I am looking to replace all 4 tyres on my Skoda Superb, Edition 100 Ready for winter.

Now I cannot afford to buy winter tyres so they are going to be normal tyres, but not sure which brands are worth their money. There are a lot of budget brands such as Sailun, Nankang, Jinyu, Tigar etc, but not sure what is going to be the best value for money, My tyres are a 225, 45, 17inch y rating at the moment.

Any tips?

Cheers

Generally, these ultracheap tyres are pretty lethal. Have a look at http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/ for some reviews. Tyres are not something I skimp on as they're the only thing holding the car to the road

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre-Size/17-Inch-Tyres/225-45-17-Tyres.htm Reviews for your size.

Thanks for that,

Tyres are not something I generally skimp on either, but I just cannot afford 500 quid for 4 tyres :(

Sadly the old adage of 'buy cheap, buy twice' applies here. Hit the credit card and buy something decent, you'll only regret it if you end up with the car in a hedge or worse due to cheap rubber.

So If I am to buy "decent" tyres, which ones would you recommend?

So If I am to buy "decent" tyres, which ones would you recommend?

Honestly, if it were me I'd fit some all-seasons - you'll maybe only get 80% of the efficiency of summer tyres in hot weather, but you're unlikely to push summer tyres to their limit in a Superb anyway, and in winter all-seasons will be much more effective in snow, ice and rain.

I've had excellent experiences with both Kumho KH-21s, and Vredestein Quatracs. They last maybe a few thousand miles less due to their softer compound, but once you've driven in bad weather with them, you'll wonder why you didn't use them before.

Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons are also decent.

mytyres.co.uk has these at the following (per tyre):

Kumho KH-21: £93.50

Goodyear 4 Seasons: £113.50

Vredestein Quadracs: £118.00

The prices are about the same as decent normal tyres.

I can honestly say I have never bought a winter or all season tyre for any car I have owned, and Have not faced that many problems, are these worth it for the overall weather conditions we get in the UK?

I can honestly say I have never bought a winter or all season tyre for any car I have owned, and Have not faced that many problems, are these worth it for the overall weather conditions we get in the UK?

That's what I mean. You don't know how much better they are until you try them. In rain, snow, or ice the traction and braking they offer is far superior to standard summer tyres, and in the summer you won't notice any difference unless you drive at the limit all the time.

They're certainly infinitely better than any of the Chinese sho!te like Linglongs or Sunews.

ok fair enough, I just want to make sure that it is something worth going for, I know on previous cars ive had hankooks, etc, and if my car was the standard 205. 55 y16 tyres they would be much cheaper, but no, I had to have the edition 100 with these tyres on haha. Thanks for the advice

You will get a very polarised response to that. Though I don't know anyone who has them who says they're not worth it.

I managed with incident for 12 winters on regulars. I then tried switching and am not going back because the car just feels so much more stable. More specifically, you don't really feel any difference when winter sets in.

im struggling to find those tyres in my size, grrs

why is the kumho KH21 shown as an all season tyre but with an E rating on wet grip?

The EU ratings seem to be 'interesting' compared with reality. All winter tyres get abysmal ratings. The test is pretty flawed and I'll continue to go with actual road test reviews.

You may be struggling to find the tyres because of the speed rating. You should be able to use lower than Y rated ones, but make sure you check with your insurer. Check the handbook so you at least know what the manufacturer accepts. My H rated winters 'meet manufacturer specifications as stated in the handbook' even though it was equipped with Vs.

http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/products/2254517BU1WX#

what about these?

Kirkley Run Service Station in Yarmouth (google it) did my 17/225/45 91Y Michelin Pilot Sport 3's for £99 a corner fitted over the summer; so quality tyres can be had for sensible money.

I think you'd be better off with Kumho's KU39 or Firestone's SZ90, both around £80

I think you'd be better off with Kumho's KU39 or Firestone's SZ90, both around £80

I find that surprising. Now admittedly I like Michelins (not had a tire let me down in 500,000 miles), but here are some reviews:

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Firestone/Firehawk-SZ90.htm

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Kumho/Ecsta-KU39.htm

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Michelin/Pilot-Sport-3-PS3.htm

I don't have personal experience of either the two you suggest but I can only see them seeming better on price?

Kirkley Run Service Station in Yarmouth (google it) did my 17/225/45 91Y Michelin Pilot Sport 3's for £99 a corner fitted over the summer; so quality tyres can be had for sensible money.

I've just ordered a pair of these from Black Circles at £111 fitted. My local tyre dealer wouldn't come down below £130 each. Having them fitted tomorrow morning and quite looking forward to it.

What about Goodyear Eagle F1's? - they were going to be my second choice.

Gaz

For some reason Kirkley run are always the cheapest round East Anglia. All the locals wanted £130 each as you mention, but they have always been cheapest. My Dad and I have used them for 5-6 years now and always great service. No lifts, just trolley jacks though (if that is of concern).

I've just ordered a pair of these from Black Circles at £111 fitted. My local tyre dealer wouldn't come down below £130 each. Having them fitted tomorrow morning and quite looking forward to it.

What about Goodyear Eagle F1's? - they were going to be my second choice.

Gaz

I find that surprising. Now admittedly I like Michelins (not had a tire let me down in 500,000 miles), but here are some reviews:

http://www.tyrerevie...rehawk-SZ90.htm

http://www.tyrerevie.../Ecsta-KU39.htm

http://www.tyrerevie...Sport-3-PS3.htm

I don't have personal experience of either the two you suggest but I can only see them seeming better on price?

The OP was considering Westlake SV308 as above link, which are only W rated whereas the KU39/SZ90 are both Y rated and will outperform the Westlake's, and yes they are based on price which I consider is main factor to the OP, for the money the are both reasonable, KU39's will grip better but wear quicker. For me I just can't recommend Michelin as IMO there are better tyre's out there for less £ with less issue's...

I realise that now, sorry my mistake. I've just stuck with the Michelins as they've always been good to me; out of interest what do you rate as a better tyre? Mine are due for a change.

I've just stuck with the Michelins as they've always been good to me; out of interest what do you rate as a better tyre? Mine are due for a change.

If your happy with Michelin then stick with them, nothing wrong with them, far far worse out there, but for me I prefer a firmer sidewall which can provide less imbalance issues over the lifespan of the tyre together with providing slightly more feel/feeback, on the other hand it produces slightly more noise, each to there own, I think the Goodyear Eagle F1, Dunlop TT or RT are better value at present, but doubt they would cover the same millage, but are be more progressive on the limit unlike Mich. PS2's habit of just snapping out unexpectedly. As i'm not to bothered about wear I always purchase Yokohama and like yourself have covered similar millage on Yoko without any issue's. .

I've had Kumho and Michelin on my Superb - Kumho cost 60% as much as the Michelin but did 60% the mileage - both sounded quiet and drove similarly.

Just avoid anything Chinese - think they are often marked PRC.

I've had Pirelli P7 Cinturatos on my superb (17") as they were voted top tyre in 225 45 17 size by German ADAC, based on fuel economy, noise, traction wet and dry, wear rate. A few thousand miles into ownership and disappointments began. 2 out of the 4 blow out on the motorway. One in Belgium (lots of potholes there near Mons) and one on a country road in the UK. So only two of the original 4 remain in service (on the rear axle), as both fronts blew. The two remaining ones have, however, turned 50p coin shaped, so emit a racket of noise, it sounds like a wheel bearing failing and disintegrating. Swap to Michelin Alpin Winter tyres on 16" steel rims and the car is quiet again.

I'll never buy Pirellis again. I've been driving for many many years and never had blowouts until these were fitted, and I have also never had tyres deform such that they become unbearably noisy. I can't wait for them to wear another couple of mm so I have an excuse to get a new set.