New Tyres

JohnBoy26

I'm looking to purchase new tyres in the coming week. I'll be looking for something mid range. The car(E11 corolla) currently has a set of 175, 70, r14 nokians fitted. I'll be looking to replace with the same size and have been looking at uniroyal rain experts. I know uniroyals are highly regarded by some on here but has anyone any experience with the rain experts in particular?

Any info is greatly appreciated and alternative recommendations are more than welcome.

Many thanks,

John.

Bpmull

Goodyear excellence are a great tyre good wet and dry grip. They also wear well I know they lasted 40k km in the front of our octavia and I had them on the focus too. It's what I'll be buying when I need tyres for the golf. I think the f1s are even better but a bit more expensive. The t001 turanzas Bridgestones are a let down from the older er300 version. They wear too quickly.

Spike Witwicky

No experience with Rain Experts myself but lots of reviews here
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Uniroyal/RainExpert.htm

Highly regard the Rainsports

JohnBoy26

Bpmull wrote: »

Goodyear excellence are a great tyre good wet and dry grip. They also wear well I know they lasted 40k km in the front of our octavia and I had them on the focus too. It's what I'll be buying when I need tyres for the golf. I think the f1s are even better but a bit more expensive. The t001 turanzas Bridgestones are a let from the older er300 version. They wear too quickly.

many thanks for the info Bp, will check out those goodyears.

JohnBoy26

Spike Witwicky wrote: »

No experience with Rain Experts myself but lots of reviews here
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Uniroyal/RainExpert.htm

Highly regard the Rainsports

great stuff, will check that out thanks

bazz26

No experience of the Uniroyals but these are worth looking at too:

Vredestein Sportrac 5:
http://www.oponeo.ie/details-tyre/vredestein-sportrac-5-175-70-r14-88-h-xl#59609149

Dunlop Sport:
http://www.oponeo.ie/details-tyre/dunlop-sp-sport-01-175-70-r14-84-t#58153013

Kumho KH17:
http://www.oponeo.ie/details-tyre/kumho-kh17-175-70-r14-88-t-xl#54745454

Would not rule out the more premium brands either, they are not that more expensive in that size:

Bridgestone:
http://www.oponeo.ie/details-tyre/bridgestone-b250-ecopia-175-70-r14-84-t#50383688

Continental:
http://www.oponeo.ie/details-tyre/continental-contiecocontact-5-175-70-r14-84-t#58568695

Goodyear:
http://www.oponeo.ie/details-tyre/goodyear-efficientgrip-compact-175-70-r14-84-t#59377866

Spike Witwicky

Eiretyres use the EU tyrelabel thingy on their site. Its handy for looking at the tyres wet grip rating, noise and fuel efficiency. Wet grip would be a big factor for me personally in buying considering its nearly always wet in Ireland

Use Eiretyres for browsing and then buy em cheaper somewhere else

JohnBoy26

bazz26 wrote: »

No experience of the Uniroyals but these are worth looking at too:

Vredestein Sportrac 5:
http://www.oponeo.ie/details-tyre/vredestein-sportrac-5-175-70-r14-88-h-xl#59609149

Dunlop Sport:
http://www.oponeo.ie/details-tyre/dunlop-sp-sport-01-175-70-r14-84-t#58153013

Kumho KH17:
http://www.oponeo.ie/details-tyre/kumho-kh17-175-70-r14-88-t-xl#54745454

Would not rule out the more premium brands either, they are not that more expensive in that size:

Bridgestone:
http://www.oponeo.ie/details-tyre/bridgestone-b250-ecopia-175-70-r14-84-t#50383688

Continental:
http://www.oponeo.ie/details-tyre/continental-contiecocontact-5-175-70-r14-84-t#58568695

Goodyear:
http://www.oponeo.ie/-tyre/goodyear-efficientgrip-compact-175-70-r14-84-t#59377866

cheers bazz.

I was going to buy and get them fitted in a bricks and mortar shop but seeing the above has me rethinking. At that money a premium tyre is worth getting. I was getting quotes of more than that for mid range tyres, albeit fitted.

Spike Witwicky

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

cheers bazz.

I was going to buy and get them fitted in a bricks and mortar shop but seeing the above has me rethinking. At that money a premium tyre is worth getting. I was getting quotes of more than that for mid range tyres, albeit fitted.

Think most places usually charge about a tenner a corner to fit if you buy online.

wotzgoingon

Spike Witwicky wrote: »

Think most places usually charge about a tenner a corner to fit if you buy online.

I was charged in one place €30 another €15 and another €12 to fit tyres and I got each tyre fitted at them prices. After being charged €12, I cannot believe I paid €30 for a tyre to be fitted.

CJhaughey

Have a look at Nokian tyres I find them excellent for grip and wear. The price is very reasonable as well.

JohnBoy26

wotzgoingon wrote: »

I was charged in one place €30 another €15 and another €12 to fit tyres and I got each tyre fitted at them prices. After being charged €12, I cannot believe I paid €30 for a tyre to be fitted.

€30 seems steep alright, that would wipe out a fair chunk of the money saved by buying online.

wotzgoingon

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

€30 seems steep alright, that would wipe out a fair chunk of the money saved by buying online.

And not every place fits tyres you buy online. Best thing you should do is call in or phone up tyre places asking for a price to fit a tyre you purchased online and if they even fit tyres you got yourself.

JohnBoy26

CJhaughey wrote: »

Have a look at Nokian tyres I find them excellent for grip and wear. The price is very reasonable as well.

That's what's currently fitted to the car. They were on the car when I got it and I must say I don't find them bad at all. They're quiet and they do seem to have good grip even though they are reaching their limit.

CJhaughey

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

That's what's currently fitted to the car. They were on the car when I got it and I must say I don't find them bad at all. They're quiet and they do seem to have good grip even though they are reaching their limit.

I am sold on them, have 2 setson the E11 WRG2 Winters and Summer H and I run All Weather + all year round on my T22.
Would you not go for 185/60-14?
Plenty of good tyres that still ride comfortably in that size.

JohnBoy26

CJhaughey wrote: »

I am sold on them, have 2 setson the E11 WRG2 Winters and Summer H and I run All Weather + all year round on my T22.
Would you not go for 185/60-14?
Plenty of good tyres that still ride comfortably in that size.

I'm not sure, the current setup seems pretty good to me, being grippy and comfortable at the same time. I would like to keep it as is if i could tbh.

Would their be much comfort loss in 60's do you reckon? I know cornering and grip would definitely be better.

Spike Witwicky

wotzgoingon wrote: »

And not every place fits tyres you buy online. Best thing you should do is call in or phone up tyre places asking for a price to fit a tyre you purchased online and if they even fit tyres you got yourself.

+1 Good advice there.

CJhaughey wrote: »

I am sold on them, have 2 setson the E11 WRG2 Winters and Summer H and I run All Weather + all year round on my T22.
Would you not go for 185/60-14?
Plenty of good tyres that still ride comfortably in that size.

I switched to 185/60/14 on that very model and had no problems. Would still pick Uniroyals though :P

kerten

Used rainexperts at similar size on a yaris for 30k kms and it was perfect except being a little bit loud due to tread design.

Highly recommended

JohnBoy26

kerten wrote: »

Used rainexperts at similar size on a yaris for 30k kms and it was perfect except being a little bit loud due to tread design.

Highly recommended

That's great, just the info I'm looking for, I've heard about road noise alright but it seems to be a trade off in many rain tyres.

cheers

JohnBoy26

Goodyear and Uniroyal's seem to be the most appealing to me. I was under the impression that Goodyear was a good bit more expensive but it seems not to be the case now.

Other brands which I've been offered, that I'm not that keen on, or sure about are

Bf goodrich

Cooper

Sportiva

Dunlop.

I've also been offered some of the dreaded Chinese lings, langs, jings etc :pac:

dgt

BF Goodrich and Dunlops are also good in the rain. Uniroyals are excellent but expect all 3 of those to have a shortish lifespan, especially a set of BF's

JohnBoy26

dgt wrote: »

BF Goodrich and Dunlops are also good in the rain. Uniroyals are excellent but expect all 3 of those to have a shortish lifespan, especially a set of BF's

Cheers dgt.

What tyre would you recommend?

dgt

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Cheers dgt.

What tyre would you recommend?

Considering all 3 have a similar lifespan of about 20-25k miles, where I get my tyres new the BF always is cheaper than the Uniroyal. Uniroyals have a very soft sidewall so nicks off a kerb would bulge/tear easy enough. Dunlops are a really good all rounder but you'll pay for them.

In other terms :
Budget BF
Rain Uniroyals
Best all rounder Dunlops

Just depends in what you want from a tyre. Hope that helps :cool:

JohnBoy26

dgt wrote: »

Considering all 3 have a similar lifespan of about 20-25k miles, where I get my tyres new the BF always is cheaper than the Uniroyal. Uniroyals have a very soft sidewall so nicks off a kerb would bulge/tear easy enough. Dunlops are a really good all rounder but you'll pay for them.

In other terms :
Budget BF
Rain Uniroyals
Best all rounder Dunlops

Just depends in what you want from a tyre. Hope that helps :cool:

It does indeed help, many thanks

Any other recommendations? What's your tyre of choice if you don't mind me asking?

Spike Witwicky

I've had BF Goodrichs before. Quite good. good wet grip. Out of those 3 id say

Uniroyal
BF Goodrich
Dunlop

But i bought a set of part worn Dunlops as a stop gap so they wouldnt really compare to new versions of the others. Hankooks arent bad either imo.

JohnBoy26

Spike Witwicky wrote: »

I've had BF Goodrichs before. Quite good. good wet grip. Out of those 3 id say

Uniroyal
BF Goodrich
Dunlop

But i bought a set of part worn Dunlops as a stop gap so they wouldnt really compare to new versions of the others. Hankooks arent bad either imo.

In a bricks and mortar shop I can get Bf goodrich for about €10 cheaper (per tyre)than the Uniroyal's and Dunlop's. I'd gladly spend the little extra if I thought I was getting a better tyre though.

Spike Witwicky

Hmm. For a full set that's €40 difference. Its a tricky one. Are you getting 4?

JohnBoy26

Spike Witwicky wrote: »

Hmm. For a full set that's €40 difference. Its a tricky one. Are you getting 4?

Yeah getting 4. Its a tricky one indeed.

Spike Witwicky

Personally i'd go with the Uni's. Best grip tyres i've ever bought and i've bought both budget and brand. I guess it all comes down to how badly do you need that €40?

JohnBoy26

Spike Witwicky wrote: »

Personally i'd go with the Uni's. Best grip tyres i've ever bought and i've bought both budget and brand. I guess it all comes down to how badly do you need that €40?

That extra €40 would be nice but I'd rather spend the extra if I can get better tyres tbh.

dgt

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

It does indeed help, many thanks

Any other recommendations? What's your tyre of choice if you don't mind me asking?

I currently run Kormorans on the front and Michelins on the back, have yet to get into a sticky situation with them. No aqua planing, clears water well. Just not as well as the tyres above. They are budget tyre tough, I'd be shocked if it outperformed the big names!

Wearing well, have lost about 2mm of thread over 10k miles so I'm happy with that considering they take the weight and power

When the Kormorans wear away (more than likely all 4 will have to be replaced by then) I'll be replacing them with Michelin Green X (at €70 a corner for me it's worth it, just couldn't stretch to that the last time)

Spike Witwicky

Well you could spend more and get a name brand. Personally i think the Uni's are just as good if not better than most name brands but i dont think i could say the same about the BF's even though they are still a very good tyre.

walus

I had those Uniroyals Rain Experts on my corolla and was very, very happy with them. The 175/65/14 is the size you want to go for (also fits without affecting the wheel circumference much - check manual should allow you to use them). I bought them from Camskill at an excellent price (since it is a popular size): http://camskill.co.uk/m4b0s393p97385/Uniroyal_Tyres_Car_Uniroyal_RainExpert_Uniroyal_Rain_Expert_-_175_65_R14_82T_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_E_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_70dB
About 200 euro delivered.

Perfect tyre for a car like corolla.

JohnBoy26

dgt wrote: »

I currently run Kormorans on the front and Michelins on the back, have yet to get into a sticky situation with them. No aqua planing, clears water well. Just not as well as the tyres above. They are budget tyre tough, I'd be shocked if it outperformed the big names!

Wearing well, have lost about 2mm of thread over 10k miles so I'm happy with that considering they take the weight and power

When the Kormorans wear away (more than likely all 4 will have to be replaced by then) I'll be replacing them with Michelin Green X (at €70 a corner for me it's worth it, just couldn't stretch to that the last time)

I'll be checking out Michelin too, had good experience with them in the past. A car I owned in the past came fitted with kormorans, they weren't a bad tyre by any means but the sidewall buldged on one of them.

JohnBoy26

Spike Witwicky wrote: »

Well you could spend more and get a name brand. Personally i think the Uni's are just as good if not better than most name brands but i dont think i could say the same about the BF's even though they are still a very good tyre.

Uniroyal's are probably what I'll go for but il be looking at Michelin and Goodyear too

BF's would probably be fine also though tbh.

JohnBoy26

walus wrote: »

I had those Uniroyals Rain Experts on my corolla and was very, very happy with them. The 175/65/14 is the size you want to go for (also fits without affecting the wheel circumference much - check manual should allow you to use them). I bought them from Camskill at an excellent price (since it is a popular size): http://camskill.co.uk/m4b0s393p97385/Uniroyal_Tyres_Car_Uniroyal_RainExpert_Uniroyal_Rain_Expert_-_175_65_R14_82T_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_E_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_2_Noise%3A_70dB
About 200 euro delivered.

Perfect tyre for a car like corolla.

Thanks for the info, I'll check those out. That tyre size would indeed be fine too

walus

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Thanks for the info, I'll check those out. That tyre size would indeed be fine too

I used camskill good few times now as they have good prices and deliver quick. I've currently fitted Uniroyal's Rain Sport 3 (again from Camskill) on another car and am very happy with them. I do not see a better option than Uniroyal's when it comes to value. You can also look at Goodyear's and Dunlop's. they will offer the same but would cost more. Kind of pointless to be looking for a tyre outside these three.

walus

walus wrote: »

I used camskill good few times now as they have good prices and deliver quick. I've currently fitted Uniroyal's Rain Sport 3 (again from Camskill) on another car and am very happy with them. I do not see a better option than Uniroyal's when it comes to value. You can also look at Goodyear's and Dunlop's. they will offer the same but would cost more. Kind of pointless to be looking for a tyre outside these three.

Small correction: Goodyear Efficient Grip are only 2£ per tyre more than Rain Experts. Not bad...

JohnBoy26

walus wrote: »

I used camskill good few times now as they have good prices and deliver quick. I've currently fitted Uniroyal's Rain Sport 3 (again from Camskill) on another car and am very happy with them. I do not see a better option than Uniroyal's when it comes to value. You can also look at Goodyear's and Dunlop's. they will offer the same but would cost more. Kind of pointless to be looking for a tyre outside these three.

Thanks for your post, I'll have a look at all three brands. I had a look at the manual there and the correct size is indeed 175,65,R14.

JohnBoy26

walus wrote: »

Small correction: Goodyear Efficient Grip are only 2£ per tyre more than Rain Experts. Not bad...

Yeah the difference in price is small. Both good tyres though.

JohnBoy26

Just a little update, I went with Michelin green x energy savers in the end. They seem good so far with plenty of grip and they are quiet enough too

Thanks to all the posters who came on here offering advice, it was of great help

kerten

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Just a little update, I went with Michelin green x energy savers in the end. They seem good so far with plenty of grip and they are quiet enough too

Thanks to all the posters who came on here offering advice, it was of great help

I used them as well. Good tyres.

Quieter and longer lasting than rainexperts but I think rainexperts were grippier especially in wet.

nd

I see alot of the tires mentioned are classified on oponeo as summer tires, even the rain experts.

Does whether they are summer/winter tires matter?

bazz26

Yes it does. Winter tyres only work best at low temperatures in snow and ice. They tend not to be less effective in normal conditions and will wear a lot quicker too. Summer tyres for the most part are more suitable for Irish conditions.

visual

Personal I think All Seasons tyres would suit our climate better but there is limited supply and more costly.


Rubber changes with temperature effecting it pliability at high temperture its soft sticky and grippy at low it becomes harder and less grippy

Winter tyres have a softer rubber compound that works well below 5 degrees the thread pattern is different to grip better on ice and snow.

Summer typres work well above 5 degress and give better performance they are also mass produced so cheap and plentiful.

There is usually 3 months in our climate that winter tyres have any advantage over summer and probably only a few weeks that are actually needed. For the rest of the year temperature is too high for winter tyres and with softer rubber compound wear out quicker.

All Seasons are sold as standard in US on new vehicles its a compromise between summer and winter tyres that can be used all year round.
But they aren't as good at either end of the spectrum of temperature as winter or summer.

JohnBoy26

kerten wrote: »

I used them as well. Good tyres.

Quieter and longer lasting than rainexperts but I think rainexperts were grippier especially in wet.

The rain experts are great tyres no doubt, but Tbh I'm happy enough with the grip on these.

CJhaughey

visual wrote: »

Personal I think All Seasons tyres would suit our climate better but there is limited supply and more costly.

Thats exactly my reasoning, I run Nokian All Season all year round, tyre life is good, not too noisy and good in the wet.
I don't find them bad pricewise but they are only 15".
Good compromise for me.