Tyres for S-Type R

[SteveKK]

Being new to owning a 'proper' car as I have 3 kit cars, which have served be well for over 10 years, I recently took the plunge and bough myself a S-Type R. I have always loved the looks of the car and after a couple of test drives, I convinced myself that I could live with an auto 'box.

When I purchased the car I knew the rears would need replacing within a few thousand miles, but since then I have noticed sidewall damage on the offside front too, which is annoying since these look quite new.

At the moment there are Nexans on the front and Continentals on the rear. I feel I should be replacing all 4 as a matter of safety, but I am finding it really difficult to find the same tyre for the front and rear. The fronts are 245/40 18 97Y and rear are 275/35 18 95Y. What matching tyres have other owners fitted and how do you find them?

Regards,
Steve

[msdsx]

I have Contis all round on my R, I believe they are the original fit. Had them replaced about three months ago so they are out there...

[TABBEII]

My STR has only 10,00 miles on it, and it has the original Pirelli P-Zeros all around. Cost is always a nusance, but you could maybe start at you local friendly Jaugar dealer for some clues.

I hope you enjoy your STR as much as I enjoy mine. Hope to see you and your new beauty at a meeting sometime.

[Montana5]

I have Dunlop Sport 3000 on front and Dunlop Sport SP on rear, previous owner fitted them just before I bought the car, there is a slight difference to tread pattern. I assumed they are different for size availability reasons already mentioned.

Doug.

[SteveKK]

Thanks for the replies. Still not had much luck with finding tyres to match front and back, but there are limited options out there. My next question is what load rating should I have? At the moment the fronts are 97 and the rears are 95. It looks sensible to me, but are >=93 front and rear OK of does the front need to be 97?

Regards,
Steve

[SteveKK]

Ended up having a matching set of Toyo T1S tyres fitted, once I got the car started (see posting in the electrical section for details).

I did have to butcher the original locking wheel nuts at the fitting centre, with the help of their manager, so the car is parked up for now, since I've only 4 wheel nuts fitted. Just ordered a set of McGuard locking nuts (P/N 20116SU) as I've used these on several other cars and never had issues.

I will report back on the tyres once the weather is more suitable.

Regards,
Steve