Elise S1 Tyres - Wet Roads

[Jaspar64]

I’ve recently purchased an Elise S1 111s. It’s been in storage for some time and has Yokohama Advan Neova AD05/06 LTS tyres with good tread depth.

These have been fine in dry with occasional showers , but I recently went out on a cold wet day. Driving carefully was not a problem but as soon as I squeezed on some power up a small straight hill it broke traction at the rear. Didn’t give me a lot of confidence that there is much in the way of spare grip.

I’m thinking of getting another set of wheels with a more ‘winter’ oriented tyre. The only options appear to be Toyo Proxes TR1. Or Advan AD08Rs.

Basically is this worth doing ?

[popegregory]

I’ve got the AD08s on mine and they are very good but by far and away the biggest factor in the wet is right foot traction control; it’s a light, mid-engined car and will want to pirouette if given the provocation.

[Kawasicki]

Plenty of excellent all season tyres now available.

[Jaspar64]

Kawasicki said:

Plenty of excellent all season tyres now available.

There seem to be plenty in front size of 195/50 R15 but very few in rear of 225/45 R16 and none that match the fronts.

[Tupwood]

How old are the tyres on a car that has been ‘in storage for some time’ ? Tread depth is only part of the equation. Tyres more than 5 years old will have hard rubber and won’t grip well in any conditions.

I don’t know the Yokos well enough to say it’s just that, but all tyres degrade so a new set of rears may get it planted again.

[Belle427]

I've not long put a full set of Yoko V105 on my S2 but can't comment on wet performance, think they are factory fit.
As you say there isn't much available on those sizes.
Uniroyal Rainsport maybe if you can find them, I had some Toyo TR1 on an Mx5 and they seemed ok tbf.

[56Lotus]

I have a 111S as my daily driver in Wet Devon and have for 6 years I have a 25 min commute across wet and muddy rural roads. I run Advan AD08Rs and have never had a problem. Elise's also go through deeper water better than you think.

[Jaspar64]

Thanks for the updates. My tyres are between 14 and 16 years old now. I think in the first instance I’ll get some new AD08Rs on the existing wheels and see how that goes.

[Sublime]

Jaspar64 said:

My tyres are between 14 and 16 years old now.

As others have said any tyre over 5 years old is past it's best and the rubber will be hard. Don't rely on tread depth. This is especially important on the Elise because it doesn't weigh much and when the rubber isn't pliable due to age you cannot generate enough heat to compensate for the cooling effects of the rain or cold outside temperature. Effectively this will give you no grip with the current weather. I've found the Elise is perfectly fine in snow with decent tyres. As you've already mentioned best to change them and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[otolith]

Jaspar64 said:

Thanks for the updates. My tyres are between 14 and 16 years old now. I think in the first instance I’ll get some new AD08Rs on the existing wheels and see how that goes.

Yep, those are buggered.