Thanks Roy for the explanation. When speaking to Guildford tyres today about the wheel alignment check, I asked for their recommendations re tyres. They suggested the Uniroyal Rainsport (£104 fitted), the Michelin pilot sport 3 (£133…. but they’re out of stock and they don’t know when they’ll get any) and the Michelin Cross climate ((£150).
A more local tire depot recommended the Bridgestone T005 (£103) and Goodyear efficient grip (£105).
Finally an online article from a trade/car website recommended the Continental premiumcontact 6 for 16” mk3 MX5’s.
Does anyone have any opinions on any of the above?
When I bought my 2008 NC two months ago it had four nearly new Uniroyal Rainsports on it, I’ve no point of reference for comparison but they seem pretty grippy in the wet(as you’d expect!)
If it’s a PHRT another worthwhile task is to check & lubricate the roof mechanism.
The general advice is to drop the roof about half way and you will see some large toothed drive cogs either side, with some Allen Key headed bolts. Check the bolts are tight (you can use the emergency PHRT kit to do this you have it) and lubricate the cogs. I do mine a couple of times a year.
While you have the roof in this position you’re well placed to peer in the back and see the grills for the drains - just behind the bulkhead. I just pour some warm soapy water down every so often. There are also two short hoses which feed those drains, connected to the roof deck - I did find one of these had come off so just pushed it back on.
Thanks Jules. You must had read my mind, since only yesterday I was wondering about lubricating the PRHT mechanism. Will ordinary grease be ok, or do you recommend something else?
Hi Roy. I had my 3.5 into Guildford tyres yesterday for a FOC Hunter wheel alignment check. I was expecting they’d probably say ‘it’s a little bit out’ since every car I’ve had drifts out over time. To my amazement they said it was spot on! Obviously I was pleased, but it was also good to find an honest company….since I’m pretty sure some tyre companies will exaggerate a small intolerance.
I’ve decided on the Uniroyal Rainsport tyres,which will be fitted to all corners this Friday.
These prices seem a bit steep to me but I live in the North of England and it seems that you pay a lot more in the South East.
Have a look on-line at the likes of Black Circles for example.
I paid just over £300 for a set of Yokohama Blue Earth AE-50s from the above for my MK 3.5.