tyres recommendations for a 1.9 sri 120

[firebeast]

its currently running a bad mix of tyres,which i didnt mind for the car price,but now in a position to get either a pair or all 4 .its got 215 50 17 at the mo,but being newish to car driving i got to admit i dont fancy going 225 45's as i read they arent as wide and i have kerbed a couple of wheels in the past 9 months.i also read the 225 size makes the car more bumpy and as its the sri i dont want it any stiffer tbh,due in part to the wife's recent health conditions which can be agravated by the stiffness. .i would prefer a tyre for good grip but also low noise and a bit less harshness(though i realise the current ones arent helping!)i have read a bit on here but there seem to be different opinions about brands and models so after some ideas related to my needs.hoping i can get a good deal through a mate at ats or do online and get him to fit them.

[WeDesign]

Rubber one are the best

[Barlow]

Bridgestone A001
Winter is upon us and these tyres are great for winter driving.

[sriandy]

Go sensible mid range ie Avon for good wear cost and performance.

[Greebo]

vredstein or hankook are good tyres too, never had a problem in snow with the hankooks and a front wheel drive car

[m8internet]

its got 215 50 17 at the mo
i dont fancy going 225 45's as i read they arent as wide and i have kerbed a couple of wheels in the past 9 months

It's actually the other way round, the 225 45 R17 is slightly wider
Equally, there is more choice in this size, so in general they are cheaper
Finally, the vast majority of tyres in this size have rim protectors

You won't actually notice any difference between the 215 50 R17 and 225 45 R17 in terms of passenger comfort
Vauxhall chose the 215 50 R17 simply as it looks better on the wheel and car (reduced gap between tyre and bodywork)

Personally, get the best tyres you can afford
If your budget is £20 then spend all £20, and so on

[SpiD]

You need to first decide on budget.
Next on properties - in priority order and respecting the way you use the car. You may read tyre tests, but mind that you are able to find most makes and models as celebrated winners - depending on who you ask.

Sites like http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk contain info and www.mytyres can be used as bargain price indicator (check what is included when comparing prices!)

At the end of the day your money need to buy tyres that meet your expectations
As mentioned in another thread the big companies in the tyre business control the vast majority of brands. They have interests in securing, that their major brands remain on top of their other products. Price and value wise.

The explanation of tyre specs are "width in mm"/"profile height mm in percent of width" x diameter size in inches.

Therefore a 215/50-17 is 215 mm wide, (215x50%=) 107,5 mm profile height and fit 17" rims.
Since the profile height is what tell you the size of the "air-cusion" between the rim and the road, this has a lot to do with comfort. In addtion, tyres for high load are made with more plies and for agressive steering properties with tougher walls, both less comfortable.

Vectra came with various rim diameters so of course a smaller rim with same outer circumfence tyre as a larger rim, use a higher tyre profile. If memory serves we saw 195/65-15, 205/55-16, 215/55-16, 215/50/17, 225/45-17, 225/45-18 and 235/35-19. All within 5% of the same outer circumfence, but with profile heights from 126 mm to 94 mm. 32 mm less air 'under' each rim!

With winter approaching:
Summer tyres are no good in winter
Winter tyres are no good in summer
All Season tires are no good in all seasons

Better a set of new summer tyres in winter than worn-to-the-indicator winter tyres.

Just my 2'..

[Big Dave]

Uniroyal Rainsport 2's.

Best tyres I've ever had.

And they're fine in 225/45/17 size.

Nuff said.

[Bigtee]

With winter approaching:
Summer tyres are no good in winter
Winter tyres are no good in summer
All Season tires are no good in all seasons

Better a set of new summer tyres in winter than worn-to-the-indicator winter tyres.

All season tyres do have that advantage when the temp drops below 7c and the snow is here nothing funnier than a wheel spinning plonker trying to get up a hill and you sail past with your all seasons on. :-)

Vredestein make great tyres, using Pirelli fourseasons on this one, we live on hills up here need the grip in the snow.!!

[firebeast]

appreciate the replies.only reason i was put off 225's was the odd commemt about less height equalling less comfort.though another point is does the car need xl tyres,as its currently on them,but what is the recommended on speed rating and load for it.tbh we dont need the car everyday as i have ridden bikes for 17yrs.snow and all.as for rainsports i have read glowing and burning reports from this site and another.thing is the tread is grippy but this will equate as lowish mileage and higher noise.i will see what me mate can do first but standard ats prices are high.