General New Tyres needed What to buy?

[ClassicFiat500]

Last year my 2014 595 Anniversario went for an MOT & flagged up an advisory that the tyres are cracking up (treads fine) I am looking for a comfortable ride (aren’t we all) , I find the suspension set up is very firm & I feel every matchstick I drive over, so it it possible I could get some recommendations for TYRE REPLACEMENT 1st comfort 2nd good road holding (very rare it goes out in the rain) 3rd Looks, some tyres look much better than others. I used to have a 500SL that had beads around the wall to stop curbing the rim, not sure if any tyres have that now. Looking forward to your recommendations. By the way it’s all 4 I have to replace.
Barry

 

[RichardH13]

I always say that if you can afford it, go for Michelins.
The low profile tyre is always going to keep the ride very firm.
I had four Abarth 500/595s and one came on Michelins and it was superior in every way to the Pirellis.
Also, I found that the Michelins last a long time, and keep their performance, which offsets the extra cost.
You may get a good deal on four tyres as well

 

[ClassicFiat500]

I always say that if you can afford it, go for Michelins.
The low profile tyre is always going to keep the ride very firm.
I had four Abarth 500/595s and one came on Michelins and it was superior in every way to the Pirellis.
Also, I found that the Michelins last a long time, and keep their performance, which offsets the extra cost.
You may get a good deal on four tyres as well

At the moment all 4 tyres are Kumho but as I said they feel every stone in the road. Do you think Mitchelins would be more comfortable or slightly softer ride.

 

[ZaphodB]

You're never gonna get a soft ride with 17inch LP tyres..... never, whatever the brand.

I'm happy with my factory fit Pirellis on my 595 , they have a bit of a rim protector on them

 

[RichardH13]

Zaphod is correct, you won't get a softer ride on 17s, not sure if the the Anniversario has bigger brakes, you could fit 16" wheel, if they go over the brakes, but you're in a world of modified car insurance.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

I don't think Uniroyals are made in your size/spec., but if I'm wrong buy them. Otherwise Michelin, as said.

The other thing that would make a difference would be to drop the pressure by a little, say 2-3 psi, no more than that.

 

[ZaphodB]

You've got a few brand choices...

I'm presuming they're the same size as my 17ich , which 205/40

Toyo, Michelin, Pirelli, Kumho , Goodyear , Bridgestone and Yokohama all do a 205/40

Toyo at about £70 a corner, Michelin £120, Pirellli £95, Kumho £70, Goodyear £90, Bridgestone £120, Yokohama £100

A 7J rim will also take a 215/40

 

[ClassicFiat500]

You've got a few brand choices...

I'm presuming they're the same size as my 17ich , which 205/40

Toyo, Michelin, Pirelli, Kumho , Goodyear , Bridgestone and Yokohama all do a 205/40

Toyo at about £70 a corner, Michelin £120, Pirellli £95, Kumho £70, Goodyear £90, Bridgestone £120, Yokohama £100

A 7J rim will also take a 215/40

KUMHO 205 45 R17 84V PS71​

At the moment these were the tyres fitted to the car when I bought it 3 years ago. The DOT date is 2017, I was surprised the walls are cracking at least that’s what the MOT advisory notice said last year so I don’t want another advisory. Not sure if Kumho are any good, S/korea. It’s a nightmare as there are so many variations . really appreciate the response from everyone

 

[ZaphodB]

KUMHO 205 45 R17 84V PS71​

At the moment these were the tyres fitted to the car when I bought it 3 years ago. The DOT date is 2017, I was surprised the walls are cracking at least that’s what the MOT

I'm surprised you don't get rubbing issues with a 45 profile, from the date of the car it would seem these were the 2nd set that were fitted.

And your speedo will be out with them.

And I'd also suggest cracking walls could be down to being driven with low pressures consistantly , although they are getting on a bit I wouldn't be surprised they were run low.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

That's a non-standard tyre size, but with a higher profile it should be more comfortable than standard.

 

[icheatatscrabble]

I'd go for Goodyear Asymmetric 6. Got them fitted to my Comp to replace the factory P-Zero Neros.

 

[ceecff]

Kumho PS71 is a good tyre, nothing wrong with it. Thing is 45 profile (92mm) sporty sidewall. Best option for comfy is higher profile, if your MOT allows compatible tye sizes like 215/45/17 (97mm) and higher. May be going to R16.

On your actual tyre size similar tyres:
Nexen SU4 (soft sidewalls, good cheap sporty tyre)
Roadsotne Sport 4 (Nexen brother)
Maxxis Premitra 5
Falken 520
Nexen SU1
Vredestein Ultrac
Uniroyal RS5 (soft sidewalls)
Bridgestone S001 (soft sidewalls)
Goodyear Asy6
Michelin PS4 (softer sidewalls than Asy6)