Which New Tyres? - Simple question?

Straad · Jan 19, 2019

SandyR said:
I’ve got the Michelin CrossClimate SUVs on my 4Motion. Great tyres and grip.

I did the same for my XC60 and they've been great. When our Cali 4 motion needs new tyres I will do the same for her. Mind you, we had snow last night on the way back from Dunkeld and still have the original tyres on the van (20,000 miles) and she didn't bat an eyelid.

Sp0_0k · Jan 19, 2019

2into1 said:
It's generally thought you'll get more mpg by keeping the narrower size. Unless you've experienced a lack of grip, not sure why you'd go up to the 235s. I don't know exactly why some Cali's come with 215s and some with 235s. It seems a bit the 204hp more often has the 235s, the 150hp with the 215s, but I don't think that's an 'absolute rule'

Out of interest how many miles do you think you'll get out of your first set. I have the same Conti's.

Your other decision is whether all season tyres will be of value to your circumstances? Plenty of good reports on the Michelin Cross Climates. I spend my life driving over the pennines so have a summer set on my Cascavels and a full winter set on steels.

For such a heavy vehicle wider is better.

CaliDave · Jan 19, 2019

SandyR said:
I’ve got the Michelin CrossClimate SUVs on my 4Motion. Great tyres and grip.

I have the same on my 4Motion . Just back from skiing in France and managed very well without the need to use chains ( which we had on board), even in fairly deep snow.

Alfiesbuddy · Jan 19, 2019

Given we have car tyres and notcomercial tyres as standard on our calis when we buy them I have the joy of attending a garage today for 2 new front tyres, with very worn out surfaces. I’ll be putting on the Michelin suv by advice from the van tyre centre this morning! Guy spent half hour matching up and he too said Goodyear are soft rubber, seems some brands are andsome not so

I’ve done 12 k on the Goodyear and disappointed with the ‘sharran’ tyres. He said finding comercial andmore hardwraring isn’t ideal as the spec insists (sticker on the door) car tyres, due to it being a car not a van officially ???

Use black circles...

B J G · Jan 19, 2019

Decades ago Michelin got the high mileage tyre life from having 'hard' rubber. I remember having Michelin XZX's (I think they were) that hardly wore but in the wet I couldn't pull away from traffic lights in the wet without wheel spin and on grass it was akin to driving on ice.

B J G · Jan 19, 2019

Straad said:
I did the same for my XC60 and they've been great. When our Cali 4 motion needs new tyres I will do the same for her. Mind you, we had snow last night on the way back from Dunkeld and still have the original tyres on the van (20,000 miles) and she didn't bat an eyelid.

Last winter I went up a back road, quite steep and bendy, where it was obvious that other vehicles had been skidding by the polished wheel tracks and joined the main road by going through the snowplough bank, from a standing start, with no drama or wheel spinning. I fully expected to get stuck or come to a slithery standstill. All with summer tyres.

Teejay · Jan 19, 2019

Thought I'd replied here already. I moved to Goodyear Vectors 4 Season Gen2 @235s. I could feel the extra grip when they were new. I would not buy the Bridgestones again.

Some handy videos:

HAPPY_T6_CALI · Jan 19, 2019

Not sure what to choose when ordering, our "Cali" was ordered and delivered with 215/60R17 Continental on Cascavel alloys. That was a mistake! I noticed a much fermer ride comparing to a "Cali" equipped with 235/55 R17 Dunlop Sport Maxx, with I tested a few week before. I immediately changed the Contintals and trade them in for Dunlopp Sport Maxx 235/55R17, and since then I experience the same smooth ride as I was expecting. Big difference! (Spare wheel, never used is still 215/60R17 Continental).

Mike Maguire · Jan 19, 2019

Running my ancient 08 reg 174/dsg Cali on 16” 215s. But swiftest getaways always results in a little initial wheel spin ... just a little disconcerting g at times.
So have brought into stock a set of 17” alloy wheels and in late spring will fit with Nokian Weatherproofs all-season 235s. 235 giving that bit more rubber to road contact

Had these Nokians on a Skoda Octavia Scout & they stood up well to their reputation for good grip both in snow & soft muddy grass conditions & superb in the wet.
Would say they are slightly more winter & M&S oriented than the Michelin CCs but both do an excellent all year round job. That is provided one recognises they are not so good for pushing hard on hot dry summer roads and wear a little faster

Geesvw · Jan 19, 2019

WelshGas said:
Michelin CrossClimate SUV 235x55xR17 103Y

Tread Depth between 5.6 and 5.8 after 19,500 miles.

Seem to be wearing a little less than the Goodyear’s did over similar milage. Mpg a little better about 1-2 mpg as measured on the MFD, and a little quieter.

I agree, I’ve Cross Climate’s on the front, the tread depth is less than a standard two season tyre, but you get much increased tread pattern, and of course a better grip. Incidentally I’d had mine fitted for 3 month, 3.500 miles later had an MOT and had an advisory on the report regarding tyre depth

B J G · Jan 19, 2019

HAPPY_T6_CALI said:
Not sure what to choose when ordering, our "Cali" was ordered and delivered with 215/60R17 Continental on Cascavel alloys. That was a mistake! I noticed a much fermer ride comparing to a "Cali" equipped with 235/55 R17 Dunlop Sport Maxx, with I tested a few week before. I immediately changed the Contintals and trade them in for Dunlopp Sport Maxx 235/55R17, and since then I experience the same smooth ride as I was expecting. Big difference! (Spare wheel, never used is still 215/60R17 Continental).

Difference is in the load rating, the higher the number the stiffer the sidewall will be resulting in a firmer/harder ride, as you found.

Mike Maguire · Jan 19, 2019

Mike Maguire said:
Running my ancient 08 reg 174/dsg Cali on 16” 215s. But swiftest getaways always results in a little initial wheel spin ... just a little disconcerting g at times.
So have brought into stock a set of 17” alloy wheels and in late spring will fit with Nokian Weatherproofs all-season 235s. 235 giving that bit more rubber to road contact

Had these Nokians on a Skoda Octavia Scout & they stood up well to their reputation for good grip both in snow & soft muddy grass conditions & superb in the wet.
Would say they are slightly more winter & M&S oriented than the Michelin CCs but both do an excellent all year round job. That is provided one recognises they are not so good for pushing hard on hot dry summer roads and wear a little faster

Well on reflection & updated test reports not so sure I will go for Nokian Weatherproofs on the Cali, particularly due to both wear rate & comparative lack of grip when down to 4mm.

Hmnnn ... looks like the Michelin CC+ then?

BikerGran · Jan 21, 2019

I have an 07 Cali with 16in wheels and intend to fit All Terrain tyres as much or probably most of my camping/parking is in muddy fields and I've had problems with grip. I understood that I'd have to change to 17in wheels but met someone who had tyres with a great tread pattern on 18 wheels but he said they do a fitting for 16in. Goodyear I think but can';t remember what they're called.
Every time I see a bit more advice about tyres I get more confused!!

B J G · Jan 21, 2019

With a 16" rim you have a greater selection of all terrain tyres. 18" is very restricted.

Have a look at this Michelin
https://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/michelin/agilis-crossclimate/215/60/R16/T/103/m?tyre=37475252

BikerGran · Jan 21, 2019

B J G said:
With a 16" rim you have a greater selection of all terrain tyres. 18" is very restricted.

Have a look at this Michelin
https://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/michelin/agilis-crossclimate/215/60/R16/T/103/m?tyre=37475252

.
That's an all season tyre - I'm talking about all terrain as in suitable for offroad.

B J G · Jan 21, 2019

BikerGran said:
.
That's an all season tyre - I'm talking about all terrain as in suitable for offroad.

OK but do you spend more than 75% of your mileage Offroad which is what all-terrain is for.

My Nokian Weatherproofs got me up a steep field when sinking about 3" down into saturated ground without a single spin from a standing start.

B J G · Jan 21, 2019

Load rating makes choice restrictive but if you go to a 65 profile (21.5mm increase in diameter) should be possible with standard height suspension.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BFGoodri...m=332451852729&_trksid=p2045573.c100507.m3226

Eber123 · Jan 21, 2019

BikerGran said:
.
That's an all season tyre - I'm talking about all terrain as in suitable for offroad.

Good afternoon,

I am a bit in the same situation. I am not happy with the Bridgestone on wet roads and certainly on wet grass. I am looking for a tyre that is more reliable in these situations.

Have I said that, I am honest to myself saying that 90% of driving is on normal roads, 8% on bad back country roads and 2 % on wet grass. Difficult to say what percentage on wet roads, which the Bridgestone is not that good.

To change tyres is expensive (I have the Bridgestone Turanza 300ER 235/55 R17 103 V). To change even the rims, is even more expensive.

Reading here a lot and reading reviews I will change to Michelin CrossClimate (+ or SUV I am not sure). The SUV version of the Michelin seems to offer that mix (road, wet, off-road). But I don't understand how? The same cost, the same tyre desgin etc. It was mentioned here that the tyre walls are more robust to withstand a bit of more off-road driving.

With the change I hope to improve the grip on wed roads, bad back country roads (mud/dirt) and the few times I use it, wet grass. Important is that the Michelin is good in try conditions as well. Also I am interested in a long life of the tyre. I will change the Bridgestone with about 18,000 km. This is quite early and therefore expensive. I want to get far more out of the next set of tyres.

As it looks like we will start our Europe tour in July. Before that I will have the Bridgestone changed to the Michelin CrossClimate. What I am not sure is the "+" version or the "SUV" version.

Regards,
Eberhard

BikerGran · Jan 21, 2019

B J G said:
Load rating makes choice restrictive but if you go to a 65 profile (21.5mm increase in diameter) should be possible with standard height suspension.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BFGoodrich-ALL-Terrain-T-A-KO2-215-65-R16-103-100S-8PR-RBL-3PMSF/332451852729?_trkparms=aid=555017&algo=PL.CASSINI&ao=1&asc=20151016114640&meid=9322ac81b6784d8db2b19cb3522004c9&pid=100507&rk=1&rkt=1&&itm=332451852729&_trksid=p2045573.c100507.m3226

My suspension is 30mm lowered.

B J G said:
OK but do you spend more than 75% of your mileage Offroad which is what all-terrain is for.
My Nokian Weatherproofs got me up a steep field when sinking about 3" down into saturated ground without a single spin from a standing start.

Not 75%, but I don't do long distances on road compared to many Cali owners - 200 miles is my maximum. Then I'm sliding around wet fields and muddy lanes on my Hankook tyres, not to mention they don't even feel safe on wet country lanes, or taking off into traffic on any wet road.

B J G · Jan 21, 2019

BikerGran said:
My suspension is 30mm lowered.

Not 75%, but I don't do long distances on road compared to many Cali owners - 200 miles is my maximum. Then I'm sliding around wet fields and muddy lanes on my Hankook tyres, not to mention they don't even feel safe on wet country lanes, or taking off into traffic on any wet road.

Problem with the Cali is that the wheel arch is designed for the standard factory wheel/tyre sizes. If going all terrain it would be normal to assume that rough offroad use is intended and raising the suspension would also be done. To give mud and stones clearance.

Having gone down by 30mm all terrain tyre use is probably not possible.

An option is to try a part used tyre on a rim to see what is possible. 16" rims are abundant for little money and you may have a part used tyre supplier locally. If successful you can keep the trial one as a spare.

B J G · Jan 21, 2019

Eber123 said:
Good afternoon,

I am a bit in the same situation. I am not happy with the Bridgestone on wet roads and certainly on wet grass. I am looking for a tyre that is more reliable in these situations.

Have I said that, I am honest to myself saying that 90% of driving is on normal roads, 8% on bad back country roads and 2 % on wet grass. Difficult to say what percentage on wet roads, which the Bridgestone is not that good.

To change tyres is expensive (I have the Bridgestone Turanza 300ER 235/55 R17 103 V). To change even the rims, is even more expensive.

Reading here a lot and reading reviews I will change to Michelin CrossClimate (+ or SUV I am not sure). The SUV version of the Michelin seems to offer that mix (road, wet, off-road). But I don't understand how? The same cost, the same tyre desgin etc. It was mentioned here that the tyre walls are more robust to withstand a bit of more off-road driving.

With the change I hope to improve the grip on wed roads, bad back country roads (mud/dirt) and the few times I use it, wet grass. Important is that the Michelin is good in try conditions as well. Also I am interested in a long life of the tyre. I will change the Bridgestone with about 18,000 km. This is quite early and therefore expensive. I want to get far more out of the next set of tyres.

As it looks like we will start our Europe tour in July. Before that I will have the Bridgestone changed to the Michelin CrossClimate. What I am not sure is the "+" version or the "SUV" version.

Regards,
Eberhard

I did see somewhere, can't find it now, that the + version had wheel rim protection and the SUV didn't.
That thick rubber bit that is to protect rims from kerb damage.

B J G · Jan 21, 2019

BikerGran said:
My suspension is 30mm lowered.

Not 75%, but I don't do long distances on road compared to many Cali owners - 200 miles is my maximum. Then I'm sliding around wet fields and muddy lanes on my Hankook tyres, not to mention they don't even feel safe on wet country lanes, or taking off into traffic on any wet road.

Found this set, listing says 215/55/16 but is actually 215/65/16 on T5 rims. long way from you unfortunately to try before buying.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-x-215-...=item4b5b8c4328:g:OzwAAOSwRL1cRKuC:rk:13:pf:0

Eber123 · Jan 21, 2019

B J G said:
I did see somewhere, can't find it now, that the + version had wheel rim protection and the SUV didn't.
That thick rubber bit that is to protect rims from kerb damage.

Good evening,

I was hoping about this, but I couldn't find anything about this on the manufacturer's website.

Regards,
Eberhard

Califorian · Jan 22, 2019

Eber123 said:
Good evening,

I was hoping about this, but I couldn't find anything about this on the manufacturer's website.

Regards,
Eberhard

Hi Eberhard

I emailed Michelin and there answer was
‘
The difference between these two tyres, is that the MICHELIN CrossClimate+ is designed for regular vehicles, while the MICHELIN CrossClimate SUV is designed for 4x4 or AWD vehicles. The rubber compound and tread pattern remain the same between the two, however the SUV version will have deeper grooves, enabling it to handle occasional off-road situations

Might go for the SUV. I find OPONEO are usually competitive in their pricing and recommend a local fitter with a fixed price!

Ian

B J G · Jan 22, 2019

I spent ages trying to find a definitive answer on how to identify a difference. Best I could find was that SUV tyres have a stronger construction to withstand rough tracks and stone impact, that related to the sides rather than any tread differences.
I tried Michelin tyre fitment guide and it gave the + version for 4Motion Cali not the SUV.
More I look into the technicalities the more confusing the answers there are.
Michelin Latitude Cross is an SUV tyre that would allow swapping around to even out wear. Classed as summer category but should be ideal for UK all year use. H speed rating, Ok up to 130 MPH Cheaper as well.

Which New Tyres? - Simple question?

Straad

Straad

Sp0_0k

CaliDave

Alfiesbuddy

B J G

B J G

Teejay

HAPPY_T6_CALI

Erwin & Marlene

Mike Maguire

Geesvw

Violet Winifred

B J G

Mike Maguire

BikerGran

Growing old disgracefully

B J G

BikerGran

Growing old disgracefully

B J G

B J G

Eber123

BikerGran

Growing old disgracefully

B J G

B J G

B J G

Eber123

Califorian

B J G

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