Hi all, and apologies in advance if this is a FAQ.
My MK1 came with 195/65-15 tyres fitted, one of which is now getting worn. The garage has recommended I switch to 195/50 tyres - and certainly the forums agree that’s the type of tyre I should be using. What differences would it make to the car, both in terms of road handling and visually? It’s very tempting to just replace the worn tyre, instead of all four tyres - but if it makes a major difference to the car, I’ll consider it. Also, are there any safety issues with using the ‘wrong’ tyres?
I would certainly change them. That is quite an extreme over size of tyres, although there are a number of car tyres of that size that is also a van tyre profile and is 10% over size.
Physically the car will be a little lower as you are taking about an inch and a half out of the side wall height to get back to the correct size. Visually while the tyres won’t fill the arches as much, it will remove the tractor look though. Handling wise it should be totally transformed. Performance wise your car is going to feel a lot more eager and you will actually be driving places faster as your tyres were so over sized you would only be doing about 54 when your speedo read 60. Effectively the person that put these tyres on raised the cars gearing by 10%. Your cruising fuel economy will suffer, but to be honest, if that is important it sort of misses the whole point of the car. A bit like keeping a vibrant work of art in the dark in case the sunlight fades it.
The tyres you have are giving you an overgear of 9.9% so even allowing for the error built into the speedo (about 3%) your speedo is reading slower than actual, an offence
Plus the handling will be much better on the correct size wheel/tyre combo you are riding an inch high just due to tyre size
Thanks everyone for your help - it certainly seems unanimous that not only would my car’s road holding be improved by having the correct tyres, it would be more legal too. I’d noticed before that my GPS always gave a higher speed than the speedo, when my other cars gave a lower speed, but I’d never thought to question why. All makes perfect sense. As for the visuals, I’ve been looking out for a local MK1 with correct tyres so I can see the difference but haven’t found one yet. There’s one round the corner on 185/60r14 tyres, so different again!
So … currently only 1 tyre is really worn, but I’m now looking at replacing all four tyres, so a few more questions! (sorry)
Does anyone do ‘trade-ins’ for tyres - take the old ones off my hands and give me money off new ones?
Any recommendations on brands? and what might I expect to pay for four tyres?
185/60 R14 is the orginal Mk1 size, so will give an idea of tyre-to-wheelarch gap. You just have to imagine a bigger wheel and a shallower sidewall on your car.
As for brands, many on here have their preferences but we’d all warn you to stay away from budget brands - especially Chinese ones. The Chinese Triangle Talon Sports my car wore when bought looked fine but were borderline dangerous in the wet. I don’t know why such tyres are allowed to be sold.
For prices, try the tyre-dealer websites as a reference point: MyTyres, BlackCircles, Camskill et al.
Hi tony.If its any help i have just brought 4 new 195 50 r15 toyo proxesT1r for the sum of £129 inc vat and carriage from Tyretrades .com and they came next day
