Tyres again!

[malcolm]

Thinking of getting new tyres. I understand about the ratings, but nearly all 185/70 15 tyres are listed as "summer tyres" If you ask for "all season", many suppliers say no for that size. What is the difference between summer and all season - there is plenty of rain in the summer eg, so can't be that surely? - and are there roadworthy implications? The vredestein sprint classic is rated at "W" for up to 270kms/hour, but is still shown as a summer tyre.
I know that winter tyres cope better with snow and ice, and generally low temperatures, but are summer tyres really that much worse in the wet than all season?

[christopher storey]

First point is that you would be ill-advised to fit 185/70 sizes, since these are significantly smaller in diameter than the correct 185 15 which are an 80 ( or possibly 82 ) profile . This affects both effective gearing and , perhaps more importantly given that an E is low anyway, ground clearance

Because they are easier to get, I have fitted Vreds with 185HR15 . Just be sure to tell your insurers . It may be that VRs are now readily available

The difference between summer and winter tyres is usually one of tread pattern . Unless you were planning to use your E in e.g Switzerland in winter, or in some place where there is regular snow , there is really no functional difference for UK use

[mgcjag]

Hi Malcolm...summer/winter tyres also have different rubber compounds that work at different temperatures..if your concerned then go straight to the tech support for the tyre Co your thinking about and find out what temperature range the tyres operate in.....dont forget winter in UK is like summer in some contries....Steve

[malcolm]

First point is that you would be ill-advised to fit 185/70 sizes, since these are significantly smaller in diameter than the correct 185 15 which are an 80 ( or possibly 82 ) profile .

Thanks Christopher, but cock up on my part! I meant 185/15 - which is what I have now! Probably the 70 is the profile. Think my current profile is 70? (bit cold for a dash to the garage) But thanks both of you for the rest of the info!

[Philk]

Because they are easier to get, I have fitted Vreds with 185HR15 . Just be sure to tell your insurers . It may be that VRs are now readily available

Am intrigued as to why the insurers need to be told? An HR has a speed rating of 210 km/h or 130mph - nearly double our legal speed limit. Surely, only relevant if you're planning on track use (which the insurers would need to know about anyway)?

Would this also apply if you were to fit any tyre that was not the same as the factory issue (and would certainly apply to anyone who would fit a different profile tyre with different performance characteristics)?

[mgcjag]

Hi Phil.....Anything thats "non standard" about the model could be classed as a modification......so for belt and braces best to inform your insurance company....Steve

[malcolm]

Vreds do a sprint classic I've seen in 185/15, listed as a summer tyre, but with a "W" rating (to 270km/h) which I assume would be fine. Reasonable price too at c. £170 per tyre.

[Philk]

Vreds do a sprint classic I've seen in 185/15, listed as a summer tyre, but with a "W" rating (to 270km/h) which I assume would be fine. Reasonable price too at c. £170 per tyre.

It's interesting seeing the price difference between these and the Pirelli 185VR15 Cinturato (CA67) which are c. £280 each (inc VAT). Aside from being original spec to the car (and VR rated), does anyone have experience of these on their S1 cars? Do they make a difference to the ride (assuming your shocks and suspension are up to spec)? Are they worth fitting?

[christopher storey]

I have used Vreds on each of my 4 Jaguars and have had good service ( except for 1 sidewall bulge which represented a premature failure of unknown origin ) . They are quiet, give good ride , and reasonable grip in both wet and dry . Whether they are overall as capable as the very expensive brands, I don't know, but for my fairly sedate use they represent good value

[johnetype]

Malcolm, the vast majority of tyres we buy for all our cars are now listed under the "Summer tyre" category on tyre web sites.

I have 185/80/15 Vreds Sprint Classic on my car as do many of us and they perform well within the limits I'm prepared to take my car to, wet or dry. They also did well, and better than more expensive tyres often recommended on here, in the only German independent tyre test that appears to be available and relevant.

Camskill currently do them for £122 a corner with a "V" speed rating which is 149 mph so should keep your insurers happy.

Note "80" section tyres are often listed as 185/15 as "80" section is the assumed standard and thus often left out. It is however the correct size for our cars.

[malcolm]

Thanks John

[malcolm]

Just checked, and my tyres are 185/70/15, so slightly lower profile than the 80 mentioned as standard. Does that matter particularly, and would I be better replacing them with 70's or 80s?

[mgcjag]

Hi Malcom...details as Christopher mentioned in one of his posts above..also..depends what you want.....70 and 80 profile tyres have different diameter so speedo will be affected and car sits lower on 70,s....now i know why some of your speed/revs were different to mine on previous posts.....Steve