15" Wheel tyre choice + mixing

[CarlP]

This is mostly me typing outload but if anyone has any thoughts I'd appreciate them ...

I've get Eagle F1s on all corners at the moment and have just found that I have a not so slow puncture in one tyre. Goodyear no longer make F1s @ 205/50/15 so I'm a bit knackered with straight replacements. When I first got the car I had different tyres pairs front and back and I didn't like the handling at all so swapped them all out for the Goodyears. I'm now faced with having to go back to mixed rubber and I'm feeling a little apprehensive. Firstly due to my earlier experience and secondly because I've been toying with the idea of fitting larger wheels. What I might end up doing is having to pay for 2 x 15" tyres only to soon buy 4x16" wheels + tyres. That's all by the by though. From your experience are any tyres complimentary (or def. not) to the F1's? Following a conversation with a collegue I'm tempted by Bridgestone Potenza RE010s - he's more than happy with these but he runs a VX220T not an Elan!

Carl

[JIMBO]

Hi Carl,
If I were you I would get the punctured tyre checked out by a "good" tyre shop. If you havn't run it too far, too underinflated you may get away with a repair. I normally move the repaired tyre to the back- just in case.
Good luck
Jim

[CarlP]

Unfortunately the air escape is not on the flat of the tyre but just where it meets the wall. I'll be sure to get a second opinion though. There's still plenty of wear on the it.

Cheers,
Carl

[CarlP]

A second garage felt that my tyre was irreparableso I've after some umming and arring I've ordered 2xEXALTO PE2 for the 15" wheels. I'll try them front and back and see how the F1/PE2 combi feels best. In the slightly longer term I guess I'll be looking at the other wheel threads and come to a conclusion on 16 inchers. I can then make my brake and wheel decision at the same time.

[JIMBO]

A second garage felt that my tyre was irreparableso I've after some umming and arring I've ordered 2xEXALTO PE2 for the 15" wheels. I'll try them front and back and see how the F1/PE2 combi feels best. In the slightly longer term I guess I'll be looking at the other wheel threads and come to a conclusion on 16 inchers. I can then make my brake and wheel decision at the same time.

Carl,
I would suggest you fit the new tyres on the rear to start with. Fitting
them to the front would certainly lead to understear and even worse
braking distances than normal. Only move them to the front when they have bedded in.
Regards
Jim

[CarlP]

Thanks for the advice JIMBO!