Which tyres for best grip?

[BIG DUNC]

Its time for new tyres.

For various reasons, I want to stick with the standard size :- 185/60-14.

All I am really interested in is how well they will grip, in all conditions, that is.

Much as I would love track day specials, they have to be good in the wet and cold as well.

Really don't care how quickly they wear out. The current tyres still have 6 mm tread left. They have just perished with age.

In fact, they were a bit perished when I got the car, 6 years ago, and it has done less than 5k miles since then.

Annoyingly, that is size is not a modern performance size, but it is quite common, so there should be something reasonably good available.

What do you suggest?

[S7Paul]

For an all-weather tyre, my daughter has found the Uniroyal Rainsport 3's to be the best. However, she has a 1.8 Sport, which has 16" wheels. The nearest in your size is the Rain Expert (currently £38.49 on Tyreleader).

[BIG DUNC]

Cheers Paul

[S7Paul]

No problem. Some people will tell you to get sportier tyres, but in a lightweight RWD car that will aquaplane very easily, you need something that will clear plenty of water. It doesn't matter if you don't have the ultimate in grip when it's dry (though these are pretty good), as any back end waywardness is more easily controlled (and fun).

[Pints]

The Falken ZE 914 is available in that size, and I've that tyre fitted to my Golf with no complaints. Comes with decent wet weather grip ratings on BC.

[snotrag]

Michelin Energy are excellent. When the tyres are that small, you can afford to put the best on. I'd go with a non-sporty type from Michelin/Pirelli/Continental etc etc.

[Gandahar]

All good suggestions, another is the Continental premium contact 5.

Tyres from the big manufacturers tend to have very good compounds for the wet nowadays and still grippy in dry even if not the sports tyres.

[BIG DUNC]

Thanks chaps.

I have no problem with paying slightly more for the best tyre. On the mileage I do, they will probably last ten years at least.

[trackerjack]

Why pay more when Uniroyal Rainsports are really good tyres?

[BIG DUNC]

I am not saying anything wrong with those, and I may get them.

What I am saying is, that I really want the tyre that gives best grip.

This is for a car with no electronic aids, and if you want to stop quickly in an emergency, you really want to stop quickly. There is no substitute for maximum possible grip.