Need black stuff - tyres and oil

Defcon5

Defcon5

Defcon5

Soldato
Joined
4 Sep 2005
Posts
6,424
Location
Whitwood, West Yorks
Need some tyres, the size is 205/45/R15 and V rating. Looking online I can only find 3 tyres that come in this size:

Toyo T1-R @ ~£60
Conti Sport Contact 2 @ ~£75
Dunlop SP Sport 2000E @ ~£85

The Dunlops are the ones VW supply, but the Toyos always seem to be recommended. Are the Dunlops worth an extra £25 per tyre?

As for the oil, car has 50k, I believe its always previously had semi-synth, Ive read this means you should keep using semi and shouldnt use full synth for some reason?

In the handbook it doesnt state a viscosity, just:
Multi-Grade high lubricity oils - VW 500 00 or VW 502 00
High lubricity oils - VW 501 01

Now I dont know what all that means (would appreciate a simpleish explanation though:p), but which is the better of the 3 standards? ie some oils say 502 00 but none of the others, would this be better than one that just says 500 00 or 501 00?

I used to use Shell Helix in my old car. Currently in this one is VW Synta Silver, which is a semi synth, dont know the viscosity, but I believe they use 05W-40

Not particularly bothered about the cost, just want excellent quality oil. I do approx 20k miles a year, majority of it motorway.

Car is a 2001 Lupo GTI btw, and thankyou in advance.
 
The Dunlops are terrible, I took off a good set of fronts from my car becuase they were cack. The Conti's are what I'd pick out of those two.

Incidently what were you smoking when you chose a VW Lupo for 20k motorway miles a year? Was it good stuff?
 
Yeah that isnt a popular tyre size and tbh, im not sure i would recommend any of those for you on 1st impressions, have you considered putting on a slightly different profile? Equally how do you drive? As the T1-R suggests you want to drive 'energetically' but the other choices dont. Equally do the tyres need to last you the whole year of 20k miles? (the toyos wont even on mainly motorway)
 
[TW]Fox;11918900 said:
Incidently what were you smoking when you chose a VW Lupo for 20k motorway miles a year? Was it good stuff?
Click to expand...

Ive always wanted one, and dont regret it one bit. The current mileage is temporary, so I dont mind.


G_D said:
Equally how do you drive? As the T1-R suggests you want to drive 'energetically' but the other choices dont.
Click to expand...

They are they only tyres I could find in that size! I do like chucking the car about, and not particulary bothered about the longevity (within reason though, wont enjoy needing new tyres every 5k)
 
Well there's more sidewall with a 50 profile but it certainly won't look balloon style, ride comfort will be better too but the speedo will over-read about 2mph at 60.
 
What about Dunlop SP Sport 01 - 205/50/15? £60 per tyre from mytyres. Or Vredestein Sportrac at £54..
 
205/50/15 Eagle NCT 5 (£65) would be my recommendation, best fits you needs imo. (That or the Vredesteins.)
 
I have T1-R's on my GTi6 at the minute. Very sticky tyre and awesome in the wet but seem to have softish sidewalls so feel twitchy on turn-in imo. Wear quickly too. I don't think I'd get them again.

I had NCT5's on previously (previous owner) and I was very impressed. Not the same level of ultimate grip as the T1-R's or F1's etc but still a very good tyre in the dry and wet and lasted well too. :)
 
195/50/15 and say hello to bargain tyres.

I just got some Goodyear excellence (replace the NCT5 apparently) for my focus and they are far far quiter than the P6000's and ideal for motorway work. Although I was impressed with the p6000 life, they were low when i got the car and I did 20k before they got near the tread markers, were actually starting to crack as they were clearly old.
 
So?

Save money or dont bother, you will be fitting the 'wrong' tyres I assume.

Check those tyres in your first post in a 195/50/15 size.
 
I quite like the conti's on my M5, they managed as well around the ring in my 400bhp barge than the Eagle F1s Fox and Co. always rave about!
 
I'm merely pointing out that they're a decent choice and given they're less than the dunlops, in the opening poster's position it's what I'd do!
 
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