I currently have a set of tyres which are approx half-worn as regards tread, (max 5000 miles per year) but are marked “2017” as regards date of manufacture- so they are old, in my opinion. Planning a road trip to Portugal in June and considering changing to a new set.
As opposed to simply replacing them with another set of 205/50 16’s, it has been suggested that I go for 205/5516’s, as these are a much more common size nowadays with the result that there is a much wider choice, and prices are lower.
I’d be grateful to hear if anyone has done this, and any comments arising……also, because this is a departure from the “standard” tyre spec, are there any insurance implications?
You are treating yourself to a trip to Portugal. I think a new set of mid-price tyres would be an option. But, all that rubber gone to waste on those half worn tyres that would get you there and back. It’s a dilemma….
Dates on tyres is useful but no one seems to agree when they are Kaput. I’ve some that are twelve years old with full thread and no obvious signs of deterioration. They are in my backyard whilst I charge about on a set that are eight years old.
A little less caution would be my advise. There will be an ATS or somesuch in Portugal if it all goes t!ts up.
The usual problem with old tyres is cracking.
Have a really close look (taking the wheels off if necessary) for cracking to sidewalls and between the treads.
If they’re ok then thay they should be ok for your trip.
Maybe pre-program your sat-nav with tyre depots along your route just to be doubly sure.
That’s what I’m thinking……considering 4 new Hankook Ventus Prime K135, £320 fitted & inc VAT, which imo is a good price.
The 205/55 is very commonly used these days, hence it’s a “stock” tyre. The 205/50 would be significantly more expensive.
I would inform my insurance Co. if I do proceed with this…… just to avoid any possible repercussions, because the new tyres would vary slightly from the oem tyre size for this car. Maybe a bit over the top, but better safe than sorry.
Interested if anyone else using 205/55-16 on an NC2, and how you rate them?
There are a lot more options if you go 205/55/16. The 50 aspect is much more expensive too.
The 195 option mentioned above is deffo worth a look. For the roads I frequent I’m over-tyred in summer at least. Also stuff like less unsprung weight is worth a thought. I avoided some very tempting 17” wheels recently by dithering until someone else hovered up a real bargain price wise.
Driving feel is more important than looks if it is a choice. Portugal, there and back: I know what I’d favour…
FWIW, my NC2 was running the IL manifold and adjusted mapping to suit, so est 180-185bhp. The Goodyear Vector AllSeasons I ran in the autumn/winter didn’t struggle one bit with a drop to 195 width.
Obviously decent tyre choice is critical here, as always…
I had a discussion with another poster the other week about in virtually every occasion when a change in tyre size is mentioned, cheaper is the primary reason. Why not stick with the manufacture’s recommendation, presumably what the car was built for? As mentioned, paying ££thousands of pounds on a car to then try and save a few quid a corner on a manufacturer stated tyre size, which involves the insurance getting involved…
btw, BlackCircles above: People have ripped up on mytyres recently, but I ordered tyres-to-home from BlackCircles this week and had 2 days of waiting around like a saddo, looking every time a van came around the corner,despite me ringing them and having assurances they were out for delivery.
Saying that, I forgot the tyres I just got for the up! gti, doing my Mrs head in in the living room, are PS5 in 205/40/17, instead of the standard size of 195/40/17 lol
Shed loads on the associated forum have done it, primarily due to no real decent tyres in the standard size. I rang the insurance too before I bought them.
So whilst my reason isn’t price orientated (they were more £ actually), considering the above post, I’ve earned ‘hypocrite of the year award’…and it’s only April lol
As said further up, I went for a different size on the NC2 due to manufacturer choice and/or availability of AllSeason choices in suitable 16" sizes. On my summer 17" I changed from OEM due to preferring the way the car rode and drove. Nothing to do with price on both occasions.
Others may have different reasons for altering from the OEM size, and that’s fine by me too
