Advice need on tyres

TheBigCheese · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:11

Hi everyone

Could I get some advice on tyres please.

My missus has a Nissan Micra 160SR and it's gone into the garage for service today. They have just rung up and told me that the two front tyres need changing as the tread is down to 2mm...but the cost will be £244.95 because they are 'special' tyres because it's the sporty version...OUCH!!!

Can you tell me, is this correct or are they trying to have us on? Would we be able to find cheaper tyres elsewhere?

Sorry if this is such a basic question, cars are not my strong point.

Fireskull · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:16

probably having you on I doubt Sporty tyres are needed for something with just over 100bhp?

Lead_Head · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:18

They might be runflats, but still that's a lot of money for 2 tyres.

Get the tyre size and try the usual event-tyres.co.uk, camskill.com, blackcircles.co.uk for the best prices.

L0rdMike · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:18

I bet the tyres are not even at 2mm yet.

How big are the tyres as My MR2 was 235/40/17 and they were £100 ish each and I know your Micra ones wont be that big.

Muffin` · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:18

Let us know what the tyre size is and what type of tyre they are suggestiong/is currently on. You can probably beat them down by showing them what you could get tyres for.

BigT · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:19

We'll need to know the size of tyre and the brand they are going to put on to advise if that is a good deal. Given it is a small car, I would be expecting a premium tyre for that. Someone once said to me that I should remember that the tyres are the only thing making contact with the road and I would do well to remember that when buying them and get good ones. I think it is one area where you shouldn't scrimp.

cotton_flex · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:21

ouch, I buy my tires second hand, 20 quid fitted

Tesla · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:23

cotton_flex said:
ouch, I buy my tires second hand, 20 quid fitted

Brace yourself Rodney, Brace yourself...

Gaygle · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:23

After a quick google, it appears the tyre size is 175/60/15.

Just looked on black circles and the tyres can easily be had for about £75 per corner fitted.

BigT · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:25

cotton_flex said:
ouch, I buy my tires second hand, 20 quid fitted

Blimey. While I'd never want to be in the position of having to brake sharply from speed, if I do I hope you're not behind me. :eek:

Deleted User 234324 · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:26

Micra 160SR uses 16" alloys afaik with a tyre size of 175/60R15 which you can find online for about £45 each (not fitted), if you go to the likes of kwik-fit they will ask for ~£75 per tyre fitted.

Muffin` · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:26

Internet says 175/60/15" - is that correct?

etyres.co.uk has:

CONTINENTAL - ECO CONTACT 3
175/60R15H

£80.50 inc VAT each

Fully fitted price, no hidden extras.

The tyre range for this size is lacking, but that's still a very good tyre.

Muffin` · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:29

If it's 175/60/15 how can you calculate the effect to the speedometer if you changed it to 185/55/15?

TheBigCheese · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:32

Many many thanks for those really helpful and speedy posts guys!!!

I don't know the tyre size off the top of my head, but yes, they are alloys.

We do have a local Kwik Fit...are they a decent place to go to get them fitted?

Muffin says about the Continental being very good tyres...would it be worth ringing up the garage and asking them what make of tyres they would be fitting and compare it with what's available elsewhere?

I can see where this is going...the next thing will be that they won't approve the MOT (which is what it went in for), without the types being changed...I'm sensing hassle approaching.

loltim · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:33

http://www.kouki.co.uk/utilities/visual-tyre-size-calculator

DM · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:34

http://www.rsrtyres.co.uk/tyres.php?category=5

Thats where i get mine, very reasonable.

Gaygle · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:36

TheBigCheese said:
We do have a local Kwik Fit...are they a decent place to go to get them fitted?

No, in all likely hood they'll be about the same price.

TheBigCheese said:
Muffin says about the Continental being very good tyres...would it be worth ringing up the garage and asking them what make of tyres they would be fitting and compare it with what's available elsewhere?

Definately. And while you're at it, find the tyre size.

TheBigCheese said:
I can see where this is going...the next thing will be that they won't approve the MOT (which is what it went in for), without the types being changed...I'm sensing hassle approaching.

Nope, unless your tyres are illegal (which, if they're on 2mm, they aren't) they can't fail your MOT. All you have to do is get on blackcircles.com when you get home, pay £150 ish for the tyres, and get them fitted in a couple of days. Total saving = £95 ish

Muffin` · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:37

TheBigCheese said:
We do have a local Kwik Fit...are they a decent place to go to get them fitted?

As long as you have a specific tyre in mind and know what you could get it for there's no reason to use them. They're only bad if you say "What tyre for my Micras please?" as they'll just whck on the tyre that gives the biggest markup and it's usually some Korean crap.

TheBigCheese said:
Muffin says about the Continental being very good tyres...would it be worth ringing up the garage and asking them what make of tyres they would be fitting and compare it with what's available elsewhere?

Yes- I'd imagine they will be good tyres they're trying to fit, but obviosuly they're marking it up by nearly 100%, confirm the size too.

TheBigCheese said:
I can see where this is going...the next thing will be that they won't approve the MOT (which is what it went in for), without the types being changed...I'm sensing hassle approaching.

Well if they're on the limit they'd have to, ask them to show you where it's under 1.6mm on the tyre.

Deleted User 234324 · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:38

TheBigCheese said:
Many many thanks for those really helpful and speedy posts guys!!!

I don't know the tyre size off the top of my head, but yes, they are alloys.

We do have a local Kwik Fit...are they a decent place to go to get them fitted?

Muffin says about the Continental being very good tyres...would it be worth ringing up the garage and asking them what make of tyres they would be fitting and compare it with what's available elsewhere?

I can see where this is going...the next thing will be that they won't approve the MOT (which is what it went in for), without the types being changed...I'm sensing hassle approaching.

Your tyres are still within limits for the MOT so they cant fail you on that.

The legal limit for tyre tread is 1.6mm so you still have a bit to go. Gives you plenty of time to find a cheaper alternative to what they were trying to charge you.

Gaygle · 20 Jul 2009 at 12:38

MadMossy said:
Micra 160SR uses 16" alloys afaik with a tyre size of 175/60R15 which you can find online for about £45 each (not fitted), if you go to the likes of kwik-fit they will ask for ~£75 per tyre fitted.

It appears you are correct about the 16" rims, but surely 15" tyres won't fit on a 16 rim?