A Question About Tyres......

Woody

Woody

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2,802
Morning chaps,

I need to get some new boots for the GS and would like some opinions on the options.

Having read around, I'm leaning towards the FALKEN's. At present, I have P Zero's on all round but I only really need to do the rears.

So, do I.....

a) just buy two Pirelli rears and be done (c£500)
b) buy two Falken rears and be done (c£280) - is mix and matching OK or will it affect the performance?
c) grow a pair and buy four Falken's (c£500) and keep the fronts for spares as/when I find some spare alloys?

Also, any suggestions as to where to try? I've looked at the usual suspects - Camskill, AllNewTyres, BlackCirclles....am I missing any others?

Key for me is whether or not I should mix and match and if not, whether to stick with P Zero's or step away and on to Falkens.

Any pointers appreciated.

Cheers
Woody
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
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34,678
Woody, option b) as the rear wear twice as fast as the fronts, assuming you done have any camber issues with the front tyres wearing the inner edges off really quickly.

Then, after about 8-10k miles when the rears are past their best, get the set of 4 fitted then.

As for purchasing, yes, you can save a few quid on buying online, but I find its not worth it for Falkens. All you need to do is find you local Micheldeaver tyre distributer and they will supply and fit them for about £10 a corner more...is it worth the agro?

I still am amazed at just how good the Falkens are, dont even hesitate about it. Loz and a few others like the Vredseins which I hear are as good as the Falkens, a bit more expensive and the only difference is they have the reinforced sidewall, which I would stay away from.

Both the Vreds and the Pirelli have this and all it does is split the tyre if you hit a pothole. I saw this happen to Loz in France, it blew out at 90! I also had it happen to a front tyre. Also, everytime you go over a bump or pothole, it knocks your teeth out, with the Falkens, and not having the reinforced sidewall, it gets rid of this and makes for a much better ride.

Loz hit a pothole at the Xmas doo and it set off his passenger door airbag, whilst Kaz was sat there, she looked to be in alot of pain. This I am sure was due to reinforced sidewalls.
 
Woody

Woody

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2,802
Cheers Matt. So you dont reckon there'll be an issue with having different front/rears?

I was thinking about getting the Hunter alignment done too - I did have this done when I bought the car but I occasionally have the heart-stopping moment when changing lanes that I would like to sort out. I wasnt sure if having different rears might exacerbate this?

I'll have a look for Micheldeaver, ta.
 
conaero

conaero

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34,678
Woody said:
Cheers Matt. So you dont reckon there'll be an issue with having different front/rears?

I was thinking about getting the Hunter alignment done too - I did have this done when I bought the car but I occasionally have the heart-stopping moment when changing lanes that I would like to sort out. I wasnt sure if having different rears might exacerbate this?

I'll have a look for Micheldeaver, ta.
Click to expand...

If you are having a full Hunter alignment, I would then go for Falks all round.

I have just updated post number 2 regarding the reinforced sidewalls, make sure you read it, its very important.
 
Parisien

Parisien

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As per Matts sidewall post...happen me too....only 400 miles on the tyre too...and was only doing 40!

P
 
Woody

Woody

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2,802
Parisien said:
....explain heart stopping moments Woody?!


P
Click to expand...

Its something similar to what I used to get in my M3 and I've been told its due to having wider rears than fronts, but basically, driving up the motorway, when you change lanes, the car seems to jump about a little. It basically followes the rutts in the road and certainly gives you a shot of adrenalin! The worst I had was on frost morning heading up the M1 - I wasnt especially pressing on, but it almost felt like I'd had a blow out. The car has been checked over and there's nothing untoward so I can only assumed its the alignment (though I had this done in Nov too) or the tyres.
 
Woody

Woody

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2,802
Conaero said:
If you are having a full Hunter alignment, I would then go for Falks all round.

I have just updated post number 2 regarding the reinforced sidewalls, make sure you read it, its very important.
Click to expand...
OK, thanks. I'm not sure on the alignment as I had it done a while back, but if its only £30-40, then I dont see the harm. I'll make some enquiries about a full set.

Thanks for the info on the sidewalls. I definately agree with the firmess of the suspension in sports mode on P Zeros - if I hit a hedghog, I reckon I could tell you what sex it was!
 
RSM Masser

RSM Masser

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2,437
marcos said:
£110 at Emblem!!
Click to expand...

That is an excellant price - I paid £70 for a check on a hunter but the guy could not release one of the bolts on the rear and did not have any shims - tracking was not to far out so its anothe job to get sorted correctly

Can certainly recommend Falkens, plenty of grip and seem to be wearing ok, easy to spin up in the wet though but I guess thats the trade off of nearly 400 horses!

Got mine from these - delivered next day
http://www.allnewtyres.co.uk
 
Woody

Woody

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2,802
I had the geometry done in Nov, is it likely to need doing again?

RSM, how did you go about getting the tyres fitted? Just go to a local place and get them done?
 
Woody

Woody

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2,802
Conaero said:
As for purchasing, yes, you can save a few quid on buying online, but I find its not worth it for Falkens. All you need to do is find you local Micheldeaver tyre distributer and they will supply and fit them for about £10 a corner more...is it worth the agro?
Click to expand...

I think the closest to me in Enfiled - I'll look for one a bit more local.
 
RSM Masser

RSM Masser

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2,437
Woody
A mate of mine runs a Kwik Fit - I would not usually let them near a Mas but I have known him for years, most independants will charge you between £10 and £15 a corner, more if you want nitrogen, the cost is for the balance and valve takes about 10min a wheel.
Worth ringing around locally and see what they charge
 
Woody

Woody

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2,802
OK, cheers.

I just asked a couple of locals - first one said they can't get the tyre but if I source them, they'll fit them for £29.90. + VAT. EACH!!!! £60+ to have two tyres fitted?? WTF!? I'm pretty sure I've paid c£7-8 in the past. Perhaps they hear the size and want to bum you.

I've also found a molbile guy who'll do it for £20/wheel. Still sounds dear though.
 
Parisien

Parisien

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...keep searching...........Woody....hate being turned over...just cos its a nice 'un.....

P
 
BennyD

BennyD

Sea Urchin Pate
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15,007
I'm wondering what tyres to fit as the Yokohamas my car came with are now getting a bit thin. I know guys on here rate the Falken 452(?) but on tyrereviews they get a bit slated on wear and wet weather grip. How do you guys rate the Michelin PS2/3 and the Bridgestone RE050s? What other tyres do you have fitted and how do you rate them? Any help would be appreciated. BTW the Yokohamas on mine are fairly carp. Quite good in the dry but sh1t if it isn't and they are very flighty when changing direction, giving a bit of a twitchy feeling,
 
Parisien

Parisien

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34,927
Official hand book says Michelin pilot sport and Pirelli P Zeros.........what the car was fitted with and designed to run on......so basically you pays your money and makes your choice.........


P
 
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