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OAT

Member

From: Borders/Dales

Registered: 2017-01-03

Posts: 903

Front Tyre Recomendations?

I happened to park with a bit of lock on and noticed a tyre looking far too shiny.  Embarrasing to admit but I hardly ever check them unless I notice something wrong!

Anyway it's a long while since I bought tyres for a van and never for a front wheel drive with half decent performance.

So bearing in mind that it's an all season camper and any improved grass and dirt grip without too much sacrifice of tarmac performance is the ideal, any recomendations?

Money is always tight but I would spend a bit more for anything that bit better.  Been too close to getting stuck in quite remote off road spots lately.

vaz2121

Member

From: Glasgow Living:~ SW. Scotland

Registered: 2015-08-31

Posts: 1,311

Re: Front Tyre Recomendations?

I happened to park with a bit of lock on and noticed a tyre looking far too shiny.  Embarrasing to admit but I hardly ever check them unless I notice something wrong!

Anyway it's a long while since I bought tyres for a van and never for a front wheel drive with half decent performance.

So bearing in mind that it's an all season camper and any improved grass and dirt grip without too much sacrifice of tarmac performance is the ideal, any recomendations?

Money is always tight but I would spend a bit more for anything that bit better.  Been too close to getting stuck in quite remote off road spots lately.

My 1st question is size.....14" rims  or 15"

There are a few winter tyre options that are marked up as M+S but not so many with the C rating on tyre

I've been planing tyres for a couple months as I've notice them getting down...... Like you Ive been debating weather a M+S tyre or just a High mileage van tyre

The last Two (Xtra load cheepo's) that were fitted on front were bought to make sure what was on didn't go bald while on jolly plus IIRC it was near MOT time also..... So the van is fitted at moment with basically MPV type rated tyres

I've 15" wheels on van so only been looking at that option........ Although not an exact like for like match I have come across a 205/65-15C M+S I'm considering also a 195/70-15 C all weather van tyre which puts speedo gearing out by a few % .....These are just my choices

A decent load rated MPV tyre of your choice may actually have a more acceptable ride quality I've never given it much though

Last edited by vaz2121 (2018-05-07 10:07:30)

tee_cee

Member

Registered: 2016-03-18

Posts: 574

Re: Front Tyre Recomendations?

Last set of Vredstein Quatrac 3 (195/70/14) were really good, but they don't make them any more. This year I'd like to have got some Michelin crossclimates, but couldn't get the right size either 14 or 15in.
Ended up with Hankook Optimo 4S which are marked M&S and seem ok for now. Worth noting that Germany have passed new laws requiring M&S marking when driving in wintery conditions.
Anyway, not necessarily a recommendation but some ideas for you.

OAT

Member

From: Borders/Dales

Registered: 2017-01-03

Posts: 903

Re: Front Tyre Recomendations?

The more I look the more confusing it gets!

Summer, winter, all season, M&S, 3PSF. and now the Crossclimates which claims to be a summer tyre that matches all season tyres in winter conditions!!!  Then of course there are "Camper" tyres.

What I am looking for is an all season which offers a bit of improved grip on wet grass without sacrificing too much in milage, consumption and noise.

Looks like M&S would be the way to go but wondering if M&S with 3PSF would be worthwhile.

btw tee_cee the regs in Germany now mean it's not just in "wintery conditions" that winter tyres are required,  but they are now compulsory from October to Easter.

tee_cee

Member

Registered: 2016-03-18

Posts: 574

Re: Front Tyre Recomendations?

The more I look the more confusing it gets!

Summer, winter, all season, M&S, 3PSF. and now the Crossclimates which claims to be a summer tyre that matches all season tyres in winter conditions!!!  Then of course there are "Camper" tyres.

What I am looking for is an all season which offers a bit of improved grip on wet grass without sacrificing too much in milage, consumption and noise.

Looks like M&S would be the way to go but wondering if M&S with 3PSF would be worthwhile.

btw tee_cee the regs in Germany now mean it's not just in "wintery conditions" that winter tyres are required,  but they are now compulsory from October to Easter.

Thinking about it again it's the 3PSF symbol which is now required in Germany - M+S isn't enough anymore.
Oct to Easter is the accepted norm, but the law does not impose any date range.
I was looking for the same thing as yourself and got equally frustrated with the amount of information, and read endless reviews which all looked the same.
In the end I gave up and went for a reasonably priced M+S which turned out to be 3PSF also.  I came to the conclusion that doing something was probably better than doing nothing, and moved on to something else.

OAT

Member

From: Borders/Dales

Registered: 2017-01-03

Posts: 903

Re: Front Tyre Recomendations?

Thinking about it again it's the 3PSF symbol which is now required in Germany - M+S isn't enough anymore.
Oct to Easter is the accepted norm, but the law does not impose any date range.

Not trying to be pedantic tc but in case anyone reading might be going to Germany the RAC (and many others) say :-

Germany
Winter tyres – COMPULSORY

Germany introduced regulations in 2010 requiring all passenger cars and motorbikes to be fitted with winter tyres or all season tyres on all axles in wintry conditions.

Snow chains – REQUIRED (should be carried and used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply).

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/driv … ad/winter/

I agree about the minefield of seeking relieable info on tyres (or just about anything at all) these days though.  We are certainly in a world of false news and not just in politics!

Information overload and no reliable way of distinguishing truth from hype!

Nothing to do with vans or tyres but worth a watch:-

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p … malisation