Nov 12, 2007 12:19 PM
7275 Views
I have Tata Indigo Marina that came with Good Year GPS2 14" tubetype tyres. I was having horrible time with atleast 5 - 6 punctures during this 1 yr time. Worst part is that one of the tyre had a side wall cut on a rainy day and I had to change tyres at around 8 pm. I was travelling with my family. I could feel that guys who make this job of repairing flat tyres/changing the tyres, are really great, only after I did that once on my own.
Now coming to the main part, I decided to change the tyres. Straightaway I ruled out Goodyear as I felt the tyre was not able to handle a heavier car like marina diesel. The tyres are too soft, dont give good grip, worn out easily, too quick.
I decided to go for Bridgestone/Michelin tubeless. Zeroed in on Bridgestone ER 60 Turanza same size(as the OEM gps 2) on account of cost(michelin is costlier by 500/- per tyre). Found out the following:
These tyres are better speed rated(H rated) than the original GPS2 tyres.
Provide better grip.
Able to handle the vehicle weight with poise.(In fact I was travelling 400 kms after the tyre was changed).
As per dealer, this tubeless should give better mileage(yet to compute it).
I found out:
original tyres that come along(if tubetype) are of only marginally acceptable quality as car manufacturers tend to bring down the cost of the vehicle rather than provide an ultra safe car. there is a compromise done on this front and tyres worn out too quickly.
tubetype soft tyres worn quickly and give tyre noise during rough patches of road. take your car out for a rough road driving to find out if there are any noise coming from the tyres.
always go for higher speed/load rated tyres - H rated instead of a T rated one.
for better high speed performance on good roads, the above point is useful.
Overall,
please put tubeless tyres(even if the original tyre comes with tubetype. normally dealers should take the OEM tyres at around 50% of the rate for exchange)
do wheel alignment and balancing immediately after changing to tubeless tyres.
do not go for imported unfamiliar brands even if they look good/dealer gives u discounts.
