Tyre Choices

[The Aardvark]

Evening All

Probably covered before but after some real examples. Am seriously considering changing the Dunlop runflats on my 2007 Cooper - not fantastic grip, very harsh ride, and I'm sure that they cause several of the interior rattles.

However, am undecided on tyre choice, so 2 questions -

1) Can anyone recommend (or tell me to stay away from) any make or model of standard tyre?
or
2) Does anyone have any good experiences of the 3rd generation of runflats?

Appreciate any comments.
Thanks.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I replaced the Goodyear NCT5 RF on my 03 Cooper with Falken ZE912. Half the price, improved dry grip much improved wet grip and massively improved ride. It might have lost a touch of turn-in response but not really noticeable 6 months on - I think what you lose in sidewall stiffness you gain in much lighter tyres.

[CO2000]

I changed from dunlop runflats to vredestein ultrac sessantas which were great but limited sizes, see if other vredesteins fit your size (if the sessantas don't) as they are great value versus quality (imho)

[The Aardvark]

Thanks for the replies so far - anyone else?

Also, any good links for compressors and tyre /aerosol repair to keep in the car?

[Miglia 888]

My Cooper SD rides really well (on 16" wheels with 195's), yet still manages to hang on just as well as anything else from A to B over twisty B roads.

Less expensive lighter non-runflat tyres, on smaller lighter wheels, helps lower the unsprung weight, and improve the ride quality.

I use the savings for Michelin tyres which are more expensive than most, however they last around twice as long as other brands I've tried. Could be worth considering if you're going to keep yours for a few years.

[adbrace]

I've just ordered some Hancook V12's for my 07 cooper S. Asked about on some mini forums and they seem to get good reviews off everyone and I only paid £75 a tyre which was half the price of the Dunlops.

Can't make any personal comments yet but I will be getting them fitted next week so can come back to you then with what I think of them.

[jackh707]

Toyo proxy T1r 195/55/16s have been very good.

Ride wet grip and dry grip all massively improved but not too much grip as to make that bit of lift off oversteer round your favourite roundabout unobtainable.

[MX-5 Lazza]

adbrace said:

I've just ordered some Hancook V12's for my 07 cooper S. Asked about on some mini forums and they seem to get good reviews off everyone and I only paid £75 a tyre which was half the price of the Dunlops.

Can't make any personal comments yet but I will be getting them fitted next week so can come back to you then with what I think of them.

That's what I fitted to the Mrs Cooper S Cab. She is very happy with them - massively better than the Pirelli Euphoria RFs that were on there before in absolutely every way.

[adbrace]

MX-5 Lazza said:

That's what I fitted to the Mrs Cooper S Cab. She is very happy with them - massively better than the Pirelli Euphoria RFs that were on there before in absolutely every way.

That's good to know. Can't wait to get them on there to see the difference

[Onemcs]

jackh707 said:

Toyo proxy T1r 195/55/16s have been very good.

Ride wet grip and dry grip all massively improved but not too much grip as to make that bit of lift off oversteer round your favourite roundabout unobtainable.

as he said! I have them on 205/45/17 and same comments

[MX-5 Lazza]

I have T1R on my MX5. They are very good but lose grip when it gets really cold and are useless on snow & ice. They also lose a lot of grip when they wear down and usually need replacing before they get down to the wear indicators. Even my Mrs (who isn't a particularly talented driver) had no problems in the cold, snow & ice this year with the V12 Evo.

[The Aardvark]

Thanks again for the answers so far - think that my mind is definitely made up to switch.

Anyone have experience of repair kits? Is this the usual type of thing?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Slime-50033-Emergency-Repa...

Cheers.

[The Aardvark]

Well 4 Hankook V12 Evos fitted today - and initial impression is very good.
I was running the old Dunlop run flats at 35 psi all round, but the fitter has put the new ones at 34 front & 32 rear - does that sound right? Anyone else got any other recommendations?

And thanks again to all for the advice on here - much appreciated.