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tyre choice

B

bison

Enthusiast
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213
Ladies and Gents,
It really is time to replace the tyres on my 1976 TL 845cc. Now, I would like to hear opinions as to whether I should fit 145/80/13's as opposed to what is on now, 135/80/13?
Alan.
 
It's a no brainer - go for it! Choose a good make though. Make sure the tyre company you go to can also balance the tyres as your R4 doesn't have a hole through the middle for some balancing machines.
 
Toyo get a good review, original equipment on some Audi, also a special deal on at Kamskill, £22 a tyre!, 4 delivered to the door £99.
Alan.
 
bison said:
Toyo get a good review, original equipment on some Audi, also a special deal on at Kamskill, £22 a tyre!, 4 delivered to the door £99.
Alan.
Click to expand...

What kind of tires I have to look for?
I spent 200 euros for 4 145r80 tires last autumn...
 
Hi Alan, yes good idea to go for 145s, I've a pair on the back of Marigold, and when the fronts need replacing I shall fit 145x80x13s there too. I see Kleber do that size too, might be worth checking out their prices as well.
 
Well, I fit them myself, I have a tyre changer, although because the R4 wheels don't have any centre hole I use the old fashoined tyre levers. Having a bead breaker helps a lot though.
Alan.
 
Last edited:
I've done a couple on mine just using tyre levers and motorcycle tyre lubricant (both from eBay) - really easy - and breaking the bead was also easy thanks to a short piece of wood, and a long piece to give the required leverage using my Land Rover towbar as the pivot. Mmmm - probably needs a photo for clarity.
 
I did mine in a similar method to Steve but used a jack to lift the car then slowly dropped the weight of the car on it using a piece of wood between the towbar and tyre.
 
new tyres

Azazello said:
What kind of tires I have to look for?
I spent 200 euros for 4 145r80 tires last autumn...
Click to expand...

*that's exactly the same i paid for four new bf goodric's here, including balancing of five wheels(including the old spare one), they even used mine old inner tubes.Prior all that they even reasemble tires from wheels and inner tubes for free of charge(i took wheels for sandblasting and coating):hug:
 
I thought the recommended size was 145/70x13 NOT 80 ?? you wouldn't get an mot in france with with those fitted !!
 
montenegro said:
I thought the recommended size was 145/70x13 NOT 80 ?? you wouldn't get an mot in france with with those fitted !!
Click to expand...

On my documents is written 135R13 or 145R13, and when not mentioned the other number is always 80.
Maybe in France is different.
 
tyres picture

Azazello said:
On my documents is written 135R13 or 145R13, and when not mentioned the other number is always 80.
Maybe in France is different.
Click to expand...

**you can find a photo of my tyres under my photo album "Orsome"; four new ones plus one old as spare:)
 
Wiki

I have added all of this onto the Wiki, as a summary. We should try and do this for all the technical items that get discussed on here.
Please visit and add to or edit the section to reflect your own knowledge and experience.
 
135s are just fine for the small engined R4s, it's always beneficial to cut that little rolling resistance.
BUT...two years ago I discovered that "big" tyre makes stopped making them, so I had two options: Switch to 145s (still plenty of choices) or fit a set of Korean or Eastern Europe 135s. There is nothing wrong with less known makes of tyres, especially on the R4 that relies less on tyres for its roadholding, but I have found them to be generally heavier than an equivalent "known make" tyre.
So I fitted a set of 145s Continental Eco Contact (210 euros including inner tubes). I am very pleased with them, and going one size up doesn't seem to make noticeable difference. I noted that even on the parts books, fitting of 135s or 145s is equally allowed on saloons (maybe it was the buyer's choose?), while on Fourgons, 145 was the standard fitment.
Just to compare prices, two weeks ago I had a set of 145s BF Goodrich fitted to another R4, for 180 euros.
 
I just use a tyre fitting machine :p

I'd say get the best you can find, they aren't "that" expensive compared to modern vehicle tyres.

I always tend to go for an all season tyre, I prefer having grip at all times rather than just in the summer/dry weather!

Yes they wear a little quicker but on our light cars it doesn't make much difference.
 
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