Which wheel and tyre?

[Barley53]

Hi all,

Thanks to the as ever useful info from fellow members, I think I've finalised the all season tyres and alloys I'd like to go for, but as I've never swapped entire alloys and tyres before, I'm being a bit cautious....

I like the look of the Nokian 235/55/R18 104V XL - will these fit a set of alloys 8jx18 offset 45? And as I can't find a package deal for these, can I assume that I can take the lot to a tyre fitter for fitting, balancing etc?

Many thanks.

 

[dubber36]

I'd ask your trusted tyre fitter to get you a comparison price on the tyres to give him the opportunity to make a bit more money. I think it's a bit cheeky asking them to fit tyres you've bought from somewhere else without giving them the chance. They are more likely to spend a bit more time and care then.

 

[DaveD]

When, last year, I wanted to fit Nokian 235/55/R18 104V XL I went to my local garage where they also sell tyres, and was advised that they couldn't even buy the the tyres in for anywhere near what I could get them for on the Tyreleader website.
They actually quoted me £170 per tyre, but told me that if I wanted to get the tyres delivered to my address and bring them to the garage they would fit them and balance them for £8 each, which I did. Delivery took about two weeks.
So I paid about £110 per tyre delivered, plus the £8 fitting fee.
If you haven't read the following thread I think you should:

Nokian Weatherproof - Not ageing well.

Generally, I run dedicated summer and winter tyres. However, these Nokians came with a set of wheels I purchased. Being an all season tyre, I ran them all summer. With just under 5mm tread left, I'd planned on changing them in the spring when I'll fit summer tyres. Out of the four different...

www.t6forum.com

Mine are one year and 10K miles old and look perfect.

 

[Tsixty]

In terms of width, a 235 is perfect for an 8J wheel. I've no experience with the Nokian Weatherproof as my preferred all season is the Vredestien Quatrac 5 or Pro, 235/55/18 will be slightly oversize (4%) vs. standard, which is nothing to worry about, plenty of people run a greater oversize.

In terms of the fitting I have done it both ways. Order from Tyreleader and take down to the local fitting place where they charge £15 per corner to balance, valve, fit and importantly dispose of old ones. Price should be less if they are not disposing of used tyres. I know this tyre place very well though and have used them for years, they know me well and know I'm in and out with different vehicles and tyres every so often and I think that makes a difference. As @DaveD said, I had a conversation with them where they were really honest and said much the same, they couldn't even buy the tyres for what I could get them for online. However, the set I've just put on the T6 came from Blackcircles because for the first time in my experience, their fully fitted price was much cheaper for the tyres I wanted than ordering from tyreleader and taking them down the local place. So I did that this time and had them mobile fitted on the drive.

I think you are keeping your current tyres on your current wheels? I really don't see an issue with putting it all in the van and taking it to the local place and asking them to do it all. I wouldn't take it to one of the large branded places like Kwik fit, I'd find a couple of local independent places, perhaps drop in to each first and explain what you want, ask them if they can do and see what their reaction is? You can then return to the one you feel most comfortable with. The independents really are very used to doing this sort of stuff for enthusiasts and the like; some people change wheels and tyres like the seasons

 

[Barley53]

Great replies everyone, thanks for you help.