TYRES
All manufacturers recommend that when fitting a pair of tyres they should be fitted to the rear.
Advice from Michelin:-
http://www.michelin.co.uk/uk/auto/auto_cons_bib_pqr_neuf.jsp
Front wheel misalignment would normally cause both front tyres to wear unevenly ie both inner or outer edges. It might be worth checking whether there is excessive play in one of the track rod ends which may need replacing or even a slightly loose wheel bearing.
Nevertheless it is always worth having the alignment checked when having new tyres fitted.
The 3 different styles of tyre tread pattern are asymmetric (a), directional (d) and touring (t).
The touring pattern is gradually being phased out being replaced with the asymmetric which while still give the quieter ride and comfort of the touring patterns has the extra benefits of greater water clearance and and more cornering stability. The directional patterns do clear more water and are much grippier (remember the old F1 wet weather tyres) , they do tend to be a little noisier and usually don’t have the longevity of their asymmetric cousins.
Avon ZV3 (a) The best of Avons stable and good value
Bridgestone RE720 (d) The leader in its day with dual compound tread which gives similar roadholding throughout the tyres life.
Continental premium contact 2 (a) The latest version from Germany and a superb performer.
Dunlop Sp200 (t) see nct5
Dunlop SP01 (a) One of the quietest tyres on the market.
Firestone TZ200 (a) Bridgestones junior brand. Good value similar to Avon.
Goodyear Excellence (a) Contender for quietest tyre on the market
Goodyear F1 Asymmetric (a) replaces F1 GS-D3 as THE top performance tyre
Goodyear NCT5 (t) Good performer but now a little long in the tooth.
Kumho KH11 (a) A quality tyre being sold as a budget to get market share.
Michelin Primacy (a) Top quality but always the most expensive tyre
Pirelli P6000 (t) see NCT5
Uniroyal rallye 550 (d) Conti`s junior. very good see firestone comments
Vredestein Hi-Trac (d) Auto Express test winner- PLUS - long life
Recommended:- Goodyear F1 Asymmetric, Continental premium contac 2 and Goodyear Excellence
Of the entry level premium quality tyres I would plump for the
Vredestein Hi-Trac, Kumho KH11 or Avon ZV3
