Tyre choice - 245 40 18

[xtremist]

OK, the time has come again where I need to replace at least 1 tyre. I have to date used Bridgestone RE050A's which are OK, but I don't think they inspire confidence in the wet.

The RE050A that needs replacing is on the front and done about 25k (which suprised me). I know I should get another RE050A to match the other side as it's out of sync with the other side due to a puncture. Will probably get the front 2 replaced and keep the good one as a spare.

Suggestions of something different that you have used would be appreciated. I'm sure I've read about the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta which are about £15/corner cheaper (not that that is a major influencing factor).

Usage is mainly A roads and motorways with a 15 mile twisty B road commute.

TIA

[SC03OTT]

I've never used the size you're after or driven the car you have, but thought I'd offer my insight anyway. I've used the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta's in the past on my Jetta (running 225/45/17). Really rated them. So much so that when I come to replace the Continentals on my current car, I'll be going back to them (this time running 225/40/18).

[xtremist]

Thanks for the response. I was looking at part worn tyres on the bay of e last night. Might get a part worn RE050A then replace in pairs with Sessanta's

[markp306]

I've never used the size you're after or driven the car you have, but thought I'd offer my insight anyway. I've used the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta's in the past on my Jetta (running 225/45/17). Really rated them. So much so that when I come to replace the Continentals on my current car, I'll be going back to them (this time running 225/40/18).

What milage would you expect from those? They do seem to cost significantly more than the Conti's on my SE, which I think are also good all-rounders for performance and wear. What did you rate about them specifically? Thanks.

[John140]

OK, the time has come again where I need to replace at least 1 tyre. I have to date used Bridgestone RE050A's which are OK, but I don't think they inspire confidence in the wet.

I have RE050's on my car and I find the exact opposite to what you say. I think they are a very soft compound and mine grip pretty well in the wet even though they are almost shot at only 16K miles.

[skymaster]

My business partner used the RE050S on his A5 for the first two years. I suggested he go Michelin PS3 which he did (all four)... and he's been extremely well impressed with them. They are far from cheap.. but amazingly good

[nightingale5690]

michelin ps3 all the way or try mich primacy hp

[SC03OTT]

What milage would you expect from those? They do seem to cost significantly more than the Conti's on my SE, which I think are also good all-rounders for performance and wear. What did you rate about them specifically? Thanks.

I only had them on the car for six months before selling, but in that time I did around 6000 miles and I reckon they had about 4000 miles left. Wet wether grip was impressive. Always felt planted when driving through a lot of standing water. I'm sure there will be other tyres available that perform just as well, but for the price I felt the performance was excellent.

[Paul.693]

I have the Bridgestones in the same size but I think that they are over rated and very expensive, not to mention noisy. I am considering Hankook V12 Evo at around £50 cheaper per corner than Bridgestone but a better spec { on paper } I don't really know which to go for. My local tyre dealer hates Bridgestone but opinoins vary wildly.

[timbo59]

I have just replaced the pirelli's that came with the car from new. 14K and shot. I suffered tramlining, loss of traction in corners when wet/damp, noise, hard feednack through steering......hated them. In my experience it's a Pirelli thing, had them on my Porsche and the same poblem. Had Bridgestones on my mercedes, same thing. It could be me but my driving style is not that of Mario Andretti so it must just be soft compound.

Anyway, I went to my local tyre dealer, Martins of West End, Surrey. Had 2xNexen N6000's fitted and I am delighted. Steering straight as a die, roadnoise minimal and very comfortable ride. I know about the premium brand argument but at £102 a corner and the benefits I am seeing I can't complain.