So yesterday I spotted a dreaded nail sticking out of on of the Dunlop SP's on my Scout. So dropped in at a couple of local tyre dealers to get the verdict. After a lot of scratching of chins and shaking of heads the general conclusion was I needed a new Tyre as it was likely the puncture could not be repaired. However, none of my local dealers stocked anything in the appropriate 225/50/17 except Run on flats for BMW's. As the tyre seemed to be holding its air I took a gamble and went home and carefully extracted the offending item from the tyre. It actually only turned out to be about half a cm long and after leaving it overnight and checking the pressure all seems well.

However, this got me thinking, what would I have replaced the tyre(s) with? (probably would have had to do both). As I do a fair bit of driving on poor surfaces with my various hobbies and am planning more trips to Europe this year for skiing etc. I have been thinking about getting a set of steels with some AT Tyres on, but have not been able to locate any suitable wheels at the right price. So the next best thing in these tight times might be to re-shoe the 17” with something that is a bit more multi purpose. After some research last night whilst my wife was watching the soaps I came to the conclusion that the Hankook Ventus ST RH06 might be a good option.

So the question is does anyone have experience of these or other Hankook tyres or indeed thought on suitability ?

I can't comment personally this site might help you out:Test reports for summer car tyres Hankook - Ventus ST RH06

I have used Hankook Ventus Sport K104's (no longer made) for about the last 60k on my fabia and I rate them very highly

They have since been superceeded by Ventus V12 Evo

I've used the above as well. Not bad tyres at all.

I currently run Stunner's which i am finding to be equally as good and last quite a bit longer. The Hankooks lasted me about 8k miles. The Stunner's have been on for 12k and counting. Got at least another 2-3k left in em i'd say.

Used the Ventus 104s on Fabia vRS - well pleased in all respects and they lasted 15k. Have now got 2 Hankook v12Evo on the rear and can't wait to get rid of the noisy Contis on the front.

I recently read German TUV (I think) recently tested a load of tyres and the v12 Evos came out top joint with newest Goodyear.

I was intrigued by the apparent M&S rating on the ST RH06 and if this would save me having to do tyre and wheels swaps to drive in the colder parts of Europe in the winter months? They seem to be promoted as a summer tyre? I guess there will be a trade off somewhere; increased noise possibly or shorter life if rubber is more suited to colder temperatures?