Wheels/Tyres: What Tyre?

[Angie]

Just to update, as you've all been so helpful: I had the Falkens fitted last week and they are definitely a significant improvement, the steering seems lighter and more responsive and there's less road noise - not that the others were particularly noisy despite being low-end budget.

Some of the improvement is due perhaps to the fact that the LH tyre had worn very badly on the outer edge, and the RH one was slightly worn, but even so there's a much more secure feel than I've noticed in the past. If I have time I'll try to scan and post the alignment 'before and after' chart, the adjustments had certainly been delayed for rather too long! Even with the old tyres the car, not surprisingly, felt so much nicer after adjustment. My dad would have been ashamed of me!

[Angie]

Originally Posted by vandf240

Just put 4 Nokian Line 195 60 15's on my 240 (on Virgo's). Same price here in Australia as Japanese/Korean tyres and they were the test winner in the 2015 ADAC summer tyre test (185/60 R14 H).

I'll keep you posted on performance, wear etc. They are rated as a summer tyre (which is fine for Sydney as we never have snow or ice here - at least on the coast).

They seem to be available for around 50 pounds in the UK.

I believe the problem I faced was the small, 14'', rim size, it limits the range of choice. I don't really want to change to different wheels though, they're part of the character of the car.

[Stephen Edwin]

Originally Posted by Angie

I believe the problem I faced was the small, 14'', rim size, it limits the range of choice. I don't really want to change to different wheels though, they're part of the character of the car.

For myeslf I absolutely agree with you Angie - including those of your words that I have failed to emphasise.



I also respect those 200 owners who go with other wheels sizes ... and many of them are active developers of the 200 ownership concept driving forward the body of knowledge re 200s for all of us ... kushtie ...

.

[Angie]

By coincidence I was deleting some 'favourites' from long ago and came across my own thread, 2011 I think, about, guess what, tyres! What a twit, I should have simply done a search. Interestingly the first reply recommended Falken Sincera, so history repeating itself.

I've just done a proper major road drive, and the difference in handling and ease of steering is immense. Parking is so much easier now too, the steering is so light, obviously the alignment faults coupled with basic tyres had caused a cumulative and gradual decline which I hadn't really noticed. That'll teach me to take care of maintenance in future.