What tires for my 1987 XJ6?
 

What tires can I get for my 1987 XJ6? I plan to stay with the original wheels.

My primary concerns are safety and longevity.

Thanks, Neal Lewis

Check the "Tire Rack". Lots of useful information on tire selection. Also tables of available tires and sources.


I chose B.F. Goodrich "T" rated touring tires. At my age and status, performance tires are a huge over kill. Would I drive at over 100 mph for sustained periods? Not likely.... It came on 215 70 15's. I
bought the new ones at the same size. I did swap in XJS lattice wheels. Wider. Look good, ride good, handle well. Price was decent
at America's Tire Store.


Same logic for my Jeep. No need for gnarly off road tires. It got Yokohama tourers. Decent price from Big O. Once sold house brand tires for a premium. Changed to add other brands. Additional services as well.


Carl

Most insurers in the UK will insist on the right speed and load rating tyres fitted to the car.
Any excuse to renege o a claim.

Wow, nanny state for sure. And, a MOT issue as well ?


Your insurors can do that? Refuse to write or renew, or even cancel.
But, is there language in the contract that allows that?


Way back in my former profession, a kid in a hot Corvette ran a stop sign, hit a car and folks were hurt. Alive, thank god. I was surprised that my conservative underwriter would insure a Corvette. I checked the policy as I should. Aha, shown with the Corvette VIN as a Chevrolet Coupe. Went down to advise underwriter, Bob. "you have been had and there ain't a d... thing you can do, but raise hell with your broker and dump the policy. Bob, a decent guy, was chagrined.
"Will my cancellation hurt your ability to deal with the claims?". I replied, do it, I'll deal with it... mebbe you can reevaluate the premium???


Carl,

Not an issue in the USA

Cheers
DD

I agree with Carl. See what Tire Rack has in the 215/70x15 size. Look for a 500 or higher tread wear rating and 97 or higher load rating.

As for safety, you'd probably have a difficult time finding an unsafe tire but customer reviews will show if any particular choice is known for bad characteristics

Cheers
DD

I thought 205/70x15 was the correct tire size for the XJ6, the 215 was reserved for the XJ12's was it not?

Somewhere along the line (1984? 1985?) Jaguar began using 215/70 on the 6 cylinder cars as well, at least for the USA market.



Cheers
DD

Recently went with Michelin Defenders from Costco. They occasionally run a $70 off special and free install. The price was unbeatable, the ratings were strong online, and I'm very pleased with the purchase. I think it came in at the low $400.00 all in for Michelins. Good luck finding that on the low profile nonsense I must suffer on my other cars!

Yup, Nay on claim reneg becaue of a tire issue?


Nanny "stateism" popular here. Aka financial responsibility
laws aka compulsory insurance. The policy language must
comply. Odd and limiting exclusions at a minimum.


I'll stop my lesson in Insurance 101 and social legislation!!


Tires:


I prefer the ones with the most rubber and the least metal.
That leaves the "low profile" 20's and better in the dust.


I just gotta laugh when I see a big bad SUV 4x4 on those
wagon wheels. In the dirt, rocks or snow??????


Carl

My 1986 XJ6 Series 3 came with BF Goodrich 215/70/15 Touring T/A All season 98S rather than the standard 205/70. What is the right pressure for these tyres?

I'm happily running the Pirelli P4 in 205/70-15 on my 86 Sovereign. They're quiet, reasonably grippy, and long-lasting.

jag7651:


Two approaches.


1. Start with the one in the Owner's manual. Differing front to rear, and when high speeds expected.


2. Use the tire maker's recommendations.


3. I do a "standard" 32 PSI on most of my cars as "happy" medium. So far so good.


Carl

I always like the Pirelli's but I'm pretty sure they are now discontinued in our standard sizes.

Longstone is a good source for info, but based on what I've found you can run either the 205/70/15 or 215/70/15. I've an 87 VDP and while happy with my Pirelli P4000 Super Touring (which have only have under 500 miles), you can't get them anymore.

The two Pirelli's I have on the car now were given to me in new condition by a trusty Jag shop in Va. However, in the back I'm running some Michelins one of which has a flat. So I am taking this opportunity to change all four to the Michelin XWX in 205/70/15.

Right now the XWX from Longstone will be about 250GBP each. I can't comment on how the ride differs as I'm putting them on now, but will let you know if interested.

Have had the XWX on for nearly a week and would say the difference vs. the P4000 are:
1) Drive is certainly less heavy
2) Drives a bit more lively as a result.
So having ridden on both I would say that its a matter of preference in how you like to drive and how you typically use your XJS. If you like a more lively (think 60's style British sports) then you might like the XWX. If you want more of a touring feel - smooth on long distances etc. then the P4000 are for you.
In any event, I have two P4000 that have a decent amount of tread on them and happy to pass them along to someone who can use them (there are only two of them)

In Switzerland they dumped you if you didnt have snow tyres on in winter. Creates quite a cottage industry of tyre changeover, tyre storage, tyre covers etc. The magic date to put on standard tyres was easter, regardless of when easter was that year.

Cough, California smog tests, cough

I find the snow tire requirement somewhat more understandable, though, as lack of snow tires is far more likely to cause a crash than incorrect speed rating.

Cheers
DD

My experience is consistent with what Doug is saying. I just went and checked. The tires on my '87XJ-6 are Pirelli P5 215/70 VR 15. Same tires that it left the dealership with in late '86. (yes, I know:)). Also recommended pressures: 33/32 F/R and 33/36 fully loaded