Team-BHP - Honda Civic : Tyre & wheel upgrade thread

Hi Civic owners,

The day has come today to take delivery of my new Civic. I would like to upgrade the tyres to 205/65/15 and retain the OEM alloys soon out of the showroom. From what I read from this thread is that the Michelin XM1+ or PP2 are good options. I am looking at reducing road noise, good ride and handling.

1) Could you please tell me which one (XM1+ or PP2) would be better?
2) Price of XM1+ and PP2 approximately in Delhi?
3) Any particular place/shops in Delhi that I should look for?
4) How much would my stock 195/65/15 get?
5) Would the car need wheel alignment and balancing with the new tyres?

Appreciate your helps! Cheers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by iTNerd (Post 1564681)

PP2 probably is better but is not available in 205 65 R15. The size available is 205 60 R15 which will reduce the GC which is not recommended especially for the Civic.
You can look at XM1+ or Primacy LC in 205 65 R15. If you want to look at other brands, I would highly recommend Bridgestone Turanza ER60 205 65 R15 which I am running on my Civic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinu2506 (Post 1564710)

I am basically zeroing on Primary LC 205/65/15.. the price I was quoted from few dealers are between 5400-5500 per tyre.. is that a good price?

Also, for the old stock tyres, if it is bridgestone, they are ready to take it back at 3600 per tyre, and 3900 per tyre if it is XM1+. How is that buyback price?

Quote:

Originally Posted by iTNerd (Post 1565171)

The Primacy price seems to be high, but the buyback seems to be good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinu2506 (Post 1565185)

The Primacy price seems to be high, but the buyback seems to be good.

Now got the Michelin PLC 205/65/15 (all 5 of them). Only paid 8K after the buyback. The ride is very comfortable now, with almost no noise.. it also gained a good 6mm GC.

Any idea how much psi should be maintained on 205/65/15?

Quote:

Originally Posted by iTNerd (Post 1569216)

30-32psi should be fine, I guess. I normally maintain 32 on the Turanza. Rides comfortably

Dinu: Your experience has encouraged me to upgrade my tires as well to 205 65 R15 in all probability when the tires are due for upgrade (or maybe a little sooner as well).

All - I have a few more Qs about the ideal upgrade for civic A/T keeping the following priorities in mind (loosely in that order of importance).

- The upgrade should not require me to change my stock alloys

- I'm looking for a little better grip of course on cornering (hence the upgrade) but impact on FE should be minimal. (I don't need super size upgrades)

- Ground clearance should improve as much as possible keeping in mind above parameters.

- Road noise should not increase. Reduction is obviously preferable.

- Ride quality should not suffer too much - I recognise there may be some compromise here which is acceptable for getting the above aspects.

Specifications

From what I've read 205 65 R15 seem the perfect upgrade keeping in mind the above, unless someone suggests otherwise.

Brand / Model options

What would be the ideal brand / model option for the actual tire? The tyres must not be directional. That's the reason I have not included the potenza GIII's in the list below which I had in my earlier swift.

Bridgestone Turanza ER60
Michelin XM1
Michelin PPs.
Yokos (what model?)
Any other?

I don't mind spending a little extra for the tyres that best meet the above requirements.

Thanks

205/65 R15 doesnt come in Michelin PP2s. So, you can rule that out.

The options are XM1+, Primacy LC, BS ER60, Yoko A drive and V550, Conti CPC2.

My pick for outright silence and comfort are the Primacy LCs. None of these tyres are directional. The ER60 is priced close to the CPC2 and the CPC2 is a faaaaar superior tyre in every way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinu2506 (Post 1578880)

Next fuel top up update - 279Km in 27.28 lit = 10.23km/lit, add the speedo error of 2% = 10.43km/lit. Pretty good FE. So, I guess no FE drop due to the upgrade, phew!!!
The increase in GC continues to bring a smile, I am able to take most speedbreakers with increased confidence.

Excellent mate ! Thanks for keeping the FE figures updated. As you see, your experience tempts every other Civic owner to go in for the tyre upgrade.:) All the best and keep us updated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arjunrudra (Post 1583753)

Try to go for a 225/50r17 profile if what you want is primarily looks.Or if you don't want any drop in performance go for the 205/55 r15.
Because the 17 incher's do try to suck some power out though they look uber cool.

How significant would be the impact on performance of going in for 205/55/R15 as opposed to the 205/65/R15 which seems to be the universal choice. Also, is 205/55/R15 available under all brands?

Hey guys.. just to let you know that I upsized my Civic's shoes to Michelin Primacy LC 205/65/15 just out of the showroom.. and what I can say - So far, I am very statisfied with them.. it delivers on the 3 promises - better FE, lower noise and very comfortable ride without compromizing on handling... the only drawback is the looks.. it is not a good looker.. if you are looking for comfort, better FE, I would recommend Primacy LC

on 30 psi, got around 12.8 for the first 500 odd kms..
on 32 psi, got around 13.7 for the next 236 kms...

PS. @dinu2506 - As there is a 2% speedo error, how much would my effective FE would be, according to the reading?