Hi there, I have a 2017 Fabia (1L TSI) and it currently has 185/60 R15 tyres on it. They are currently Yokahama Blu earths which are a bit crap. It has come time to replace them and I am not sure which tyres would be best to go for. Would it also be worth going for slightly wider tyres too? Perhaps 195/60 R15s. Would these fit on the stock rims?

Thanks for all help

Welcome.

 

What about going to an All Season' tyre when you change them.   

 

& 195/55 R 15

 

@Carlston  might be along with some help. 

9 minutes ago, Rooted said:

Welcome.

 

What about going to an All Season' tyre when you change them.   

 

& 195/55 R 15

 

@Carlston  might be along with some help. 

 

 

Thanks! I am leaning towards staying with the 185/60 R15s although this does limit the options for which tyres I can chose from. As for all season tyres I think I'd rather stick with summers as they will have better grip for the coming months.

The main choices I can find are here: https://www.halfords.com/tyres/?prefn1=sectionwidth&prefv1=185&prefn2=aspectratio&prefv2=60&prefn3=rimdiameter&prefv3=15&isSearchByVrn=true&isVrnSearch=true&priceband=BandC&enginesize=LT1500&isTyresPlp=true&prefn4=tyreseason&prefv4=Summer&prefn5=tyrerecom&prefv5=Premium

Pretty much need to chose between the Michelin Primacy 4, Bridgestone turanza T005 or the various continental tyres. Absolutely no idea what the differences are but would like the ones with the best grip in the dry, and decent wet grip although that is less important

Michelin Primacy 4 are hopeless in the slightest of wet roads.   Fitted to EV,s and Hybrids because they increase the range by merit of poor grip / friction / traction.

 

Are you in some part of the UK with long warm dry summers? 

I doubt anything you are talking about are better than your Blu Earth,s.

26 minutes ago, Rooted said:

Michelin Primacy 4 are hopeless in the slightest of wet roads.   Fitted to EV,s and Hybrids because they increase the range by merit of poor grip / friction / traction.

 

Are you in some part of the UK with long warm dry summers? 

I doubt anything you are talking about are better than your Blu Earth,s.

Yes I've heard the primacy 4's aren't great. I live in the south east so wet some of the time. I know this gen Fabia also came with the option of 215/45 R16s which should fit onto my car although these wheels seem hard to come by used

 

40 minutes ago, avocheeseado said:

best grip in the dry, and decent wet grip although that is less important

Wet grip is more important with tyres.

 

I now run Dunlop BulResponce all round in 185 60 15. 

The car had Nexen N Blue from new, I then went to Continental Premium Contact's but have found the Dunlop's better than both of these.

These are much better in the wet than the previous tyres and at least as good in the dry.

I have run this car for almost 8 Years and 80K miles.

 

Front's have been on for 2.5 years / 20K miles and still good for another 10K miles.

Rears were fitted a year later.

NB. Dunlop is part of Goodyear.

 

Can also be a bit cheaper than Michelin / continental. 

https://www.protyre.co.uk/tyres/car-tyres/dunlop/sport-bluresponse/product?width=185&profile=60&rim=15&load=84&speed=H&sku=1856015HDUBLURES

 

Thanks. AG Falco

4 hours ago, avocheeseado said:

Hi there, I have a 2017 Fabia (1L TSI) and it currently has 185/60 R15 tyres on it. They are currently Yokahama Blu earths which are a bit crap. It has come time to replace them and I am not sure which tyres would be best to go for. Would it also be worth going for slightly wider tyres too? Perhaps 195/60R15s. Would these fit on the stock rims?

Thanks for all help

 

On those 6Jx15 ET38 5/100 57.1 rims, slightly oversize 195/60R15 would be a good choice.

 

As you can see in the chart below, the outside diameter of the 195/55R15 tyre is closer to the original 185/60R15 tyre size than the 195/60R15 tyre size, but it is a less comfortable tyre size because it has less sidewall height and it's generally a more expensive tyre size than the bigger sidewalled 195/60R15.

 

Compared to the standard 185/60R15, the slightly wider 195/60R15 will also slightly better protect the rim from kerbing damage because the sidewalls bulge out a bit more.

 

185/65R15 is also a possibility and it brings the option of the latest Continental AllSeasonContact 2 tyre. However, you might find that the engine doesn't pull the 3.1% higher gears quite as well as the standard gearing.

 

An outside possibility is the 205/55R15 tyre size. This is generally an expension tyre size with a limited choice of tyres, but one interesting summer tyre option in this size is the Uniroyal RainSport 5.

 

Outside diameter of tyres

185/60R15 603mm

195/55R15 595.5mm (1.2% smaller outside diameter compared to 185/60R15)

205/55R15 606.5mm (0.6% bigger outside diameter compared to 185/60R15)

195/60R15 615mm (2.0% bigger outside diameter compared to 185/60R15)

185/65R15 621.5mm (3.1% bigger outside diameter compared to 185/60R15)

 

Vredestein Quatrac 6 195/60R15 88H (Euro label C B 70dB)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m138b0s7993p202144/Vredestein_Tyres_All_Season_Car_Vredestein_Quatrac_6_195_60_R15_88H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_70dB

 

Uniroyal RainExpert 5 195/60R15 88H (Euro label C A 71dB)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m53b0s411p208611/Uniroyal_Tyres_Car_Uniroyal_RainExpert_5_195_60_R15_88H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_A_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_71dB

 

Continental AllSeasonContact 2 185/65R15 88H (Euro label B B 71dB)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m138b0s7990p221952/Continental_Tyres_All_Season_Car_Continental_Conti_All_Season_Contact_2_185_65_R15_88H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_B_Wet_Grip%3A_B_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_71dB

 

Uniroyal RainExpert 5 185/65R15 88H (Euro label C A 70dB)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m53b0s417p208620/Uniroyal_Tyres_Car_Uniroyal_RainExpert_5_185_65_R15_88H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_A_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_70dB

 

Uniroyal RainSport 5 205/55R15 88V (Euro label C A 71dB)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m53b0s289p188338/Uniroyal_Tyres_Car_Uniroyal_RainSport_5_205_55_R15_88V_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_A_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_71dB

 

So as not to miss out the standard 185/60R15 tyre size, here's one possible option for a summer tyre in this size.

 

Uniroyal RainExpert 5 185/60R15 84H (Euro label C A 70dB)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m53b0s410p208661/Uniroyal_Tyres_Car_Uniroyal_RainExpert_5_185_60_R15_84H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_A_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_70dB

 

Compared to the 215/45R16 tyre size, the outside diameter of the 195/55R15 tyre size is only 0.7% smaller. If you found a particular tyre that you liked in this size, it could be yet another option.

 

Outside diameter of tyres

215/45R16 599.9mm

195/55R15 595.5mm (0.7% smaller outside diameter compared to 215/45R16)

 

Uniroyal RainSport 5 195/55R15 85H (Euro label C A 71dB)

https://www.camskill.co.uk/m53b0s288p188168/Uniroyal_Tyres_Car_Uniroyal_RainSport_5_195_55_R15_85H_TL_Fuel_Eff_%3A_C_Wet_Grip%3A_A_NoiseClass%3A_B_Noise%3A_71dB

 

Edited 1 April, 20242 yr by Carlston

Just to let you know the width over such small changes will have nothing to do with grip as opposed to different model. or make and model, of tyre and its design, build and compounds.  As already put wet grip is more important than dry particularly if you live in England where it rains and between being dry.

 

If you want really good grip normally it will mean shorter tread life at least, a lot less miles before they need changing over harder wearing tyres.

 

Which Yoko BluEarths did you have, BluEarth is like putting Fabia, they vary, the sidewall of the tyre not only gives the size but load (and if XL) and speed rating and date of manufacture.

 

My wife's 2015 1.2 TSI SE came with Nexen N blue, definitely not for grip but Mk3 SE are hardy sports set up or suspension anyway.  Distress purchase next and went to Nexen N Blue HD Plus, perhaps better but not great grip or handling.  On to Avon ZT7, smoother and quieter but very disappointing as two tyres out of four got concerning radial cracking on the inside where you don't see it, in 26 months and only 14k-miles use had to replace them.  Swapped those for two Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance, probably the best so far but we don't drive the Fabia for grip or handling really and I've never been one for much more than soft braking and always take it a lot steadier in other than dry conditions.  All tyres were/are standard size of 185/60 R15 (84 H).  I'd prefer 14" wheels and tyres but never had any issues with kerbing with any of the tyres, other than driver error.

 

I suggest taking all tyre labels results for grip in with fuel efficiency and wet grip with a shovel of salt I've had tyres with poorer rating outperform those with better markings.

 

Age, use, abuse, neglect and tyre pressures (nothing to do with wot the 'puter screen sez) has a lot to do with how a tyre might perform as well as different driving styles and techniques, the driver's previous experience and expectations, how the car is used and loaded - that's why tyre reviews for the same tyre of the same size can vary even on the same model of car.

 

Tyres are a often overlooked and under considered complex component, a big and important part of the braking, steering and suspension systems contributing to the handling, road holding comfort and noise of the car, expected to perform in various varying conditions and circumstances. 

So better to buy better than seemingly less expensive , depending on your wants and needs.

 

Edited 1 April, 20242 yr by nta16

Personally I'm a bit of a vredestein or Falken fan for normal (non all season) tyres at the moment and have been using them for years...   Good quality and performance without the big brand markup.

 

In the size you are looking for I'd be thinking Falken ZE310 Ecorun as I have them on our Swift in 185/55 r16 and they've been good in the wet and dry.

Yes tyres are also about fashion and marketing so "last season's fashion" (previous models) might be at lower prices than the latest stuff but still as good as they were and possibly better than their replacements.  And many of the unknown or less marketed or popular brands in one country might be very well know in another country.

 

Seemingly less prestigious brands are owned by the more "prestige" brands and companies anyway as with a lot of purchases higher cost doesn't always mean better but can also possibly be good value depending on your wants and needs - other side less expensive and well known tyres may be great performance and value.

 

"Dry rot" gets many of the tyres before tread wear - example those very disappointing Avon ZT7 for 26 months and 14K-miles use we might just as well bought some really grippy tyres and had a bit of fun with them.

 

BTW the Avon Zt7 started at 6.5mm tread depth new, not all (many now? I've not looked ) start at 8mm tread depth new as many assume without checking, boy the moaning when those that didn't check before buying gave in reviews.  😄

 

Also BTW best tyres I've had have been Yokos, not BluEarth but my mate has some, not on a Fabia, and said how good they were (I don't which model numbers BuEarth) but he drives in a spirited enough way to find out about grip.

   

14 hours ago, nta16 said:

Just to let you know the width over such small changes will have nothing to do with grip as opposed to different model. or make and model, of tyre and its design, build and compounds.  As already put wet grip is more important than dry particularly if you live in England where it rains and between being dry.

 

If you want really good grip normally it will mean shorter tread life at least, a lot less miles before they need changing over harder wearing tyres.

 

Which Yoko BluEarths did you have, BluEarth is like putting Fabia, they vary, the sidewall of the tyre not only gives the size but load (and if XL) and speed rating and date of manufacture.

 

My wife's 2015 1.2 TSI SE came with Nexen N blue, definitely not for grip but Mk3 SE are hardy sports set up or suspension anyway.  Distress purchase next and went to Nexen N Blue HD Plus, perhaps better but not great grip or handling.  On to Avon ZT7, smoother and quieter but very disappointing as two tyres out of four got concerning radial cracking on the inside where you don't see it, in 26 months and only 14k-miles use had to replace them.  Swapped those for two Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance, probably the best so far but we don't drive the Fabia for grip or handling really and I've never been one for much more than soft braking and always take it a lot steadier in other than dry conditions.  All tyres were/are standard size of 185/60 R15 (84 H).  I'd prefer 14" wheels and tyres but never had any issues with kerbing with any of the tyres, other than driver error.

 

I suggest taking all tyre labels results for grip in with fuel efficiency and wet grip with a shovel of salt I've had tyres with poorer rating outperform those with better markings.

 

Age, use, abuse, neglect and tyre pressures (nothing to do with wot the 'puter screen sez) has a lot to do with how a tyre might perform as well as different driving styles and techniques, the driver's previous experience and expectations, how the car is used and loaded - that's why tyre reviews for the same tyre of the same size can vary even on the same model of car.

 

Tyres are a often overlooked and under considered complex component, a big and important part of the braking, steering and suspension systems contributing to the handling, road holding comfort and noise of the car, expected to perform in various varying conditions and circumstances. 

So better to buy better than seemingly less expensive , depending on your wants and needs.

 

Thanks, they are BluEarth ES32’s. In that case I think I would either stick with the 185s or switch to the 215s that come with some Fabia’s. Are there any good places to buy second hand wheels other than ebay?

My mate's weren't ES32 (IIRC).

 

185/60 r15 is a nominal 4.4" (112mm) sidewall rubber and air (pneumatic) (partial) cushioning and shock absorbing

 

215/45 r16 is a nominal 3.8" (97mm)

 

215/40 r17 is a nominal 3.4" (86mm).

 

If it wasn't for decades of wheel fashion the Fabia would be on a 13" or 14" wheel, 70 or 65 would be low profile tyre.

 

Your car you decide what fashion you want but do consider the state of the roads you drive on and again whilst there will be a difference in handling of a 215 to 1875 grip is about the design, build and compound of the tyre.  A good set of 185 driven well will out perform in feel (remote though it is in a modern car) an average set of 215 but if it's fashion looks then you need to "fill the arches" with big wide wheel and skinny tyre your money, your choice, just remember fashion often has little to do with being comfortable or practical.

 

Others will be able to help on s/h wheels, there might be some advertised on this site (but I've not looked).

 

Let us know how you get on.