Disclaimer:
This is going to be a lengthy post and please excuse me in case of any mistakes.
Thanks to:
Thanks to Blackasta, RSR, sbiswas for the details they have shared in this thread, which were helpful, in deciding the correct tyre size.
Prelude:
Tyres and brakes are the most critical parts of a car. A properly sized tyre in a car provides better grip, handling and braking.
It also increases the looks and stance of a car.
But, most of the manufacturers in Indian car market provide undersized tyres as stock spec.
One such car is Hyundai i10, which begs for a tyre upgrade. Even our official Team BHP reviews also suggested that, a tyre upgrade is much essential for i10.
The topic:
I have already upgraded my wheels and tyres in 2017. (was not a Team BHP member then)
So thought to share my experience and contribute to this thread now.
Hope this post helps, if someone is looking for an upgrade.
The background:
After my marriage in 2016, our highway runs increased, thanks to hometown visits and long drives.
So by 2017, the i10 had clocked significant number of KMs on ODO.
With no ABS and airbags, I felt at least a tyre upgrade is much needed as a safety aspect, for better grip and braking.
These were the criteria: YES for: Better ride, grip, braking and looks
OK with: Marginal drop in fuel efficiency
Not OK with: Bad FE, worst ride, tyres sticking out
Strict NO for: Anything which might create problems related to suspension and stability
The search period: Plan 1:
To keep the existing OEM 13inch rims and to upgrade only the tyres with 175/70 R13 size.
But many suggested that, the OEM R13 rims are not suitable for 175 sections and the sidewalls might bulge. So this plan was discarded.
Plan 2:
Upgrade to alloy and new tyres with one size up. The best suitable size was 185/60-R14 as per this thread.
The search for the alloys began. But I couldn't find the alloys of my taste, since the collection in 14inch category were less.
So the complete plan was on hold.
Twist in the tale: (Here comes plan 3)
During June 2017, my friend told me that, his colleague had a set of 4 Elite i20 magna's 14 inch steel rims and caps, from his 1 month old car.
(He had replaced them with alloys at the time of car delivery, and the steel rims had hardly run 50 kms)
So, he asked me to check if it fits my i10 and to use it until I find my choice of alloys.
I knew that the i20 14inch rims will fit like a glove on i10.
So I went ahead and bought the rims immediately. The owner being my friend's colleague, sold the rims at a very minimal price.
The D day: July 2017
Went straight to Sai Iyengar Tyres, Indiranagar for the tyres. (Had short listed this shop long back after multiple researches)
My choice of tyres were Yokohama Earth 1 and Michelin XM2 in 185/60-R14 size. Both were in stock.
Based on my usage and budget, the store in charge Keerthi and Ashwin, suggested me the Yokohama.
Here are the details: Tyre Brand: Yokohama Earth 1
Tyre manufactured on: April 2017
Date of purchase: 27 July 2017
Size: 185/60-R14
Wheels: Steel rims (from Elite i20- 14 inch 5.5j)
Spare wheel: OEM 13inch with 155/80-R13 tyres
ODO when old Apollo tyres were replaced: 39,500 KMs
Current ODO after Yoko's installation: 86,200 KMs
Price split: (as on purchase date) Quoted Price: 18,400/- (4600 for each tyre)
Discount: 800/- (200 rupees discount per tyre)
Fitting charges: Free
Valves, Alignment, Balancing: Free
Total price: 17,600/-
Observations based on 45k kms usage: Braking: Braking is more confidence inspiring now
Fuel Efficiency: Reduced by approx, 0.5-1km/litre (I'm fine with this)
Handling: Much better than OEM tyres
Comfort: Almost similar to earlier tyre
(But gets slightly noisy and harsh on rough roads, due to less side wall height. Michelin would have been better in here with its smooth ride)
Steering feel while driving: Helps to feel the road better
Looks: It has changed the complete stance of the car and car looks much better now
Punctures: 2 punctures till date on same tyre, because of nails from construction area near home
Road noise: Road noise was more evident for first 5000 kms, if driven with windows rolled down.
Usage pattern: The car sees 50% of highways, 30% of Bangalore traffic and 20% of sub urban and rough-farm roads.
Current Status: The Yokohama tyres have already run 46k+ kms and are good to go for another 10k kms easily.
And will switch to alloys during next tyre change in same size.
Issues:
(
No major aspects/issues to be worried about)
* Ride becomes slightly harsh on rough roads.
* If driven at fast pace on rough patches and speed breakers, the thuds and bumps are passed on to cabin and the passengers. So it’s better to slow down.
* During the first 5,000 kms running, at some instances while making a U turn, the front tyres used to brush the mud flaps slightly.
(The issue is nonexistent as of now. If anyone is worried about this in their car, can opt to remove the front mud flaps)
My verdict:
Tyre upgrade is 100% recommended. The 185/60-R14 is a perfect upgrade for i10.
The feel, braking and grip the upgraded tyres provide, is miles ahead of the skinny OEM spec tyres.
And the looks and stance it provides is an added bonus.
Next plan:
To replace the steel rims with alloys of same size.
Now, let the pictures do some talking: The i20 steel rims with caps: The old Apollo vs new Yokohama Earth 1s: New tyre being mounted onto the rim: All wheels fitted: Alignment in progress: Final look of rims,caps and tyres: Skinny Apollo tyre vs Meaty Yokos: Front view: Before and After: Rear: Before and After: Side profile: Before and After: Side profile: Before and After: Rear tyre: Parting shot: