 months ago, and as others say they look right and so far feel good.
However, I do have an issue - the side walls have developed some small "bobbly" imperfections - the first one within weeks of fitting.
Vredestein don't want to know - very poor Customer service in my view.

I've seen very similar "bobbles" and lumps on vredestein classics on XK Jags.

I also have Vredestein Classics on the TR2 for about 7 years and again they look good, but have started to go out of shape. I always pump up to ~35+ psi over winter, and the car isn't left standing for more than 6 to 8 weeks at any one time, but they have flat spotted a bit. (do those radius tyre saver things work?)

Not sure I would go with the make again.

I have had a couple of sets of Vredestein classics and I think some of the tyres in each set has had indentations in the sidewalls. I was told when fitted that it wasn't a problem and I have never had a problem with them.

This quote from someone who got an answer from Vredestein is on Pistonheads here:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1159000

The indentations are related to ply splice or carcuss splice. The carcuss construction and the sidewall material of thin-walled radial tyres can lead to slightly tighter cords in some areas around the sidewall. May I suggest that you explain to your customer that there is no suggestion of cord break being involved here and that the mentioned Tight cords are perfectly suitable for use.
Kind Regards

Mark Kearns
Technical coordinator.
Vredestein UK


Pete

[Rod1883]

That's interesting Pete, thank you.
The picture posted by "DippedHeadlights" on 13 May 2013 in the PistonHeads thread show exactly the problem on my tyres.

The Vredestein Sales Manager saw my tyre (this was early last year), and I took them to a local tyre fitter aligned with Vredestein - but neither put my mind at rest to the degree of this response.
I am happier with my "lumpy" tyres now.

Rod

[Andy S]

Not to forget grip, if you want it to stop before the car in front. My 15" wheels came as a package with some unknown tyres, which are coming off very soon as they lock up far too easily. If anyone wants a set of 4 185 section hardly worn tyres they are welcome to collect them. My view is that rubber is cheaper than metalwork repairs.

I'm afraid I don't agree, the only new car tyres available in the EU with unknown braking efficiency are tyres who's design pre-dates current EU labelling legislation. My tyres carried a label telling me the classification for wet braking efficiency, fuel efficiency and decibel reading.

I'm no expect, but I reckon that tyres that replicate a tread patten from 30+ years ago is ignoring everything that tyre manufacturers have put in to trying to improve braking and water displacement since then. These tyres offer a vintage look of a crossply, but have the safety of modern radial construction.

Without independent testing there is no way of confirming if they are better. I would love to know if any of the Classic Car magazines have carried out such a test.

[TR5convalescent]

I bought Michelin 195/70s from Enginuity about 2 years ago. Excellent tyres and not too expensive. From memory less than £300 for 4 fitted.