Tyre choices again!

[mole42]

The Uniroyal RainExpert tyres on my car will need replacing this year or early next (depending on how hard I drive!) but the choice of tyre is becoming rather restricted. I like the RainExperts but they are becoming more difficult to find.

I use 174/80R14 right now with a speed rating of T (190kph/118mph) which is okay for the UK but I'll be doing a trip to Berlin in the summer so I want U or H rated tyres because autobahn speeds are a little higher than UK motorways. I'd be happy to use 185/80R14 if I could find them but I don't want to use a lower profile because of the speedo error.

I have used Avon and Continental in the past but it seems all the manufacturers are phasing out the chunkier profile options in 14" wheel sizes.

Bearing in mind that I do 10,000 miles a year in all weathers, has anyone any recommendations for tyre choice? Or am I going to have to change to a 15" wheel?

Richard

[69k4mbo]

185/70 R14 Firestone comes highly recommended from reputable people in the know .....

[dasadrew]

Going from 175/80R14 to 185/80R14 gives a 2.5% difference in speedo reading
Going from 175/80R14 to 195/70R14 gives a 1.1% difference in speedo reading

195/70R14 is a pretty well established size and widely (apparently) available as Uniroyal Rain Expert (which I have on the Stag)

https://www.mytyres.co.uk/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?details=dim_select&details=1&cart_id=RQqo8yeJO7qYqnHy.110.209463841&Cookie=psm_rd_uk_tyrereviews&ranzahl=4&dsco=110&typ_Breite=R-273964%7C195

Drew

[trunt]

Did Triumph actually make any changes when they started fitting 175profile tyres or was the 2.5% difference considered OK?

Terry

[StagJonno]

Did Triumph actually make any changes when they started fitting 175profile tyres or was the 2.5% difference considered OK?

Terry

Presume you're referring to the speedo calibration, Terry. IIRC, the tolerance on speedos, in the UK, is +15%/ -0%, which is why speedos tend to overread. In my experience with many cars, referenced to my satnav the overread is around 10%, so a 2.5% change should still leave you within tolerance.

My change to 195/70/14 resulted in an underread at 30 of~2.5%. I think that means that strictly, it wouldn't satisfy our Construction & Use Regs. I think I could get away with it playing the historic 43+ years old card. Ket thing is to do your own calibration with a satnav (must be on a level straight bit of road) and then drive accordingly to stay within the speed limits that matter

[Phil S]

there is also a good speedo app on android that is a good as the sat nav use but a lot bigger picture to glance at when checking

[jbuckl]

195/70 is a good compromise.
Triumph rarely fitted 175 tyres to stags.
probably only when they ran out / were on account stop & used the big six wheels & tyres to keep going.
The build sheets used to record tyre make & size.

[jbuckl]

185/70 R14 Firestone comes highly recommended from reputable people in the know .....

Hard to find those though . Was easier to get 195/70/14 Firestones

[mjheathcote]

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m4b0s389p97410/Uniroyal_Tyres_Car_Uniroyal_RainExpert_Uniroyal_Rain_Expert_-_195_70_R14_91H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_E_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_71dB

Sorted!

[NickA]

Just done my wheels and tyres.... Avon ZT7 185/70 H from Camskill. Old tyres were 195/70 Goodyear's (about 22 years old.....) Power Coat had become so flaky 3 of the wheels wouldn't hold pressure.

Couple of before and after shots

Before Outer.jpg

Before inner (2).jpg

After Outer.jpg

After Inner.jpg

Tyre.jpg

[69k4mbo]

NickA where you have wheels done .?

[mole42]

It's good to know the Avons are H rated. The Uniroyals I have on right now are only T rated :-(

[new to this]

I have the same make of tyre,but i went for the 60s profile on the Dolomite

[NickA]

NickA where you have wheels done .?

http://www.acefinishcarrepairs.com/ in Godmanchester. Really impressed with the service and the finish

[NickA]

It's good to know the Avons are H rated. The Uniroyals I have on right now are only T rated :-(

I did initially order Uniroyals in H as they were showing in stock at Camskill but unfortunately stock only turned out to be 1. They had them in T but I wanted H rated (I know probably make f'all difference). The Avons seem to get good reviews so we shall see once they get an outing.