Alto Tyre Change : From JK Ultima XP to Michelin XM1+ (145/80 R12) 38000+ kms. Yes that's the odo reading in my Maruti Alto. It was bought in 2007 feb and runs good in city and highways. As the odo numbers increased, the noise from the OE JK tires too increased. JK Tyre Ultima XP
At first the Ultimas were decent for nearly 15000kms. After that, they became very noisy and started to wear unevenly. Adding to the un-even wear problem, it is the noise and poor ride quality that pushed my nerves. But I was able to run the tyres till 38kms with regular alignments and balancing checks. Today I had a lot of free time to kill. So I thought of doing a tyre check with a tyre dealer. I reached the Rao tires on GST Road Tambaram. Upon checking the odo and checking the tyre's flat treads, the guy told me the tyres are almost over and they have served their life. He suggested nothing could be done to improve the ride quality, unless I change the tyre. Change or not to change?
Then I was left with one question. To change the tyres or keep running with them untill the tube pops out? Also I know that 38k on OE tyres seems to be pretty good yield and I should not expect any reliability from those ultimas here after. The tyres were almost flat and worn out un-evenly. I decided not to play when it comes to "LIFE" and "SAFETY". So I decided to buy new tyres. Options
R12 is often the most neglected segment in tyires. Not many choices to choose from. You can find R12 tyires from MRF, JK, Apollo, Bridgestone, Michelin and Good year. But if you look at the model options, only a few manufacturers offer additional choices. But there is a problem there. The choices come in different specs like 155/75 R12, 155/65 R12 etc. The 155/75 R12 seems to be a logical choice for better handling, but the overall diameter of the tyre is less. So there will be a drop in FE. I ruled out 155/75 or 155/65 for the sake of FE. 145/80 is fine.
Now, as far as I read in TBHP,
- MRF : poor handling above 80kmph, noisy from day 1 (Ruled out)
- JK Ultima : Uneven wear and noisy after 15k kms (Ruled Out)
- Apollo Amazer : Not sure, I could not find any reliable reviews (Neutral)
- Good Year : 2 months back I saw a couple of GY GPS series R12's in a nearby puncture shop. The tyres had run nearly 20k kms, and were so bad in condition. The owner said that in spite of regular alignments and good maintenance the tyres had given up. The manufacturing quality was not good it seems. (Deleted)
- Bridgestone : Generally the tyres are okay. The S series and Turanza offers R12 spec tyres. (Neutral)
- Michelin : No idea. But I read in many places that Michelin's XM1+ uses soft compound material and offers comfort ride. (Neutral) Bridgestone Turanza or Michelin XM1+ ?The place I checked my tyres is a Bridgestone Select outlet which stocked complete BS range of tyres. I checked the S series 145/80 R12 tyres. They are priced at Rs.2150 each. Then I checked the Turanza series with a R12 size and they carried same price. After some minutes of inquiry about other manufacturers and prices, I asked if he has any Michelins. He said he will arrange it from their Michelin outlet. He added that Michelin offers a soft ride and if maintained well, it could last longer than 40k. Also the tyre noise is less compared to JKs and MRFs. Michelin XM1+
It was a tough time for me to choose between BS Turanza or Michelin XM1+. Both are more or less equal in most terms (as far as I think). Finally I decided to pick up Michelin XM1+ 145/80 R12 because of the Michelin man logo which is one of my childhood favorite. :-) I went with my heart and ordered to fit the XM1+ to the discs. Also I drive mostly inside the city and occasionally on Chennai - Salem - Erode highway. No rough roads generally. I am fine with it.
XM1+ are tubeless tyres and after careful evaluation of the discs, the tyres were fitted, balanced , bolts tightened and finally the alignment was checked. The Michelins cost Rs.2200 per tyre. Altogether I spent Rs.8800 for 4 tyres, Rs.240 for alignment (includes one free alignment within next 45 days), Rs.300 for wheel balancing, and Rs.300 for 4 mouth-valves. The ride after tire change
Thumbs up! Evidently the ride is much better and smooth now. No noises, no uneven bumps and no irritating sounds. Also the handling has improved decently. XM1+ uses a soft compound, therefore it cannot be abused on rough roads all the time. Once I cross 5000 kms, I will post a mid-review.
PIC BELOW : Sorry about the water and mud photo. It was raining in chennai when I shot this picture.
Last edited by rajeshsundaram : 6th June 2010 at 21:13.
Reason: Heading edited
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