Tyre for dry weather road use, max 2000 miles per year

[sjc123456789]

Hi, forgive me for asking, but I've read lots of guides and could still do with some help.

I'm looking to replace the tyres on my Atom 2 220 (2004) with 15 inch fronts and 16 inch rears (wheels are stand 16inch package) - over the last few years I've only done a couple of hundred miles each year, with a total of about 6500 from new in 2004. Tyres are the originals - Bridgestone that came with the car, there is still plenty of tread left on the fronts, but rears are down to 3 or 4mm from memory.
Just thinking of changing as tyres are now 10 years old.

What's best for road use ?  I've only done one half track day - and can't really see myself doing any as I'm a fair weather drive and don't get much time to play.

Thanks in anticipation, simon

[meladdo]

For the occasional use why not go for high grip! and get the Yoko 48's Ive done 1500 miles on mine and there is at least that again on the rears and the fronts show no wear at all. They are the factory recommended tyre  and the car is very stable on them.

[DanSki]

The Yokohama A048's will without doubt give the best grip, especially it you're a fair weather driver, but you'll probably only get 2,000 to 3,000 miles out of them. If that's going to take another 10 years to do, then it's probably your best bet.

I'm new to the Atom (picked mine up on Wednesday this week), but having just done about 100 miles of let's call it "very spirited driving" today around some country lanes near me, I can say that the Yokohama AD08's that are on my car give superb traction. Not once did I get a little 'wiggle' despite having a very heavy right foot! And most people are getting well in excess of 5,000 miles out of them (from what I've read). They're also the cheaper option, by about £200 if buying all 4 corners.

Both are great options, just depends on your driving style and how many miles you're planning to do.

[8407jeff]

Don't forget the Toyo R1's.  Same manufacturer, same compound as the Yoko's, but different construction.

[sjc123456789]

Thanks for that, that's 3 to look at, as you say, don't think mileage is a problem for me. Think I managed to do 4000 in first 2 years, then 2500 in next 7!

Thanks simon

[Steve Gibson]

The AD08s give a more comfortable and absorbent ride, because of the sidewall construction, compared to an 048. I was surprised at how different they feel. If all your miles are on the road, that might be a consideration.

[meladdo]

[quote="Steve Gibson"]
The AD08s give a more comfortable and absorbent ride, because of the sidewall construction, compared to an 048. I was surprised at how different they feel. If all your miles are on the road, that might be a consideration.
[/quote]


What is the grip like and handling with these on Steve?

[Northnoble]

I have 2 sets of wheels, 1 with 08's the other with 48's

In my opinion the grip of the 48's is MUCH MUCH better. They also seem much easier to get heat into.

Downside......scary in the wet....but must admit I am more or less a fair weather driver.

Downside 2.....they do seem to wear quicker, but who cares, why buy a performance toy and then worry about tyre wear (especially when compared to most other sports car tyres they are cheap

48's every time for me 

[Steve Gibson]

I didn't run the AD08s long enough to do a fair comparison. But it would be interesting to know how different the rubber compounds are. The most striking feature was how the car felt more compliant on the road and soaked up bumps better. Like Northnoble, I'd buy for outright grip because we're off to the Alps later this year, but the AD08s might be just fine for an occasional and steady road user, who's not looking to hurl the car around.

[meladdo]

AFTER driving a 3 245 and the factory 3 300 both on the 48's I specced them for my car and am very happy and as stated I also went for grip rather than longevity....

[sjc123456789]

I'm torn here between comments, and spoilt, I use a Pheaton as my commuting car - it's like driving my living room chair, only it's got heated, cooled and massaging seats and is ultra comfortable as a cruiser - it's even got a "sportive" setting on the suspension!!! But it's not sporty (believe it or not).

I've only managed a few hundred miles in the atom each year over the last few years but would like to use it more. I fancy doing some trips to the lakes, UK and Italy with my wife as co pilot, so no balls out nutter driving. I guess most if not all the driving will be roads, unless the kids use it for track days.
I suppose answer is to buy a spare set of wheels for the occasional track day with the 48's and use existing wheels with ad08 for road use.

It's only same really as summer and winter tyres I have for the cars - just garage will look even more like a branch of kwik fit!  S

[Northnoble]

Just get a set of 48's........you wont regret it. I would only consider something different if going on a long 3000+ European road trip.

The factory soec them for a reason!

[sjc123456789]

Thanks northnoble, not beng funny, but why have you got Ad08's?
Steve - if you had a free cost no option choice would you go 48's or 08's?

Simon

[Steve Gibson]

I've always run the stickier 048 or 888 tyres, like most owners. Even through heavy rain. You just have to take it easy in the wet. Give Tom a call at the factory and take his view on the grip of each tyre model. They offer both, not just 048s.

[Mattv6]

What's the best price people have found on either r888s or A048s??