New tyres, is this possible?

shayser · 23-03-2007 1:10am #1

Got two new back tyres a couple of days ago. Since then it seems like the steering is much lighter. I wasn't sure about it first but it certainly feels much lighter cornering and when I give it some shoe. Not confident now on the bends at all. Too much pressure, maybe? Should I go back? Or am I just tired!

Wishbone Ash · 23-03-2007 1:26am

Does the vehicle in question have rear wheel drive?

shayser · 23-03-2007 1:33am

Sorry, should have said. No, it's FWD. Golf GTI V.

Henry Ford III · 23-03-2007 9:38am

Were the fronts rotated or inflated?

DirtyDog · 23-03-2007 9:39am

What make of tyres did u get? (also 18" or 17"?) and do u feel like the arse will is sliding or the nose?

MercMad · 23-03-2007 10:42am

Check the tyre pressures and also that they are fitted the correct way around if directional !

shayser · 23-03-2007 10:45am

The car was in for a service. The mechanic said he switched the fronts with the backs as the fronts were completely shot. A couple of days later I got new backs. Should I switch again now and put the new ones on the front?

They are Bridgestone 225/45 17". Feels like the nose sliding.

Come to think of it now, they guy who did the actual fitting was just a kid, took him 40 minutes!

MercMad · 23-03-2007 10:58am

Deffo check the direction of rotation !

sundodger5 · 25-03-2007 8:46pm

All VW vehicles fitted with ESP have the best tyres on the front. It should be in the owners manual. this is the opposite for nearly all other cars on the road.
Conclusion ESP new ones on the front.

peasant · 25-03-2007 9:47pm

And don't forget one very simple issue:

Brandnew tyres are as smooth as a babies bottom, they need a few hundred miles of roughing up and running in before they reach optimum grip.

shayser · 25-03-2007 11:46pm

Right, I'll go back and get the new ones on the front.

The traction control was engaging too, but this has stopped so maybe they are running in a bit now.

Will I just swap the front wheels with the back or are they specific in which case I should swap the tyres not the wheels?

Thanks for all the info, priceless to a car ignoramus like me!

Esel · 26-03-2007 12:03am

Definitely put the new ones on the front. Should be no need to swap tyres/rims. Be sure the wheels are balanced - get him to check it again anyway just to be sure - the wheels will be off anyway.

shayser · 29-03-2007 6:45pm

Sorry for bringing up a 3 day old post...

Got it sorted. Moved the new tyres from the back the front. The left front had a good bit more wear than the right front which is practically new. No traction control engaging now and cornering feels a whole lot better.

I had an idea tyres had an effect, but didn't realise they could have such a dramatic effect on performance!

Ta for all the advice..

Esel · 31-03-2007 1:56am

Suggest replacing that worn tyre.

New tyres, is this possible?

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