Replacement tyre options

[Swampy]

There was a previous thread for replacement tyres but I can't find it.

Previously my RS wagon had Conti tyres from new, and they would be completely stuffed by 30,000km. Most of the 'premium' tyres for the Octavia RS' start well into the $300 each. I know the last set of Contis were on 'special' at $475.

I have found a new tyre option which are much cheaper, handle as well (if not better) and cost much less than the Conti's. They are GT Radials Champiro HPY tyres and cost about $210 each. I had all my tyres replaced in early February and I have since driven to Bathurst as well as up and down the concrete Pacific Motorway in Queensland's recent cyclonic weather. The tyres are showing no signs of wear (The 2,400Km Bathurst trip would mark-up the Conti's for certain), are really quiet and grip like nothing in the wet.

Unless you are a premium tyre snob, these tyres are good and should last longer than 18 months.

[Martin]

Was that 30,000km with tire rotations? (Rears last longer otherwise)

Sydney tyre shops openning Conti price for people who have not done their homework is $300
In reality they are a $200 per corner tyre:
Contact Sport 3 $208
CONTINENTAL 225/40R18 92W SPORTS CONTACT 3
Contact Sport 5 $213
CONTINENTAL 225/40R18 92Y SPORTS CONTACT 5

Another option is the Pirelli PZero (not the NERO) $199
PIRELLI 225/40R18 92Y PZERO

I have the Michelin Pilot Sport 3, they sell for $300~$320 per corner
They are a wonderful tyre (better than the Conti) but not good enough to justify the price
I would like to try the Goodyear Asymmetric 2 but again they are well over $300 per corner (hard to justify)

[woofy]

My oem tyres are at 55k and still tonnes of tread. My mate has done way more than me with the same tyres and still has them. Pity they don't make the pe2s anymore but I wold think the ps3s should be similar.

[Tigger]

I just got the Continental Contact sport5 put on mine.

I love Continentals! Yes, they dont last quite as long, but they handle so well, are quiet, and chosen as OEM fitment for a reason.

I never compromise on tyres. As Fifth Gear once showed, tyres are the single most important performance upgrade you can do for your car. Remember that at each moment in time, there are only 8 inches conecting your car to the road...better make sure they are the best they possibly can be!

Also,the old catch phrase is true..."Price is forgotten, long after quality is remembered"
So, when you are enjoying a great drive, or on the flip side, when you lose grip, the price you saved 18 months ago will be completely irrelevant!

[sir_camel]

I picked up a full set of ContiSportContact5's in OEM size for a shade under $900 fitted and balanced a few weeks ago. If you shop around you can get some great deals on great rubber.

[roshea]

What tyres would people suggest for the stock wheels (6.5J x 16) on a TSI? The ones mentioned in this thread don't seem to be available in the size mine currently has (205/55 R16 91V).

[Martin]

What tyres would people suggest for the stock wheels (6.5J x 16) on a TSI? The ones mentioned in this thread don't seem to be available in the size mine currently has (205/55 R16 91V).

The Conti Sport Contact 5 is available in that size $135
CONTINENTAL 205/55R16 91W PREMIUM CONTACT 5

Dunlop Sport Maxx $130
DUNLOP 205/55R16 91W SPT MAX

Falken $120
FALKEN 205/55R16 91V ZE912

MaxTrex $69
MAXTREK 205/55R16 94V MAXIMUS M1

[roshea]

The Conti Sport Contact 5 is available in that size $135
CONTINENTAL 205/55R16 91W PREMIUM CONTACT 5

Dunlop Sport Maxx $130
DUNLOP 205/55R16 91W SPT MAX

Falken $120
FALKEN 205/55R16 91V ZE912

MaxTrex $69
MAXTREK 205/55R16 94V MAXIMUS M1

Thanks for that. Is the Conti Premium Contact the same as the Sport Contact?

[Diesel_vert]

Thanks for that. Is the Conti Premium Contact the same as the Sport Contact?

No, the PremiumContact 5 is (in their words), "a premium all-rounder that boasts extremely short braking distances on dry and wet roads, low rolling resistance, safe driving properties and comfortable handling characteristics".

As it's a relatively fresh design (released only last year), you can't go wrong with the PC5 in 205/55 R16, especially at that price.

In comparison, the SportContact range generally has a stronger emphasis on performance, handling and grip. Generally speaking, the lower the profile of a tyre, the more emphasis is put on these characteristics (at the cost of noise & wear). It partly explains why the SportContact 5 range is only available in sizes 17" or above.

[roshea]

No, the PremiumContact 5 is (in their words), "a premium all-rounder that boasts extremely short braking distances on dry and wet roads, low rolling resistance, safe driving properties and comfortable handling characteristics".

As it's a relatively fresh design (released only last year), you can't go wrong with the PC5 in 205/55 R16, especially at that price.

In comparison, the SportContact range generally has a stronger emphasis on performance, handling and grip. Generally speaking, the lower the profile of a tyre, the more emphasis is put on these characteristics (at the cost of noise & wear). It partly explains why the SportContact 5 range is only available in sizes 17" or above.

Great - thanks for your explanation!