Honda Civic : Tyre & wheel upgrade thread

car_crazy1400 · 8th September 2009, 19:02

Hi Guys! I've been using Bridgestone tires (205/65 R15) on my 2 yr. old Civic from day one as I knew that the ground clearance on the O.E. tires was pathetic.

The tires give me a comparatively hard ride, but I have grounded or rather scraped my civic just a couple of times in the last 28,000 kms I have done on them.

Size upgrade on o.e, rims is good, but try avoiding Bridgestones.

ash_blore · 8th September 2009, 21:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by csentil

Hey that sounds like a good deal. Can you send me the contact no. and person. Does he know you? Just helps to say so and so in his civic just changed his tyres kind of stuff.

Does he have 215/60/15? Anyways if you can send me the details it would be great.

Just sent you a PM with the details. His will be best deal in bangalore thats for sure.

dinu2506 · 4th October 2009, 20:10

Dear Gurus,
I recently upgraded my Verna Tyres to Bridgestone ER60. After driving on these, I realized how noisy my Civic GoodYear NCT5 tyres are. I feel the need to upgrade them now even though they have quite a good amount of life left. My needs are (in order of priority)

1) Minimal road noise (since the Civic is otherwise very silent)
2) Durable (should be able to cope with moderately bad roads)
3) Good ride quality
4) Better Ground clearance
5) Reasonably good life.

After my research, I feel (looking at need no 4) I should bo for a 205 65 R15 (stock is 195 65 R15). Do you think this will be ok or should I look at 205 60 R15 (which will marginally reduce GC). I am not planning to change the alloys, so it will remain R15.

On brands, my shorlists are
1) Michelin Primacy LC
2) Bridgestone Turanza ER60

Seeking your advice. Please give me your recommendations based on my needs above. (the brand and the size)

Thanks
Dinesh

ST7677 · 6th October 2009, 18:41

I guess there is something wrong with either the stock Bridgestone tyres on Civic or the Civic wheel setup. How come there are so many Civic owners who have their tires dead in 25-30k km? I am sure all of us would have got regular wheel alignment and balancing done more or less per the schedule!

I am also in the same boat and with about 27k km on ODO, am looking out for new set of tires in another 2-3 k kms.
My priorities would be Excellent braking distance, Low Noise, Good Comfort, Bling Bling, Durability, Value for money in that order.

I really wanted to get Michelin PP2 for the stock 15" wheels but unfortunately the only size available in 15” (205/60/15) reduces the GC by 4mm. So that is definitely ruled out.
That leaves Michelin Primacy LC as the other option – in this there are 2 size choices
205/65/15 – this would give a 6.5mm boost to GC with an overall 2% deviation
225/60/15 - this would give a 8.25mm boost to GC with an overall 2.6% deviation

I assume both sizes are acceptable. Considering that both are under 3% overall deviation and the stock 6J wheels can take 225mm. (6.2” being ideal for 225/60)

Between these 2 sizes which one would you recommend and why? Also considering my priorities is there any other brand also that I should consider?
Between 225 & 205, will 225 give better braking distance?
Would 225 impact FE significantly and/or also make steering wheel heavier?

I was also getting tempted for 17” wheel upgrade, but unavailability of 225/50/17 size tyres is a deterrent. Isn’t this size available in any good tyre option?

dinu2506 · 6th October 2009, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by ST7677

I guess there is something wrong with either the stock Bridgestone tyres on Civic or the Civic wheel setup. How come there are so many Civic owners who have their tires dead in 25-30k km? I am sure all of us would have got regular wheel alignment and balancing done more or less per the schedule!

I am also in the same boat and with about 27k km on ODO, am looking out for new set of tires in another 2-3 k kms.
My priorities would be Excellent braking distance, Low Noise, Good Comfort, Bling Bling, Durability, Value for money in that order.

I really wanted to get Michelin PP2 for the stock 15" wheels but unfortunately the only size available in 15” (205/60/15) reduces the GC by 4mm. So that is definitely ruled out.
That leaves Michelin Primacy LC as the other option – in this there are 2 size choices
205/65/15 – this would give a 6.5mm boost to GC with an overall 2% deviation
225/60/15 - this would give a 8.25mm boost to GC with an overall 2.6% deviation

I assume both sizes are acceptable. Considering that both are under 3% overall deviation and the stock 6J wheels can take 225mm. (6.2” being ideal for 225/60)

Between these 2 sizes which one would you recommend and why? Also considering my priorities is there any other brand also that I should consider?
Between 225 & 205, will 225 give better braking distance?
Would 225 impact FE significantly and/or also make steering wheel heavier?

I was also getting tempted for 17” wheel upgrade, but unavailability of 225/50/17 size tyres is a deterrent. Isn’t this size available in any good tyre option?

I think you got me wrong. I'm looking at an upgrade just because the stock GoodYear NCT5 is quite noisy. I've 24 K on the odo and the tyres have hardly shown any signs of wear. The tread is perfectly uniform in all 4 tyres and looking at the current tread depth, it should easily go for another 25K.
Looking at your options, why don't you consider Bridgestone Turanza ER60 in 205 65 R15. I have these on my Verna (195 65 R14) and they are really good and meets all the needs you have mentioned. Its when I shod these on my Verna did I realize that I need to upgrade the Civic as well. Its also quite VFM compared to Michelin.
I've asked my dealer to get it for me possibly tomorrow.

Nikhilb2008 · 6th October 2009, 22:14

Guys, please dont compare the ER60 to the Primacy LC or the Conti CPC2s. They are in a different league itself. The ER60 is a low end tyre which competes with the XM1+, the CEC3, A Drives, etc....

Comparing the ER60 to the Primacy LC, etc is like comparing an A Star to a Swift.

dinu2506 · 7th October 2009, 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikhilb2008

Guys, please dont compare the ER60 to the Primacy LC or the Conti CPC2s. They are in a different league itself. The ER60 is a low end tyre which competes with the XM1+, the CEC3, A Drives, etc....
Comparing the ER60 to the Primacy LC, etc is like comparing an A Star to a Swift.

Why are we taking price as the sole consideration for determining the league a tyre is in. Just because Primacy is priced higher does not take it to a higher league. The ER60 and LC have got their own advantages and disadvantages. The target segment that these tyres focus on is the same. Both are touring tyres and I feel it is a perfectly fine comparison.

laluks · 7th October 2009, 09:11

When it comes to that, Eagle NCT 5 was made for India especially with a hard compound to last longer. So came the feature of road noise, blah blah. Keep the music playing louder.

My stock NCT5 have done 37K, looks like it will do another 15-20K. Don't know towards the end it wears out faster or not.

I too am on the lookout for new shoes. Size I guees i will go with 205/65/R15.
225 I am a bit skeptical. Any theories to convince me it is ok??

Anything priced higher sentimentally must feel better, I have seen a few addicted to this thought.

ST7677 · 7th October 2009, 10:18

So what would be pros and cons of Bridgestone ER60 and Michelin Primacy LC?
Also what would be price of ER60 205/65/15?

I am still seeking answers to my questions above

Quote:

Between these 2 sizes which one would you recommend and why?
Between 225 & 205, will 225 give better braking distance?
Would 225 impact FE significantly and/or also make steering wheel heavier?

dinu2506 · 7th October 2009, 15:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by ST7677

So what would be pros and cons of Bridgestone ER60 and Michelin Primacy LC?
Also what would be price of ER60 205/65/15?

I would not be the right person to comment on pros and cons, but based on the various postings in TBHP, I am made to believe the ER60 is quite durable, suited for Indian conditions, reasonably good life, low noise. I just have fitted them on my Verna (195 60 R14) and I should say it looks wider than similar spec tyres from other manufacturers. On the flip side, I hear there is a shortage in the availability of ER60 and I'm not able to get them for my Civic. The price quoted was 4500 for 205 65 R15. The primacy is retailing at 5200 for the same size.

csentil · 8th October 2009, 04:56

ST7677 - Haven't got my tyres as yet.. Not in the country till end of month. I will have to change pretty soon.

We can probably sync up 1st week of Nov. 17 inches are a no no for me. I rather stick to the 15".

ST7677 · 8th October 2009, 16:06

I agree, 15" is the most practical thing, and I love the stock alloys honda has given.
I just wish Honda had offered 16" as stock size on Civic, like in other countries.

Nikhilb2008 · 8th October 2009, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinu2506

I would not be the right person to comment on pros and cons, but based on the various postings in TBHP, I am made to believe the ER60 is quite durable, suited for Indian conditions, reasonably good life, low noise. I just have fitted them on my Verna (195 60 R14) and I should say it looks wider than similar spec tyres from other manufacturers. On the flip side, I hear there is a shortage in the availability of ER60 and I'm not able to get them for my Civic. The price quoted was 4500 for 205 65 R15. The primacy is retailing at 5200 for the same size.

Whoever is able to sell the Primacy LC of 205/65 R15 for 5200/- must be partying and the buyer is getting ripped off....

laluks · 8th October 2009, 17:16

What could then be a good price. Please enlighten

ST7677 · 13th October 2009, 19:07

Also considering the new kid on the block Yokohama AVS DB tyres, 205/65/15 costs Rs.4800 each at company go down.

This thing has orange oil, which makes the tread soft (and sticky) as the tyre heats up (during high performance). So it's a high performance tyre, with good life (when not being driven hard), has very low noise and good comfort.

All sounds too good to read, but I hope it lives upto these claims. Any opinions?
BTW Yoko claims of very good dry and wet grip...

8th September 2009, 19:02	#166
car_crazy1400 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: DL/UP16/PB10 Posts: 613 Thanked: 278 Times	Hi Guys! I've been using Bridgestone tires (205/65 R15) on my 2 yr. old Civic from day one as I knew that the ground clearance on the O.E. tires was pathetic. The tires give me a comparatively hard ride, but I have grounded or rather scraped my civic just a couple of times in the last 28,000 kms I have done on them. Size upgrade on o.e, rims is good, but try avoiding Bridgestones.
	() Thanks

4th October 2009, 20:10	#168
dinu2506 BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 931 Thanked: 552 Times View My Garage	Specific Advice for Civic Shoes Upgrade Dear Gurus, I recently upgraded my Verna Tyres to Bridgestone ER60. After driving on these, I realized how noisy my Civic GoodYear NCT5 tyres are. I feel the need to upgrade them now even though they have quite a good amount of life left. My needs are (in order of priority) 1) Minimal road noise (since the Civic is otherwise very silent) 2) Durable (should be able to cope with moderately bad roads) 3) Good ride quality 4) Better Ground clearance 5) Reasonably good life. After my research, I feel (looking at need no 4) I should bo for a 205 65 R15 (stock is 195 65 R15). Do you think this will be ok or should I look at 205 60 R15 (which will marginally reduce GC). I am not planning to change the alloys, so it will remain R15. On brands, my shorlists are 1) Michelin Primacy LC 2) Bridgestone Turanza ER60 Seeking your advice. Please give me your recommendations based on my needs above. (the brand and the size) Thanks Dinesh
	() Thanks

6th October 2009, 18:41	#169
ST7677 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,047 Thanked: 50 Times	I guess there is something wrong with either the stock Bridgestone tyres on Civic or the Civic wheel setup. How come there are so many Civic owners who have their tires dead in 25-30k km? I am sure all of us would have got regular wheel alignment and balancing done more or less per the schedule! I am also in the same boat and with about 27k km on ODO, am looking out for new set of tires in another 2-3 k kms. My priorities would be Excellent braking distance, Low Noise, Good Comfort, Bling Bling, Durability, Value for money in that order. I really wanted to get Michelin PP2 for the stock 15" wheels but unfortunately the only size available in 15” (205/60/15) reduces the GC by 4mm. So that is definitely ruled out. That leaves Michelin Primacy LC as the other option – in this there are 2 size choices 205/65/15 – this would give a 6.5mm boost to GC with an overall 2% deviation 225/60/15 - this would give a 8.25mm boost to GC with an overall 2.6% deviation I assume both sizes are acceptable. Considering that both are under 3% overall deviation and the stock 6J wheels can take 225mm. (6.2” being ideal for 225/60) Between these 2 sizes which one would you recommend and why? Also considering my priorities is there any other brand also that I should consider? Between 225 & 205, will 225 give better braking distance? Would 225 impact FE significantly and/or also make steering wheel heavier? I was also getting tempted for 17” wheel upgrade, but unavailability of 225/50/17 size tyres is a deterrent. Isn’t this size available in any good tyre option?
	() Thanks

6th October 2009, 22:14	#171
Nikhilb2008 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 5,150 Thanked: 8,613 Times	Guys, please dont compare the ER60 to the Primacy LC or the Conti CPC2s. They are in a different league itself. The ER60 is a low end tyre which competes with the XM1+, the CEC3, A Drives, etc.... Comparing the ER60 to the Primacy LC, etc is like comparing an A Star to a Swift.
	() Thanks

7th October 2009, 09:11	#173
laluks Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 6,530 Thanked: 15,599 Times	When it comes to that, Eagle NCT 5 was made for India especially with a hard compound to last longer. So came the feature of road noise, blah blah. Keep the music playing louder. My stock NCT5 have done 37K, looks like it will do another 15-20K. Don't know towards the end it wears out faster or not. I too am on the lookout for new shoes. Size I guees i will go with 205/65/R15. 225 I am a bit skeptical. Any theories to convince me it is ok?? Anything priced higher sentimentally must feel better, I have seen a few addicted to this thought. Last edited by laluks : 7th October 2009 at 09:15.
	() Thanks

8th October 2009, 04:56	#176
csentil Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,348 Thanked: 33 Times View My Garage	ST7677 - Haven't got my tyres as yet.. Not in the country till end of month. I will have to change pretty soon. We can probably sync up 1st week of Nov. 17 inches are a no no for me. I rather stick to the 15".
	() Thanks

8th October 2009, 16:06	#177
ST7677 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,047 Thanked: 50 Times	I agree, 15" is the most practical thing, and I love the stock alloys honda has given. I just wish Honda had offered 16" as stock size on Civic, like in other countries.
	() Thanks

8th October 2009, 17:16	#179
laluks Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 6,530 Thanked: 15,599 Times	What could then be a good price. Please enlighten
	() Thanks

13th October 2009, 19:07	#180
ST7677 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,047 Thanked: 50 Times	Also considering the new kid on the block Yokohama AVS DB tyres, 205/65/15 costs Rs.4800 each at company go down. This thing has orange oil, which makes the tread soft (and sticky) as the tyre heats up (during high performance). So it's a high performance tyre, with good life (when not being driven hard), has very low noise and good comfort. All sounds too good to read, but I hope it lives upto these claims. Any opinions? BTW Yoko claims of very good dry and wet grip... Last edited by ST7677 : 13th October 2009 at 19:08.
	() Thanks

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