Which tyres?

[Big Chris]

I need two new tyres for my Mk1 Focus (195/55 15" wheel). Annual mileage is approx 8k, pretty much all on A-roads.

I'd like to get them from Tesco Tyres as I'll get the Clubcard points. They've come up with a bunch of Hankooks and Yokohamas at around £80 each fitted. Are these ditch finders or will they be ok for the Focus? If so, any recommendations?

These are the ones I've spotted:

Yokohama BluEarth AE01
Yokohama C.Drive 2
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110

All seem to have good things said about them.

Cheers

 

[Big Chris]

Forgive the stupid question, but would the 5mm between 55 and 50 (assume this is the witdth of the tyre) make much of a difference?

I just looked what was on my current tyres and put that into the search criteria

 

[Big Chris]

It's not 5mm, it's 5% of 195 difference to the sidewall size.

Didn't know that, you learn something new...

you can get the evo v12 from camskill for £55.

even after fitting you are saving way more than your club card points by forking out £80 for them

They're doing 4x clubcard points on Yokohama at the moment, but £110 for both tyres is pretty tempting.

How much would a garage charge to fit two tyres and do the tracking?

 

[Big Chris]

I like the sound of that. I'll ring around and see what I can find.

They won't get the huff if I've bought the tyres elsewhere and bump the price up though will they...?

 

[Big Chris]

Ok cheers will give that a try.

These Hankooks are ok for the job then at £55 each? I've not heard of them before.

 

[Big Chris]

Are the Hankys not so good on wear then? Contis are £10 more each on Camskill so probably worth the extra £20 if they'll wear that much better?

The blurb about the Yokohama tyres I mentioned in the OP talks about good wear rates, they not worth looking into?

 

[Big Chris]

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/ might be of interest for opinions on wear rate and general user reviews

Cheers, I'll check it out.

Focus takes 195/60 doesn't it.

Just went by the tyres on there at the moment which are 195/55.

 

[Big Chris]

Checked my current tyres on that website (Pirelli P6000) and they didn't do too well at all! So I guess anything's an improvement over them? They've always seemed fine to me, covered 30,000 on them since I bought the car and never found them to be lacking.

The Hankooks and Yokohamas scored quite a bit better than the Contis too. Confused now...

 

[Big Chris]

Had a quote from a local garage to fit tyes at £12 per tyre inc VAT.

Tracking checked for free, £25 inc VAT if a front OR rear adjustment is needed, £45 inc vat if front AND rear needs adjustment.

This sound about right?

 

[Big Chris]

Lol.

Helpful, thanks.

As far as I'm aware, the rear isn't adjustable on a Focus, so take it somewhere that knows what they're doing.

I just asked them how much they charged to fit tyres and to do tracking & balancing, didn't mention the car.

Does this seem expensive then?

 

[Big Chris]

Ok cheers, I'll keep looking then.

As for the tracking, I'm pretty sure it needs doing. Had the car 4yrs and bumped a few kerbs/potholes in that time!

 

[Big Chris]

This was a local place rather than one of the chains as I thought it would be cheaper! Not sure if it's more as I'm supplying the tyres myself?

I've emailed Hi-Q and Halfrauds Autocentre too so will see what they come up with. Failing that, some lard and an old spoon should do the trick.

 

[Big Chris]

Bought 2 Conti Premium Contact 2's in the end from Camskill for £137 delivered, just had them fitted, tracking done, 4 wheel balance and track rod arm replaced (old one was pretty much in 2 bits) for £80.