Zen Di Tyre Query

[furioussphinx]

First things first, I just bought a 2001 White Zen Di (2 hours back). The front tyres need to be changed. I have no idea whatsoever as to the tyre sizes, brands, anything. I don't even know the stock size. Its my first car and I am learning on it. So should I change the tyres now only or wait? I want max grip and even the looks. Will go in for the alloys a few weeks later. Ive looked through all the zen garages and I saw a few with "195/45 14R" Isnt it an overkill???? The next was the 165/65 13, 165/60 13, 155/60 13 and a host of others. Like I said, I want max handling, grip, stability and braking. Which is the best replacement option? Please help me decide the size first.

Sagar.

[simply_sunny001]

go for 155/65/13 and you will be all set

[furioussphinx]

Originally Posted by simply_sunny001

go for 155/65/13 and you will be all set

Hmmm I want to know the reason too. Why choose this over the other sizes? Pros and Cons.

[nitrous]

For ur handling and grip and braking requirements, I'd recommend 165s atleast.

[needforspeed88]

The best option if you dont want to take a chance with scraping is 165/60 r13 tires on 5j alloys.handling and braking will be good but ride will be a little harsh.i am running 165/65 r13 tires in my zen. i have got the inside of rear wheel wells tapped flat with a plastic hammer.it does not touch anywhere.with 65 profile your ride quality will be better compared to 60 profile.

[furioussphinx]

1.And what about 195/45 14R??? Most of the ezens have that config.

2.No dough for alloys right now. Will stick to steel rims. What is advantage of replacing the stock rims with the esteem's? Price?

[needforspeed88]

For 195/45 R14 you have to stiffen your suspension ,otherwise it will scrape under full load.If u plan to go for 195/45 R14 and cannot afford alloys, optra stock rims have same pcd.so u can use them.you can use stock esteem rims along with 165 section tires.there will be no problems as such.stock esteem rims wont be that expensive.i am not sure of exact price.

[harry2223]

165/65 r13 will be best size

[furioussphinx]

Here are the quotes I got of a few I shortlisted,

1. Bridgestone ER-60 (165/65 R13) - Rs.2500/-
2. Potenza GIII (165/60 R13) - Rs.3100/-
3. Michelin XM1 (165/65 R13) - Rs.2450/-
4. Hankook *didn't check model* (165/65 R13) - Rs.2700/-
5. Pirelli *didn't check model* (165/65 R13) - Rs.2450/-
6. GoodYear *didn't check model* (165/65 R13) - Rs.2300/-

Which one would be the best choice? And by the way, as of now ill be replacing only the front two tyres with new ones and the rear two will go stock for a month or two (financial crisis you see), so will that have any negative impact?

[Jaggu]

I would say Michelin is the best deal from the list you posted.

Yup 2 tyre at a time works fine, use caution in very high speeds and in wet conditions, thats all.

[zenopio]

buddy just go for 165/60/r13 gives a sexy look to your zen

my present tyers are 155/65/r13 and my next upgrade is 165/60/r13

[furioussphinx]

Originally Posted by zenopio

buddy just go for 165/60/r13 gives a sexy look to your zen

my present tyers are 155/65/r13 and my next upgrade is 165/60/r13

I could find only Potenza GIII with that size. And the stock was very old too. And as usual, that dealer was bull****ting me with a story. I tried 2-3 dealers and only one had 165/60 R13 size and that too old stock.

[Xehaust]

Stock Size is 145/80 R12 i think.

The right upsize would be 155/65 R13 as in Zenopio's Post.

165/60 R13 is also a correct upsize.

But remember, these upsizes will give you better handling and looks but at the sacrifice of ride and comfort and also the suspension will have to work overtime. Since this is your first car id suggest you dont upsize and stick to the stock size mentioned above as you would want minimal running costs.

Also remember that wider tyres affect fuel efficiency. Id suggest that before you change your tyres, you read post no. 95 on this (ARTICLE: Choosing The Right Set Of Tyres for your Car) link before you decide.

Michelin is the your best bet.

Finally, make sure you mount the new tyres at the back of the car and get the old tyres put on the front axle as monsoons are coming close and there is risk of aquaplaning.

To understand why, just see the video here. Go to the end of the page and dont forget to see the short video. It really baffled me when i saw it.

[furioussphinx]

Oh boy, now am confused! Michelin 165/65 or Bridgestone Potenza GIII 165/60????

And in that case, ill put these new tyres in the rear and the ok-ish rear tyres at the front. I think that would clear the hassle. Will change the other two tyres in a few months time.

[Xehaust]

Id still say 155/65 R13 if your hell bent on upsizing. And go with Michelin. They have 155/65 R13 in the XM1 - 65 series.

Else, stock size is 145/80 R12 if you want to stick to the stock size.

Finally, do remember to do the same and get the new tyres at the rear when you change them again later

Happy Driving and i forgot to congratulate you. Congrats on your purchase of your 1st car.