Detailed Discussion on Tyres

[SK01]

 

I see many people talking a lot about Tyres. Recently I've been to Bridgestone dealer to get my City's wheel balancing and alignment done. On enquiring about tyres they said Michelin is the best and leading Tyre brand.

 

Few months ago when changing my Wagon R's tyres to Bridgestone I've enquired the same with friends, they said Pirelli is the best performance Tyre.

 

What differentiates tyres performance? What's the difference between the brands? People say there're brands to match one's purpose. I think I'd be good if people here throw some light on the details of tyres as there're very little sites that explains this.

 

PS: My City's Bridgestone tyres are in the corner of it's life. Dealer suggested Micheline for performance. I use mostly on highways at high-speeds. So grip, braking, comfort, smoothness, and long lasting are my priorities. Please help me choose Bridgestone or Micheline. Only these two are in my reach (5k and 5.3 Bridgestone and Micheline respectively)

 

[sahil]

I always used Bridge stone. Didn't face in any issue in 8 years..

[Gowtham]

On 9/13/2018 at 9:21 AM, Krish said:

So grip, braking, comfort, smoothness, and long lasting are my priorities.

 

There are different types of tyres for different purposes.

 

In India we usually come across following types:

1. A/T (All terrain)

These are typically used for Highways and trails. 

Road noise is very high on these tyres.

They have better side wall strength.

These tyres are perfect choice for cars like Boleros and Sumo's in rural areas.(Even for cars like Fortuner and Endeavour) 

They take lot of abuse.

 

2. M/T (Mud terrain)

These are typically used on extreme off-roading.

They are not fit for regular driving. 

They look meaty have good side wall strength

These are suitable for cars like Gypsy and Thar

 

3. Regular tyres

These are used in regular passenger cars like City, Creta etc 

Types of patterns used
-Conventional (General tyre set)

- UniDirectional

-Asymmetric 

 

So it all depends on your preferences.

For a car like Honda City, get Micheline XM2, up-size the width by 10MM .

[karthik]

In simple words,

 

Bridgestone : Durability

Micheline : Performance (less noise, comfort) 

 

I feel Micheline's are perfect for highway drives. Specially for sedans.

Also consider Continental's they as good as Micheline. 

 

Speed rating:

 

Load rating

 

how to read tyre specs:

 

 

[Naveen1]

Important point to consider:

Make sure tyre manufacturing date is not more than year.

 

[SPG]

On 9/13/2018 at 9:21 AM, Krish said:

PS: My City's Bridgestone tyres are in the corner of it's life. Dealer suggested Micheline for performance. I use mostly on highways at high-speeds. So grip, braking, comfort, smoothness, and long lasting are my priorities. Please help me choose Bridgestone or Micheline. Only these two are in my reach (5k and 5.3 Bridgestone and Micheline respectively)

Not an expert, but a tyres have different properties depending on which ones you buy.  The stock tyres are generally hard compounds that have a long life and can take a little bit of abuse. However, a good set of tyres does enhance comfort, grip, and can have lower rolling resistance (may translate to better FE as this means the car can effectively coast more - in gear always, never in neutral) & also depending on the brand significantly lower noise (tyre noise). In my opinion Michelin Primacy 3ST would serve you well.

Edited September 14, 2018 by SPG
Spelling mistake

[Sridhar Tandra]

I have got Good Year on stock for my Tia and I absolutely do not see any issues when maintained them with correct Air Pressure whatsoever, they are butter smooth and take rough roads too with super comfort, very good at high speeds as well! Planning to go with Good Year again when I change them!

[RajG]

12 minutes ago, SPG said:

In my opinion Michelin Primacy 3ST would serve you well.

 

This is the best one can get!

But it will be an overkill for Honda City.
 

From my personal experience Michelin XM2 has perfect balance. 

 

3 minutes ago, Sridhar Tandra said:

Planning to go with Good Year again when I change them!

 

Is your Tiago diesel?

I feel Good year is very noise once we cross 30k mark.

Whereas Michelin stayed good till 50k mark.

 

In Petrol car you will find huge difference between Michelin and Good year.

 

[SK01]

Took Continental tyres. I'll update with the model number, don't remember.

Enquired about Micheline, Pirelli and Continental as they are the top brands. Dealer said Pirelli is having side walls complaint, Continental's grips is better compared to Micheline and also better compared. Took yesterday. Costed me 5,275.

[Gowtham]

2 hours ago, Krish said:

Continental's grips is better compared to Micheline and also better compared.

 

Both are equally good brands.
Performance wise you wont find huge difference.

 

Did you buy at Stunnerz Madhapur?

[SK01]

 
Both are equally good brands.
Performance wise you wont find huge difference.
 
Did you buy at Stunnerz Madhapur?

No. That's too far for me. Bought from Lambodhara tires Kompally.

[Sridhar Tandra]

6 hours ago, RajG said:

Is your Tiago diesel?

yes it is Diesel XZ

 

6 hours ago, RajG said:

I feel Good year is very noise once we cross 30k mark

I am at 29600 on ODO at the moment and I do not feel any noise at the moment so far!

[SK01]

I am at 29600 on ODO at the moment and I do not feel any noise at the moment so far!

You can next choose Lambodhara tires even for you it's near. He's the dealer for almost 15+ brands. Best price. This guy quoted 4.5k for the same stock Bridgestone tires that I had. Another guy nearby quoted 5k inc disc.

[SK01]

 

Both are equally good brands.

Performance wise you wont find huge difference.

 

Did you buy at Stunnerz Madhapur?

I wish stunnerz had a branch near my place [emoji23][emoji51] got my Dzire's accessories there only...

 

[Sridhar Tandra]

34 minutes ago, Krish said:

Lambodhara tires

where exactly is this located?

[SK01]

where exactly is this located?

Know doolapally junction? KTM showroom? It's just besides KTM doolapally.

https://lambodara-tyres.business.site/

I'll WhatsApp you the GPS link if you don't find it here.

[SPG]

23 hours ago, Sridhar Tandra said:

I have got Good Year on stock for my Tia and I absolutely do not see any issues when maintained them with correct Air Pressure whatsoever, they are butter smooth and take rough roads too with super comfort, very good at high speeds as well! Planning to go with Good Year again when I change them!

If you have not used the spare tyre (or used only for few hundred kms) you can save some money here by buying only three new and using spare as fourth tyre. Convert one of the existing tyre as spare. 

[sagar]

Generally, Michellin and Continental are premium offerings in the market which are equally good.

But, more than the brand your requirements matter much because every brand has different models with different thread patterns designed for various purposes.

It is true that Michellins have a softer compound compared to Bridgestone or even Pirelli to some extent. But they do offer good grip and ride comfort. But, if you are taking the car through rough roads or potholes, you must be a bit careful while using such tyres. 

[varunc]

On 9/15/2018 at 12:11 PM, SPG said:

If you have not used the spare tyre (or used only for few hundred kms) you can save some money here by buying only three new and using spare as fourth tyre. Convert one of the existing tyre as spare. 

 

I would avoid using a three/four old tyre. 

It will develop minute cracks.

 

Chances of tyre burst is very high, after 6th year. 

[Sridhar Tandra]

20 hours ago, varunc said:

Chances of tyre burst is very high, after 6th year. 

Agreed! why risking life for about 5k? When you are changing your tires, just get rid of all of them!

[uday]

I have recently upgraded to Continental tyres along with 15inch alloy wheels(which are white).

Got a good deal at Stunnerz Madhapur.

 

I got everything inclusive for 38k.

Once I get time, I am planning to paint the alloys to black, what do you guys suggest? 

 

 

 

[SK01]

I have recently upgraded to Continental tyres along with 15inch alloy wheels(which are white).
Got a good deal at Stunnerz Madhapur.
 
I got everything inclusive for 38k.
Once I get time, I am planning to paint the alloys to black, what do you guys suggest? 
 
 
 

How much did the tires cost?

[uday]

I don't remember the exact split up.

I have upgraded to 195/65/R15 continentals.

Once I get time, planning to get the wheels painted!

 

[SK01]

On 9/14/2018 at 11:13 AM, karthik said:

In simple words,

 

Bridgestone : Durability

Micheline : Performance (less noise, comfort) 

 

I feel Micheline's are perfect for highway drives. Specially for sedans.

Also consider Continental's they as good as Micheline. 

 

Speed rating:

 

Load rating

 

how to read tyre specs:

 

 

What’s the use of larger rim size? I see manufacturers giving larger radius for their top end models. For SUVs what kind of rim size is preferred? Smaller one or else larger one?

[nitin88]

I guess most of us seems to confuse between tyres, rims and which one to go!

 

Regarding Rims:

• Don't change your rim size unless you know what you are doing. This will directly impact suspension setup. 
• Some of the brand top cars do give higher rim size. If suspension parts are same for lower model vs high end model, it's safe to upgrade. This is not true for luxury or performance oriented cars. They do have different suspension parts for top end variant.
• Is it worth to upgrade my rim size? Unless you are driving performance oriented car or by upgrading to higher rim size, you are getting too good tyre (better brand/performance/comfort), it's not worth at all and remember higher the rim size, pot holes damage your car more. Upside, if you get better tyre, the handling performance increases drastically

 

Regarding Tyres:

• As mentioned earlier, there are multiple types of tyres exist (comfort, performance, long running)
• Typically Bridgestone/Apollo/MRF and other brands offer hard wall compund tyres. These tyres take lot of abuse and runs for miles. Downside, they deliver performance nature
• All performance oriented tyres are soft wall compound tyres. They are perfect for high speed cornering to better breaking. Downside, they dont run for long and can be noisy. Potholes can easily damage them and pricey.
• Comfort oriented tyres offers blend of long running and smooth riding. Best of both worlds, master of none

 

[SK01]

18 hours ago, nitin88 said:

I guess most of us seems to confuse between tyres, rims and which one to go!

 

Regarding Rims:

• Don't change your rim size unless you know what you are doing. This will directly impact suspension setup. 
• Some of the brand top cars do give higher rim size. If suspension parts are same for lower model vs high end model, it's safe to upgrade. This is not true for luxury or performance oriented cars. They do have different suspension parts for top end variant.
• Is it worth to upgrade my rim size? Unless you are driving performance oriented car or by upgrading to higher rim size, you are getting too good tyre (better brand/performance/comfort), it's not worth at all and remember higher the rim size, pot holes damage your car more. Upside, if you get better tyre, the handling performance increases drastically

 

Regarding Tyres:

• As mentioned earlier, there are multiple types of tyres exist (comfort, performance, long running)
• Typically Bridgestone/Apollo/MRF and other brands offer hard wall compund tyres. These tyres take lot of abuse and runs for miles. Downside, they deliver performance nature
• All performance oriented tyres are soft wall compound tyres. They are perfect for high speed cornering to better breaking. Downside, they dont run for long and can be noisy. Potholes can easily damage them and pricey.
• Comfort oriented tyres offers blend of long running and smooth riding. Best of both worlds, master of none

 

Very well written. So you mean to say higher the rim size, higher the performance and higher the damage on bad roads. Smaller the rim size, lower the performance and lesser the damage on bad roads isn’t it?

 

and what are the benefits with smaller radius  tires

and larger  radius tires? 

Edited March 23, 2019 by SK01

[Gowtham]

On 3/23/2019 at 11:57 AM, SK01 said:

So you mean to say higher the rim size, higher the performance and higher the damage on bad roads.

 

It all depends on tyre profile. 

When you up size the rims from 14inch to 15 inch, the tyre profiles (side wall height in layman terms) should go down in order to maintain the same radius. 

 

For Indian roads anything below 60 ride quality goes down unless your suspension setup is good. 

 

Upgrading from 165mm to 175mm (width) wont make a huge difference. 

Upgrading from 165 to 205mm, difference can be felt.

 

You can use this calculator to understand how upgrade works.
http://tyrestore.in/upsizing.htm

 

[BORNDRIVER]

I had BRIDGESTONE tyre in TOYOTA ETIOS VD-SP, but after crossing 41000 km , both front tyres punctures.It took me around 3 to 4 months to detect the punctures as they leak  very slow. The pressure was coming down to 25/22/18 PSI from 35PSI in 3 to 4 days time. First  time when I really suspect the puncture ,I got them repaired in HARSHA TOYOTA during my annual service . After that FRONT RIGHT was ok but FRONT LEFT started giving issues after some long drives.  After 1st repair at HARSHA TOYOTA ,  the front left tyre  punctured 3 times around the same place.  By that time my ODO was reading around 43000 km (FEB-2019).  Despite of this PUNCTURE issue , all 4 tyres looks to be perfect. The TREAD DEPTH was absolutely perfect in all 

 

As the front left tyre developed frequent puncture issue, I was little nervous. Than considering the below factors , I decided to replace all 4 tyres in my CAR.Some people suggested me to replace only front two tyres  and even some suggest to replace only 1 tyre.....? However I stuck to my decission of replacing all 4. I am not sure If my decision was correct .........??

 

1. The tyres  are now 5 year 6 month old. They are getting older and would have replaced them around 50000km.

2. As per HARSHA TOYOTA , they suppose to recommend the tyre replacement in next servicing

3.  My long drive habit.  The tyres must be in perfect shape.

 

I went for an urgent Tyre replacement on Sunday (3rd Feb 2019) . All the  Tyre shops around GACHHIBOWLI (MICHELIN, BRIDGESTONE,GOOD YEAR....etc) were closed except MRF (MRF Exclusive, Leela Tyres, Gachibowli). I did not have any other option as next day I was suppose to travel on official work for couple of days . So decided to go with MRF ZLX .... Each tyre cost me Rs. 4800 including fitting and replacement charges.... Total I paid Rs. 19200/-.

 

It is now almost 2 months, I am using MRF ZLX and did not feel much difference with BRIDGESTONE. Lets see how it goes  after some years...

 

Sometime I think I should have gone with MICHELIN/APOLLO after looking all the reviews....but is MRF is that bad ........? ?..after all it is also a trusted Indian brand. 

 

 

 

 

 

[sagar]

12 hours ago, BORNDRIVER said:

 

Sometime I think I should have gone with MICHELIN/APOLLO after looking all the reviews....but is MRF is that bad ........? ?..after all it is also a trusted Indian brand. 

 

Michelin is the best of the lot which is followed by Continental and next to consider would be Bridgestone.. It is better to ignore Apollo, MRF, Goodyear, JK tyre brands..

[BORNDRIVER]

On ‎3‎/‎26‎/‎2019 at 8:33 AM, sagar said:

 

Michelin is the best of the lot which is followed by Continental and next to consider would be Bridgestone.. It is better to ignore Apollo, MRF, Goodyear, JK tyre brands..

Yup .....Truly speaking I listened CONTINENTAL for the 1st time....?

 

As  I have already changed my Tyres with MRF ones...there is no look back.......??  Lets continue and wait for next opportunity which may not come soon . Till that time use MRF to the best extent possible and enjoy drives..?

 

As I said before recently I changed all my 4 tyres to MRF ZLX  at around 43K odometer reading (.5yr 6 months) The earlier ones were factory fitted (BRIDGESTONE).

 

What about the spare tyre ?

 

The  factory supplied spare tyre was  used only once at around 42.5K for 1 km only and it does not have alloy wheels. The MRF showroom guys told that the spare tyre is still in good condition and not to change  . So I did not change . Truly speaking I was  not sure what to do.

 

I have still kept two replaced BRIDGESTONE tyres as they still looks to be in very good condition. Should I replace the  spare tyre (used only once for 1km in 5yr 6 months time) with one of the used BRIDGESTONE tyre ? 

[Gowtham]

1 hour ago, BORNDRIVER said:

Should I replace the  spare tyre (used only once for 1km in 5yr 6 months time) with one of the used BRIDGESTONE tyre ? 

Not required. You can leave it.
There wont be any problem as long as the tyre size is same (radius), grip/pattern/brand wont have any effect on overall drive.

[BORNDRIVER]

46 minutes ago, Ranger said:

Not required. You can leave it.
There wont be any problem as long as the tyre size is same (radius), grip/pattern/brand wont have any effect on overall drive.

Thank you Ranger. 

 

When I was replacing the old tyres with new ones , I just checked both were 185/60R15 84H, TUBELESS & STEEL BELT RADIAL. I did not check any other thing (I think I should have checked the MANUFACTURING DATEs.....Will go down and check now.....?). Anything other to check when taking a new tyres ?

[sagar]

On ‎3‎/‎29‎/‎2019 at 11:29 AM, BORNDRIVER said:

(I think I should have checked the MANUFACTURING DATEs.....

 

This needs to be surely known as the rubber for long in it's tyre shop starts to gets brittle when it is kept unused for a longer period. This also happens when the tyres on the car are not used for a longer period. Bobbles are formed on the tyres causing a bumping effect while running on the road for every rotation of it's wheel.

[BORNDRIVER]

2 hours ago, sagar said:

 

This needs to be surely known as the rubber for long in it's tyre shop starts to gets brittle when it is kept unused for a longer period. This also happens when the tyres on the car are not used for a longer period. Bobbles are formed on the tyres causing a bumping effect while running on the road for every rotation of it's wheel.

I just checked MRF ZLX tyres in my car and found one tyre is 4918 and other one is 4818. So they are manufactured in Nov-2018 & Dec-2018 . I put them in Feb-2019 . I guess it should  perfectly alright.

 

However for other two MRF ZLX tyres , I could  not able to  find the same..... May be they are on the inner side of the car.  I can only see DOT 7R 90MLX...and no digit or number after that...

[sagar]

They should be alright having being manufactured just about an year ago by the time of your purchase .. Btw, Kudos to your patience for putting in this effort to know these details ?

[uday]

Completed 10k with my continental setup. They are silent and grip is excellent. Worth the investment. 

[BORNDRIVER]

On 4/2/2019 at 9:09 PM, sagar said:

They should be alright having being manufactured just about an year ago by the time of your purchase .. Btw, Kudos to your patience for putting in this effort to know these details ?

?