Tyres

[mark i]

I can put a second recomendation for black circles. The local small tyre outfitter said that they were one of the better online companies to work for. Little things like they phone and check that the order is through and that the tyres have arrived. If not then black circles call the customer before the fitting date. I have had no problems with them.

 

[Mr Pig]

no feathering or wear concentrated on the edges.

Don't agree. You'll always get a little on the outside of the front tyres.

 

[Plax]

Unless you've got reason to think it might be out there is no reason to get it checked. Symptoms include uneven tyre wear and light/skittish steering at high speed. Don't confuse wear on the outside edge of the front tyres with a problem, that's normal, especially on the front left. Roundabouts.

Also, many tyre places will tell you it's out and adjust it slightly for no reason. If it's not a problem leave it alone.

Well, I'd be happier to get it checked out. I should really have changed the tyres ages ago for peace of mind (tread is still legal on them). It has 3 different makes of tyre - the two front ones are the same, but the back ones are different to each other (but have very similar tread patterns).

Mr Pig tyre wear should be even and smooth across the width of the tyre, no feathering or wear concentrated on the edges unless of course the driver is a maniac (James Martin) and we wouldn't be advocating that on a cycling forum would we........ Like wise the tyre should be checked regularly to ensure they remain at the recommended pressure to maximise tyre life and fuel economy.

I check the pressure and tread regularly on mine mainly due to the front left hand side tyre always been a few PSI lower than the front right hand side one even though I put the same air in them both (back tyres are always the same as each other). The wear on the front left hand tyre is slightly more than the front right hand tyre too so I'm a bit fanatical about checking them weekly hence why I should have changed the tyres ages ago. I should have done it when I bought the car in January, but finances got the better of me and I haven't got round to it since.

I'll check Blackcircles properly when I get home.

 

[Crankarm]

Don't agree. You'll always get a little on the outside of the front tyres.

Then your wheels need toe-ing out slightly.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

i got some kumho tyres for around £40 each fitted. from info via a knowledgeable friend, they are to tyres what shimano sora is to groupsets: bottom end of the quality market, but perfectly good if you're not needing race performance and better than the unbranded generic shimano stuff.

hope you follow that…

 

[Mr Pig]

Then your wheels need toe-ing out slightly.

No they don't! ;0)

It has 3 different makes of tyre

You are doing the right thing. At least the two on the front are the same. Tyres can have very different grip characteristics and with odd tyres on the front, especially in the wet, the car can pull sideways quite badly under heavy braking.

You should always change them in pairs for the same reason. I replace them when they get down to about 2.5 to 3mm. I know you can legally run them down lower than that but in heavy rain they're just isn't enough tread depth for them to work properly.

Also, and this seems an odd one but, if you have two new and two part-worn tyres on the car you should put the new ones on the back. You're far less likely to skid if you do that.

 

[bauldbairn]

No they don't! ;0)



You are doing the right thing. At least the two on the front are the same. Tyres can have very different grip characteristics and with odd tyres on the front, especially in the wet, the car can pull sideways quite badly under heavy braking.

You should always change them in pairs for the same reason. I replace them when they get down to about 2.5 to 3mm. I know you can legally run them down lower than that but in heavy rain they're just isn't enough tread depth for them to work properly.

Also, and this seems an odd one but, if you have two new and two part-worn tyres on the car you should put the new ones on the back. You're far less likely to skid if you do that.

Just out of curiousity does anyone know "why" its important to always have the new tyres on the back?

I always do it when I change the tyres on any car I've ever had (cause somebody told me). Gives the tyres a scrub and gets rid of any of the manufacturers anti-bonding agent, I thought? Before you stick them on the front. Apparently thats not the case - think its more of a safety issue, less chance of a blow-out on a new tyre or something??????

I try to change the tyres before they get to 3mm. Had a scary aquaplanning incident on the M9 out of Edinburgh, with some Bridgestone REO40's that decided to lose all grip at 70mph in some lying water.
They were only just below 3mm - the legal limit in Germany, where safety is paramount.

 

[Mr Pig]

Just out of curiousity does anyone know "why" its important to always have the new tyres on the back?

Yes. I only found out myself a year or so ago.

Imagine you are cornering in the wet and the worn tyres start to loose grip.

If the worn tyres are on the front you will feel it straight away and ease off the gas, usually catching the slide easily.

If the worn tyres are on the back and it starts to slide it is harder to spot and harder to correct so you are much more likely to loose control.

I remember hearing many years ago that the police always fit the new tyres on the back and move the part-worn back tyres to the front but I didn't know why. I had thought you should put the new tyres on the front as the front does most of the work. You live and learn.

 

[Mr Pig]

Had a scary aquaplanning incident on the M9 out of Edinburgh

The best wet tyres I've ever used are Vredestein Sportrac3, they're unbelievable. You can drive through standing water and feel no difference. Obviously you don't go too near the limits on wet roads but the wet grip they have feels very similar to the dry! Really good tyres.

 

[simonali]

Get a blackcircles fitted price and then go to the fitter recommended and ask what their price is for the same tyres. It'll be cheaper!

 

[bauldbairn]

Yes. I only found out myself a year or so ago.

Imagine you are cornering in the wet and the worn tyres start to loose grip.

If the worn tyres are on the front you will feel it straight away and ease off the gas, usually catching the slide easily.

If the worn tyres are on the back and it starts to slide it is harder to spot and harder to correct so you are much more likely to loose control.

I remember hearing many years ago that the police always fit the new tyres on the back and move the part-worn back tyres to the front but I didn't know why. I had thought you should put the new tyres on the front as the front does most of the work. You live and learn.

Thanks for the reply its an education being on this site - as well as a laugh.

 

[bauldbairn]

The best wet tyres I've ever used are Vredestein Sportrac3, they're unbelievable. You can drive through standing water and feel no difference. Obviously you don't go too near the limits on wet roads but the wet grip they have feels very similar to the dry! Really good tyres.

Yeh! Think I've heard they're good in the wet - and to be honest, that's when I use the car the most.

I fitted Dunlop SP9000 that have a kind of fern like pattern - and a compound specifically for wet climates(I don't believe everything I read,honest!). Think they're fitted to BMW's, Mini Cooper S's, Audi A8's and various other German cars as standard. Once they've got a heat in them(4/5miles) - are as good as anything I've tried in the wet and the anti-aquaplanning tread's been as good as its word.

Thanks again for your opinion.