Skoda RS replacement tyres - interesting

[Swampy]

My RS came with original Continental 18" tyres. After needing to replace one of them ... at $475 from a Conti dealer ... I'll probably replace them with Michelins shortly. The Contis are almost worn out after only 25,000Km.

[woofy]

I've been pretty happy with the PE2s, they stick like crazy, aren't incredibly noisy, have lots of tread left at 26k, just the cost is offputting.....getting all 4 done under $1k from tirerack is pretty appealing.

By the way try Tyrepower, they have been up to $100 cheaper per tyre more times than not for me.

[Antiplastix]

I d be checking the speed rating of some of the cheaper tyres available, I have seen 225/40 x18s with only a H speed rating. that would be a real easy cop out for any insurance company if it came to the crunch. The RS is fitted with Z rated and legaly must be replaced with the same.

[RSOK]

Funnily enough I was at a tyre retailer last weekend to have them inspect a gouge in the sidewall (more like a slash really, not too deep, my wife swears she can't recall running over anything)... my RS still has original Conti Sport Contact 2s (haven't yet done 5000kms so a while before replacement is needed) but while there I enquired about what's available in 225/40 R18... was recommended Sumitomo HTRZ III, $250/corner or Toyo Proxes 4 for about $230/corner... both seem quite reasonable and reputable, but there's just so much choice out there isn't there?

[dArK5HaD0w]

I d be checking the speed rating of some of the cheaper tyres available, I have seen 225/40 x18s with only a H speed rating. that would be a real easy cop out for any insurance company if it came to the crunch. The RS is fitted with Z rated and legaly must be replaced with the same.

+1
please please make sure u have the same, or higher load rating.
Z, T, H etc etc, are the speed rating. tis not as important as the load rating.
load rating usually ranges between 84 to 100.
i don't know what it is for octavia rs (usually indicated on a sticker on the door sill, or fuel cap), but it is VERY important that you do not replace it with a tyre that is below the min. load rating.
the load rating is the figure that determines how much weight/load the tyre is designed for, on the axle.

if it states 91 (for example) is the min, then u shouldn't get anything less than that. cause if ur in an accident, n the insurer spots that, u can kiss ur insurance goodbye!!

90% of the cheaper tyres don't meet the required load rating. so yes, u will find the same size tyre for a much cheaper price, but it won't meet the load rating for ur car. don't buy it!!!

[K1W1]

I d be checking the speed rating of some of the cheaper tyres available, I have seen 225/40 x18s with only a H speed rating. that would be a real easy cop out for any insurance company if it came to the crunch. The RS is fitted with Z rated and legaly must be replaced with the same.

If you ever get pulled up in a random road worthy inspection or by a cop with brains you will also end up with a canary because the vehicle would be deemed unroadworthy.

[brad]

If you ever get pulled up in a random road worthy inspection or by a cop with brains you will also end up with a canary because the vehicle would be deemed unroadworthy.

depends what State you are in. In NSW it is legal to fit tyres of a reduced speed rating providing a warning decal is fitted to the lower right corner of the windscreen stating what has been fitted & the speed rating. it's on the RTA website.

I agree with darkshadow, load rating compliance is more important than speed rating.

[Gaz]

What sort of distance have the travelled?

We have just passed 30000 Ks in our RS, and the Continentals are at 2mm all round.

[powerd]

My Skoda has done 34,000kms, K1W1 and it will need tyres by 35,000. I do exploit the performance and handling of the vRS at times (after all, why buy it if you don't use it?) so I am happy with this wear rate on the front of a FWD. The rears have plenty in them yet.

I will be putting a tyre of similar performance on the car and of course the same load and speed rating. So that rules out much cheaper tyres. From the first car I bought, I realised that good quality tyres can make a real difference to the handling of a car.

I really enjoy the way the car handles and steers, after driving more mundane cars for a while, so I guess I have to put up with the cost!
Cheers
powerd

[wombatoutofhell]

I replaced the tyres on my RS with Falkens-not sure of the model but will check later. They are rubbish. They felt good for the first few thousand km but after that I couldn't get the power down. Handling isn't too bad. but the wheelspin is a real problem-I dont even have to take off hard to spin them. The original tyres (Michelin Pilot Sports 2) were brilliant-but the best I could get them for was $550 each at the time.
I wouldn't go for a different size simply because my understanding is if the size fitted to the car does't match the sizes on the tyre placard (inside the fuel filler door) then they aren't legal. Ditto both the speed rating and the load rating. My Skoda only calls for a W speed rating though? The Falkens are W, the Michelins were Y.