Replacing 185/55 R14 with 185/60 R14 on a Ford Fiesta

Nomad81

I'm looking at replacing my 2 front tyres at the moment as mentioned in the title. The Michelins I want have a 30 euro difference (!) a piece between the two profiles. I reckon the visual difference in the profiles would be minimal.

If the prices stay the same, eventually I'd replace the rears with the 185/60s too. Otherwise, i'll just rotate them back-to-front.

Any reason why I shouldn't go for the 185/60 R14's?

mp22

have a look here http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Nomad81

Cheers for that. Put my mind at ease as to how it'll look. There's a 1cm difference in the profiles of the two tyres. I reckon it'll look alright.

milltown

It will throw the accuracy of your speedo off a bit too, due to the extra circumference of the higher profile tyres. You'll be travelling further per revolution of the wheel so your speedo will read less than your actual speed.

2 Espressi

I love playing with that thing, one of the most useful internet calculator thingies I've ever bookmarked!
RE: speedo, the error is 3.3% according to that tool, or a 2mph under read at 60mph.

milltown

2 Espressi wrote: »

I love playing with that thing, one of the most useful internet calculator thingies I've ever bookmarked!
RE: speedo, the error is 3.3% according to that tool, or a 2mph under read at 60mph.

I didn't click. Small enough to disregard then really, probably under-reading by at least that much already.

Esel

Tbh, I'd stick with the existing profile. The lower profile will be that bit harsher. Also, if mixing profiles, the lower ones should always go on the rear.

Regardless of profile changes, new tyres should go on the rear, not the front. It's counter-intuitive, I know, but needed for stability under braking.

Nomad81

Car failed the effin' NCT last night due to a damaged rear tyre sidewall... gonna have it changed tomorrow, so I'm gonna do them both as well. No sense in having 3 brand new tyres and 1 old one.

colm_mcm

you can get a set of 4 Good Year Duragrips (185/60 same price) or Vredestein Quadtracs in 185 55 14 from camskill.co.uk delivered for €208.78, add €50 for fitting locally and you're up to €260.

You could also get a set of Toyo CF1s for €162 delivered, that makes €210 fitted.

If you're not fussed about grip, A set of Nankangs (185/60 same price as 185/55) will cost €137 delivered, that's about €190 fitted.

Most tyre companies will offer you worse tyres for more money.

Delivery from Camskill generally takes 2 days max.

Nomad81

Thanks colm, already had the 2 front Michelin Energ Savers fitted on Wednesday though, so the 2 rears are going to be fitted tomorrow morning. Wanted to give the Energy Savers a go since they've gotten good reviews (mostly) and apparently last a long, long time.