Tyres and Sizes

[sk00t3r]

Hi All,

I need to get a new set of tyres for my 07 Wagon, and searching around has led me to the Bridgestone Adrenalines (RE001). I've got the RE050A stocks on at the moment, and love them, but can't quite stretch the budget to get them. Cheapest I've been quoted on the RE001's is $215 each.

(Just as a side note, the guy at Bob Jane said half the RE001's are made in Australia, and half made overseas - and that the overseas-made ones appear to be better based on customer feedback, and he can get these for an extra $20 a tyre. Anyone heard of this before? Not sure whether to believe it or if it's just a way to get some margin back?)

So the tyre size I have at the moment is 215/45R17. Am I right in thinking that I could potentiall go to a 225/40R17 and not experience any (or much) difference? I understand the width is then a little greater but with the shorter sidewall would there be any noticeable "roll" of the tyres?

Sorry but I'm a bit of a noob and thought I'd explore what possibilities there are.

Thanks

[wassell2381]

Ive got Good year LS2000 II on my cars and their not bad. The cost me just over $260 a corner fitted and balanced. The size i went for were 225/45R17. The wider tyres are a good idea because they protect the rims from curb damage.

cheers
Dan

[teK--]

Where are you in Melbourne? I know an excellent tyre shop in Richmond I picked up the RE001 in 215 size for $207.00 each. Cheaper than anywhere else I asked and the service turned out to be top notch.

Yes 225 will be slightly lower sidewall profile it will give slightly less longitudinal tyre roll, but give more latitudinal roll on the wheel. Also your speedo will over-read by more with the 225 and gearing will be reduced slightly (you will get a tiny bit better acceleration). The ride will be harsher due to less sidewall. Also this size tyre may be much more expensive than 215 if it sells in lesser volumes.

FWIW I went from RE050A to RE001 and am very happy with the cost and minimal performance compromise.

[sk00t3r]

Thanks for your help guys. I guess I'll have another ring around tomorrow to get pricing on the next size - I noticed on the Bridgestone website that the next sizes in the RE001 is 225/45R17, 235/45R17 or 245/40R17.

Say for arguments sake the pricing was exactly the same on all, which one would be the best do you think? I don't drive the car very hard at all (it's only a 2.0L standard wagon ), but want the safest/quietest/most comfortable ride possible (understanding that they're a performance tyre and "comfort" isn't normally something they have).

Thanks

[teK--]

Best combination that is a compromise of comfort/performance/safety/price is of course the 215/45. That is why Subaru spec'ed them after all .

The RE-001's are a little bit softer in the sidewall than the RE050A, so as long as you run a similar pressure you will be pleasantly surprised.

[smythie]

Have a look around at the other brands out there as well. Yes, it becomes a long exercise but there are more than just Bridgestone and the 215/45R17 size is nowhere near as rare as the 215/45R18 size some of us have to deal with.