Correct tyre specs?

[Nick0]

My car has four different tyres fitted to it; what are the correct OEM tyres to fit to my S60R? - it has 18 inch Pegasus wheels.

Should I be looking at Pirelli P Zero (Rosso or Nero?) and should I be looking for 95Y (whatever that means?!)

Thanks in advance as always

[MattM]

Get some Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta, good tyres

[Pauld]

This is something I have been pondering over recently.

95 is the load rating, and Y is the speed rating.

I have Pirelli at the moment but they will need changing in a few months

My short list is: -

Michelin PS3 £650
Vredestein ultra sessanata £400
Vredestein ultra cento £400
Falken A452 £380
Pirelli £650


The Michelin will give the greatest mileage, so could work out as the cheapest, and best (?) option.

[Nick0]

I did know about the speed rating, does higher load rating mean it's intended for heavier cars?

Read a few reviews today which seem to put the PZero and Goodyear Eagle F1 at the top of the pile, along with Michelin Sport3 in one test.

For me personally fuel economy and noise are more important than handling. I had PZeros on the last two cars (both Saab Turbos) and was very happy with them.

Vredesteins are totally new to me they seem quite cheap by comparison what is the consensus no what they are like for fuel and noise?

[Pauld]

I have had Vredestein and a few cars. Good tyres

Never run them for long enough to comment about their longevity.

The load rating does relate to the car weight and is specified by the manufacturer. If in doubt always go for a higher rating.

[M-R-P]

I've said it before and others have agreed with me, Barum Bravuris2. Superb rubber made by Continental. All weather tyres, very quiet, 225 45 ZR17. I was under the belief that the ZR meant the speed rating (ZR being rated to 185 mph) the Y95 being extra heavy load rating.
Only based on what I've heared to be honest but I did hear it a few times
HTH

[AndysR]

I did know about the speed rating, does higher load rating mean it's intended for heavier cars?

Read a few reviews today which seem to put the PZero and Goodyear Eagle F1 at the top of the pile, along with Michelin Sport3 in one test.

For me personally fuel economy and noise are more important than handling. I had PZeros on the last two cars (both Saab Turbos) and was very happy with them.

Vredesteins are totally new to me they seem quite cheap by comparison what is the consensus no what they are like for fuel and noise?

Basically yes a higher load figure means the tyre can cope with greater loads due to increased strenght in the tyre casing. A car which weighs alot will require higher load rated tyres because of the weight exerted on the tyre but also a fast car will require higher load because of the stresses that are caused on a tyre when cornering hard to prevent the tyre sidewall from "folding" or "rolling" over...

Re. tyre manufacturers I have used both P-Zero's and Goodyear Eagles and given the choice between the two I'd choose the Eagles as the P-Zero's went out of shape and after having this happen I have learned that its not an uncommon problem to occur with the Pirelli's...

[M-R-P]

Here's a thought, The P2 V70 Weighs 1567 Kg (ish) with 4 passengers and luggage, it can weigh up to 2200 kg. now think stopping 2200kg from it's potential speed of 170mph (M56LK gearbox) would require really heavy duty tyres. Like in many safety princaples, it's not what you WILL do with it, it's what you COULD do with it.
Do you have a family??? better to have a stairgate than a box of plasters

[AndysR]

Here's a thought, The P2 V70 Weighs 1567 Kg (ish) with 4 passengers and luggage, it can weigh up to 2200 kg. now think stopping 2200kg from it's potential speed of 170mph (M56LK gearbox) would require really heavy duty tyres. Like in many safety princaples, it's not what you WILL do with it, it's what you COULD do with it.
Do you have a family??? better to have a stairgate than a box of plasters

Probably a good idea to have both if it was me... As I'd need a few plasters after fitting or working a stairgate... lol

[M-R-P]

Yeah, they are like the most complicated model kit ever, especially when you have to use the extension bars etc...

Off topic (but sort of relevant)!

I think I made my point tho.

[Nick0]

Do you have a family??? better to have a stairgate than a box of plasters

Yep, good point Sir. What is the safest recommendation then?

[AndysR]

Yep, good point Sir. What is the safest recommendation then?

Buy the best you can afford...

[M-R-P]

Yep, good point Sir. What is the safest recommendation then?

Again Bravuris 2. Had a few close calls only felt the ABS kick-in a tiny bit and never lost any kind of control (I've hit the brakes HARD from 135mph, in semi damp conditions but don't tell Mrs. MRP). Fantastic value - probably why they get overlooked.

[Nick0]

Buy the best you can afford...

Hard to make an informed decision on this cos it's not as though you can try before you buy. PZeros are nice, sexy calendars, expensive. Ditto F1s and Michelins, and as with all things you pay for a brand's advertising (and R&D).

Sounds like the Vredesteins (are they German?) are highly regarded here and on T5D5 although this is subjective it is as good as you can get without scientific tests/evaluations. Even then you get into the whole 'who sponsored that tyre test' debate!

So spending the most you can doesn't necessarily guarantee the best tyre, although admittedly you are probably guaranteed something very very good at least. I had started looking at costs of a set of Pzeros but then thought I should ask!

Yours talking himself in circles and rapidly becoming a tyre nerd.

I'll get me coat!

[M-R-P]

Nick, If you're anywhere near me, I'll happily take you out and show you just how good the Barums are.

[Nick0]

Nick, If you're anywhere near me, I'll happily take you out and show you just how good the Barums are.

very kind of you Sir, alas I am in south west London. I will read more about the Barums and Vreds!

[M-R-P]

Will you be at the Ace Cafe meet on the 27th?
We get to Walthamstow alot too
For price V quality the Barums are superb, Happygilmore (pretty sure that's who else used them) will agree.

[AndysR]

Hard to make an informed decision on this cos it's not as though you can try before you buy. PZeros are nice, sexy calendars, expensive. Ditto F1s and Michelins, and as with all things you pay for a brand's advertising (and R&D).

Sounds like the Vredesteins (are they German?) are highly regarded here and on T5D5 although this is subjective it is as good as you can get without scientific tests/evaluations. Even then you get into the whole 'who sponsored that tyre test' debate!

So spending the most you can doesn't necessarily guarantee the best tyre, although admittedly you are probably guaranteed something very very good at least. I had started looking at costs of a set of Pzeros but then thought I should ask!

Yours talking himself in circles and rapidly becoming a tyre nerd.

I'll get me coat!

Very true, I am always very nervous about changing tyre brands for exactly the reasons you highlight. That said out of your list the things I have heard most about is the Vredestein and they're cheaper than some of the others but I'd still be looking at the Michelins..

[M-R-P]

That's exactly what this forum is all about. Help and informed opinions. I'm happy to offer "try before you buy", perhaps there are some others who could offer a drive with Michelins or Verds? Nick, you're obviously interested in the best combination of handling, safety, road noise and Longevity. I hope you find the right set for you're needs. Like I said, you're welcome in my big lump of a car for a test drive.

[volvokid]

Nick i will tell you exactly whats on my car later today (my memory is bad so need to look lol). its had the same brand of pzeros tyers since new. I have 9 worn pzeros from the car and as Andy says the wear is uneaven but im no tyer expert and havnt looked at much tyers before. When i renew mine im going to consider vreds they get good reviews as said.