Hi everyone,

I need to replace the front tyres on my mk1 110bhp octavia tdi hatch.

I've used part-worns for quite a while and haven't had too many issues, but although the current set gave been on for a good 25k I have some uneven wear on these which is making me consider new tyres for a change. The wear isn't on the inside or outside of the tread, but rather in certain patches along the tread.

1) Would you recommend sticking with part-worns (maybe I got unlucky with this set)

2) if you'd recommend new, then which? (Lots of motorway miles, don't thrash it too often, not super-expensive but not cheapo either.)

3) can you recommend any good fitters in Leeds? (Have used CT Tyres for part-worns for a few years)

Sorry for the extensive questions!

I'd have a read on one of the many online reports about the sourcing and quality control of part worn tyres. I wouldn't fit them myself. I'd guess that most of them will have been removed due to getting a puncture that has since been repaired (by who and to what standard and did they drive on it flat 1st?) or from a written off car on which the tyres could have been subjected to all sorts of stresses/strains causing possible structural damage to the tyre.

 

Motorway milage puts higher internal stress on a tyre due to the speed of rotation and is hence why most blowouts occur at speed and why you really need to know your tyres are in good condition.

 

From what I can remember the autoexpress report even found a tyre that had been repaired/patched internally with a bycycle style puncture repair kit, several which still had nails stuck in them and I think only one of the 50 tyres they bought for testing had been stamped to say it met requirements for selling as a part worn tyre.

 

 

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/35532/used-tyre-scandal

 

http://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-safety/part-worn-tyres

 

http://www.nitsa.co.uk/downloads/partworn%20tyre%20report.doc

 

 

Assuming your 110 TDI has 195/65/15 tyres like mine did you can get something like a uniroyal rain expert or falken ZE912 from camskill delivered for about £45 a tyre (local place will prob charge £5 each to fit them for you).

These will be new too so will have 100% of their life left in them.

 

Assuming a part worn is £25 fitted? with 70% tread remaining and it lasts 15k miles then you are saving about £10 a tyre over a new tyre with 100% tread for £45.

Suggest as said by member  MarkyTDI  and buy new tyres.

They can be Joe Bloggs brand but at least they are brand new with 100% tread for you to wear away.

The pre-facelift SLX TDi110 had 195/65R15s, but the post-facelift Elegance (mostly same trim) has 205/55R16s.

 

Presuming the tyres were evenly worn when ftted, I'd think that uneven wear is pointing at a worn bush or ball joint.

Thanks for all the, as always, sensible advice everyone.

 

Ken, you're absolutely right, they're 205/55R16. I should have said that originally.

 

I've decided to go with new tyres - the Goodyear Efficientgrip Performance tyres seemed to have good reviews. Found them on Black Circles (didn't know about this website before!) for £73 per corner fitted.  Asked the garage right next to my house (never used it but neighbour says they're honest and have a good reputation) if they could beat the price and they're fitting them right now for £70 per corner.

 

Cheers.

Id say 25k out of part worn is very good Im lucky to get that from new tyres.

 

I would go for Goodyear efficient grip I have found them to be a great tyre in all conditions.

I have run them on my last few cars now and done around 250k with them in the past 5-6 years with no issues.

My last 2 sets of new front tyres have lasted 7k each

Im soo bad :(