Quote:
Originally Posted by sups Thanks RKS. Yes, I am willing to stick to stock size tyre. But as per suggestions from some owners, the stock tubed tyres from Goodyear are on the little harder side. So, would it be a good idea to change the stock tyres to the same size 175/70 R13 Michelin Energy XM1? Or due you suggest some other brands, keeping in mind that ride comfort and handling is my priority?? |
Sticking to the stock size tyres will give you the advantages of better ride comfort (since it is 70 profile) and better fuel economy. Plus there is less chance of steel rims bending as compared to lower profile tyres (as long as you drive carefully and keep recommended tyre pressures). As far as handling is concerned, as long as you do not intend to do high-speed driving, the stock size tyres will be more than adequate.
Michelin Energy XM1 is widely recommended by T-BHPians; iraghava is the person who has a lot of experience with these tyres. See also the following website: Michelin Australia
The fine print at the bottom says that the 13" series does not come with silica compounds, which, as per this website, "reduce the amount of energy required to push your car, saving fuel and the environment by reducing car emissions". So that is one minus; without the silica compound, I believe the tyre is just XM1, not "Energy XM1". Still the XM1 should be a good choice, given your criteria.
As per many internet sources, the Bridgestone tyres should have a longer life than the Michelin tyres on the bad Indian roads. I am also considering the Bridgestone Turanza ER-60 for my next tyre change. Here is the official website: Bridgestone India Private Limited
This tyre is also supposed to be very good in ride comfort/handling and I haven't heard any complaints from T-BHPians.
The B250 series tyres have just been introduced by Bridgestone India on July 1. These tyres are supposed to eventually replace the workhorse S322 tyres and should be much better than them. They should have a longer life than either Michelin XM1 or the Turanza ER-60, but will probably not be as good in performance/handling/ride comfort. There was also a T-BHP thread on these tyres. Here is the Bridgestone India website which announces the introduction of B250 series: Bridgestone India Private Limited
I plan to pick one of XM1, ER-60 or B250 for my next set of tyres, when my present S322 tubeless tyres wear out. You can also consider the Goodyear Eagle GA Plus recommended by razor4077; I do not know much about this tyre. |