Tyre info

Some 'anal' info for those of you interested?!

In a stab to try and get some discount off of Goodyear, given the poor mileage I got out of some Eagle GA tyres (only 8000 miles off light driving) I got some useful tech info off one of their boffins (but no discount!)

Anyway, he told me that as Goodyear are distributing Dunlop in UK, to try the Dunlop SP Sport 2000E tyre. These are an older tread pattern (current stock is SP sport 200E) but he said they were designed around the MK1 Golf Gti and tyre size 185/60/R14. So, checked with Kwik Fit, they could get them the next day and were same price as the 200E. Cost me ?204 for four tyres all-in.

Got them fitted Friday. Haven't given them a good 'pounding' yet but so far so good - I'm well pleased with how they ride/handle.

He also e-mailed me a chart on premature tyre wear which was a bit of an eye opener.



I was quite surprised how certain conditions can reduce tyre life by so much. Anyway, make of it what you will! :wink:

Interesting, the most fun roads to drive are the hardest on tyres - so thats why I wear my tyres so quickly . Pressures can make the world of difference on tyre wear. I avoid petrol station tyre pumps, never know how accurate their gauges are. Also should only check pressures of cold tyres.

With you there MArk - I tried one of those new garage pumps with a digital display that is susposed to cut out when you reach desired pressure. It never cut out - just kept pumping!

markwon said

Interesting, the most fun roads to drive are the hardest on tyres - so thats why I wear my tyres so quickly . Pressures can make the world of difference on tyre wear. I avoid petrol station tyre pumps, never know how accurate their gauges are. Also should only check pressures of cold tyres.

If you pay for the air, then the garage by law should have the guage calibrated and checked for acuracy every so often (not sure on the time period)

If the air is free, there is no requirement to have the gaugaes calibrated or checked, so avoid the free ones.

God I'm full of useless information!!

Mike

Does anyone know the original type of tyres that were supplied on a 1984 Cabriolet or was it down to the purchaser. What would be the nearest modern alternative?

Dano

Depends upon the type of wheel fitted. 9 spokes would have some with 175/70/13s as for brand this seemed to change frequently. Maybe VW constantly shopped around for the best deals? Heard of Uniroyal, Pirelli and Continental as being regularly.

Cheers

Halfords sell a digital tyre pressure gauge on a keyring which i've been using for a few years. Its pretty accurate too. Good little device to keep in the glove box.

I got one of their little rubber coated ones (not on a keyring :cry: ) Is very good!

I've got a plastic one somewhere.. can never find the damn thing though