As I wanted to go to some long trips in this monsoon, I planned to check my stock tyres to the near tyre shop (XL tyre point, Anna nagar). Let me tell about my stock tyres, the DOT is 04/04 the same manufacture date of my car registered and the profile was 145/70/R13. Those stock tyres are ran around only 32K at the time of my purchase, and it is completed now to 36K. The treads are still looks good, it might run 2-3K for sure (consulted with MSM guys).
But from the time of purchase this car, I was in my mind to go for Tubeless tyres only safety purpose. I wait for things to come. There was no puncture at all during my 5k running period with those tyres. But I have planned to go for some long trips for next 2 months I decided to go for tyre change.
I was reading lot of reviews and search each every forums (did thorough search on T-bhp), finally concluded with the Michelins. I went to the tyre shop, that guy checked my tyres and he said if you drive this car only within city you use the same stock tyres for next 3K running period. But if you go on highways or long trips better go for tubeless tyres. After that he asked me to come to his desk and he took one paper to started explaining about tyres. I was really wondered. I learnt lot of things from him. I told him for upsize I ideally wants to go for Michelin XM1+ 155/65/R13 only. He said “ok, Are you aware of silica?” I said “yes, am aware of that, Michelin tyres holds silica compounds.” Then he replied, “Michelin Energy series only contains Silica compounds and not XM1+s”. He continued like, “ there are two set of tyres, which are hard compounds and soft compounds. Michelin, Yokama and continental are soft compound tyres also they are imported.
Then he explained about the silica presents in those tyres. Michelin has 15%,Yokoma 25% and continental has more than 35% silica compounds with them. Also he told me Michelins are really good on the Energy series , if you have R14 size, then I will suggest only Michelin. But R13 profile I advise you to go for Continental tyres. I wondered, actually I was in mind only for Michelins. He said, I will assure you Continental is pretty doing well than Michelin both wet and dry traction. He continued like, Conti tyres are the stock tyres for the German cars and they are imported here as it is designed for German cars, no specific modifications for Indian roads unlike Michelin XM1. Also, they offer better ride quality, less road noise and excellent grip for sure. Also it costs less than Michelin. I really wondered and I don’t have any option to discuss about this to anyone. I was waiting for T-Bhp approval that time. Then I came back and did some research about continental tyres. All the reviews suggested that they are really doing well on par with Michelin. So, next day I went to that shop, I agreed to change my tyres. He quoted 10.3K inclusive of 4 tyres, wheel balancing, alignment and nitrogen as compliment. Also I got a wonderful lotto laptop backpack from Continental for free. During the change process, he told me continental tyres are having harder side wall for better life where as Michelins has softer sidewall which prone to sidewall cuts and all. Also conti tyres gives better life than Michelins. I asked him that I am very struggle with the low ground clearance of Wagon-R (165mm). Is it possible to increase any way?” He replied “ This tyre change should solve your problems , it increases the GC about to 8mm after this upsize. I wondered, how come it can be. He said, “wait, I will show you” and he take my spare tyre(stock one) and get the upsized conti tyre (ready to fit on my car) put stand to next each other. I was amazed, it really higher than the old stock tyres. I’ve really convinced after this live comparison.
Once, everything done, I started my car . WOW, What a dramatic change after the upgrade. I really wondered and never think this tyre upsize will change everything in my car ride quality. Road noise is absolutely silent and handling is amazing. My car was floating on the road. I drove my car on the potholes, it easily ignore them without even a difference on the ride. I really felt the difference after this upsize, I will post my travelogues soon after my long trips which starts tomorrow.
Friends kindly put your suggestions/comments on this post. This is my maiden post kindly ignore if it is too long and bored.
![Continental Tyres for my Wagon-R. Upgraded-110920091118.jpg](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attachments/tyre-alloy-wheel-section/193773d1693070158t-continental-tyres-my-wagon-r-upgraded-110920091118.jpg)