**Unofficial Tyre Thread**

I had two new F1AS2s fitted today. Didn't bother buying/booking through one of the normal websites this time as the local tyre fitters ordered them in for a similar fitted price in the end. Old pair lasted about 18 months doing just under 300 miles a week and if I really wanted to push it I maybe could've made them last another month or so, but I just wanted to get them done now and forget about them.

Shame I can't get the F1AS3s yet, but I've been happy with the price/wear/grip of the F1AS2s.
 
Invertigo said:
Looking for some new tyres, 205/45/r17. Would I be right in assuming the Continental SportContact 5 is still the best option?
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rjk said:
For what car? It helps if you mention that.
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Apologies, it's a DS3 D Sport. Not a particularly powerful hatch, but it seems the contis are rated higher than the factory spec Potenza RE050A at a similar price
 
I would say you probably would want XL tyres, as from what I've experienced of Goodyear they usually are on the soft side when it comes to sidewall stiffness.
 
MORE SPEED said:
So you'd disagree that an XL tyre has a stiffer sidewall?
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I wouldn't disagree with that - but it also is reinforced and stiffer in every way, in order to carry a heavier load.

Because of the reinforcement it will likely be less compliant than intended by the vehicle manufacturer.

By all means fit an XL tyre if you like, but there is no reason to, and if it was the best option, don't you think the manufacturer would have fitted them as standard?

Goodyear AS2 (and presumably AS3) do typically have softer sidewalls, but that is one of the aspects of that tyre that enables it to have such good grip (because it is more compliant).

Conti's having Stiff sidewalls is another generalisation that is wrong - the Conti PremiumContact 5's I have on the front of my Focus at the minute have ridiculously soft sidewalls (look like they are flat most of the time), but that is more a result of the tyre size 215/55R16 rather than anything else (i.e. the Michelins I have on the back are almost the same)
 
XL can run higher pressures meaning they can take more load - hence XL

Oddly at say 33psi, a XL tyre may have a lower load rating than a normal tyre. (seen a few example

An XL tyre isn't necessarily stiffer- it is better at handling higher pressures because it has more steel cords and more carcass. This also means the tyre is heavier and is louder
 
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