What rubber for S2?

[dedmans]

My wife had a popped tyre today and we need new rubber tomorrow.

It was a front off that went.

Should we buy a pair of new and put them on the back or front as a new pair?

Currently have Avon's the suggested choice is Wanli, Prestivo or Kumho.

Any advice appreciated.

Many thanks.
Julian

[Breed]

Hi Julian


Have had Michelin Pilots for the last couple of years and they have been excellent. Just fitted a couple of Michelin Exalto PE2 to the rear and they handled the weather this weekend with no problems and are very quiet. The best tyres should always go on the rear, it does not matter whether it is front or rear wheel drive. Not cheap but they wear well and I would fit as a pair unless the other one on the axle was almost new.

Bill

[L.G.]

Julian,

I never heard of Prestivo before. I think Wanli is a Chinese tyre, I'd be concerned about the quality but don't know anything about them. I use Kumho's winter tyres can't complain about them very much. What I'd say is buy either the Michelin Pilot Exaltos or Goodyear Eagle F1s because tyres are a major issue and they can change the feel of the car completely.

Buy a pair at least. Obviously buy 4 new is the best but it maybe a bit costly. If your rear tyres are fine let them stay there and put the new ones on the front. Pay attention though because several people have recently experienced oversteer, so make sure your rear tyres are alright.

It doesn't say a lot but here is the service bulletin from Lotus.

L.G.

[dedmans]

Thanks for your advise.
I will try the Khumo and put them on the front.
If they are not right I will soon tell and change them.

If they feel good and are o.k. I will post and say so.

The little mileage the car does should not wear them out quickly.

Thanks again,
Julian

[Sy V]

Julian

I've used two lots of Kumhos.
One were shocking and the others were OK.
Please do some homework before buying them.

[Enright]

I thought Goodyear Eagle F1's were still available for 16" rims.
If I had the choice (which with SE wheels I don't), I'd go for them every time.
Otherwise the Toyo Proxes which I'm running now seem very confidence inspiring, especially in dodgy conditions.

[M100 TWO]

Julian if you are near Micheldever tyres Winchester 01962 774437 they are the cheepest around hear Goodyear F1 are very good and put them on the back use the jack from the car to jack it up dont let them near the car with a trolly jack!!!!

[DeeAitch]

Some discussion here on this.
Remember that, ultimately there are only 4 things sticking the car to the road and they are all made of rubber Make sure you make the right choice, you will be stuck with them for a few years - not many people buy tyres and chuck them away after a few miles - not me anyway!

[Monty]

Have a read of this

http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8845