Tyres

Thanks again FC. It looks like ATS are the nearest to us so we'll check them out. We've also used National Tyres in the past without a problem. Both of these are in Inverness.

We popped into our Nissan dealer last week where we bought the car from. They are always ready to help and were happy to check the tread depths while we watched. The tyres are legal but not guaranteed to hold the road in icy conditions which we suspected. As we're away on a mini break next week and with the weather not guaranteed, we thought it probably best to change them now.

 

Crikey, that’s weird. I was going to pretty much say the same thing!

 

I've saved you the effort Freddy.

 

I priced up some Continental tyres, the same as currently/originally fitted. They worked out around £200 a tyre! I then looked at alternatives, and the Avon’s caught my eye. I can’t remember for sure, but I think they were around £130 a tyre, quite a saving. I’m also reassured by FC’s comment about them being quieter, the Continentals are quite noisy.

 

I had Avons years ago and they wore out pretty quick.
So my guess would be, probably soft, so good grip, but dont last long.

 

Wear on tyres also depends on the vehicle and how you drive Pete.

My tyre size is 225/45 ZR18. The best quote we've had on the Avon's is £101. Dunlop 'Sport' £124.21, Continental 'Conti Sport' £125.62 and Goodyear 'Efficient Grip' £125.85. All these prices were from National tyres and seem to be the best quotes so far.

 

Years ago Avons wore out quick 'cos they were crap!
Mind you, years ago I had some Avon competition tyres () on my mk1 Escort and they weren't crap. Wore them out in 400 miles though!

Modern Avons are a very good mid range tyre nowadays.

 

At those prices I'd go for the Conti's. As good as you can get for not a whole load extra.

 

Thanks Longk.

Freddy has suggested they are noisy, I don't want them if that's the case, they'd drive me nuts!

 

Usually they quote decibels for tyres these days.

 

Indeed. When I checked, the Avon’s were around 4db’s quieter, on the tyre size I was looking at.

 

I’d check the dB rating on the National tyres website before committing. I wouldn’t want to lead you astray

 

A quick google says 1db difference. The human ear is not sensitive enough to detect that (3 or 4db I think). The wet test rating shows a ten metres advantage for the Conti at 50mph.
To be fair all modern low profile tyres are noisy. Stand at the side of a 40mph stretch of road and listen - you can hear the tyres long before the engine.