Hi All,

My 2001 XK8 came fitted with Dunlop 245/45 ZR17" tyres when I purchased it last year. I know the correct side profile is 50% (not 45%) but, given that Pirelli has the virtual monopoly on that line, the price is extortionate - cheapest I can get is around EUR250 per tyre, while I can get the 245/45s for at least EUR100 less per tyre. Does anyone know if having a slightly smaller side profile on a tyre matters in terms of handling, stability, etc. Obviously, ride quality will be marginally poorer on a 45 compared to a 50.

I was told by one mechanic that the ASC can be more prone to kicking in if the wrong tyres are fitted to the car, but that sounds like a bit of a red herring to me.

Thanks in advance.

Jonathan

 

I think I would check around some more. Here in the US, Dunlop, Bridgestone & Michelin all offer tires in the proper size for less than the Pirellis. If nothing else, the smaller profile means your speedometer is reading incorrectly.

 

Jonathan, use tirerack.com. Yes its an american site but if you use their search for tires for specific vehicle function it will correctly pick out most of the tires that are made for your car in your factory size. Im sure many of these are avail over your way. Hope this helps.

-Erik

 

I'm gonna go with Wheelsnext.com when I purchase my Wheels & Tires.

 

Here's my advice. Purchase 255/50/17 tyres. I spent $1000 on 245/50/17 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires, but then I discovered that there are many options in the 255/50/17 category, and it will not affect your speedometer much. Check out several options at www.tirerack.com. They also show revolutions per mile that you can compare. Cheers.

 

Hi snowdmc,

Thanks for the links. I called both firms, and while they don't offer a service in the Republic of Ireland, they do in Northern Ireland, and it works out significantly cheaper than my best quote so far. Looks like about £197 (EUR217 at current exchange rates) for the P-zero including fitting, balancing and disposing of the old tyre. Will save me a good EUR100 on a set of tyres!

Cheers!

J