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Tyres (again!)

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Hi all, I'm new to Suzuki Swift ownership and to the forum, hope it's okay to raise this question again as I've seen previous threads (like this one: https://www.sssoc.co.uk/forum/topic/tyres-3/) but would be really interested in the latest experience / opinion of the ZC33 Sport tyre size 195/45/R17?

I recently bought my 69 plate Sport and despite a lot of research beforehand I completely missed the tyre situation - both the options available in the standard size and the tyres on the actual car I bought. I got mixed up with another I'd seen on Autotrader that had the stock Contis and had in my head that my car had them too, but when I actually checked they are Joyroad RX6 - eek. Seems that they were fitted at 14k on the year 4 service by a Suzuki dealer in Yorkshire and I inherited them on 16k this year - I'm not fond of them, am losing grip more than I'd like.

I live in the north-west of the UK and drive to work on untreated backroads, for much of the winter the temps hover close to 0 in the mornings and after some not-ideal experiences with the stock tyres on my old car (Mazda 3 2014) I moved to Michelin Crossclimates which suited me really well - they never let me down in the winter and I was happy in the summer/wet.

Of course the Crossclimates are not available in 195/45/R17 - indeed there isn't much choice at all. In the thread above a few people had Pilot Sport 4s fitted and I'd love to hear how they have been, particularly for daily drivers in the UK. I've read differing opinions on pretty much all of the available options - some swear PS4s get them through the winter, others say they are downright dangerous to drive under 4c...

I want to replace the Joyroads because I just don't trust them from my experience so far (and what I've read about them online), but I also want something that I can use throughout the winter without worrying I'm going to be all over the place. If I could get Crossclimate 2s in 195/45/R17 I would, but obviously I can't - the tyrereviews website shows a couple of all-season options but I can't find them on any of the usual retailers in the UK: https://www.tyrereviews.com/Search/Size/195-45-17/Season/All-Season

Am I being unrealistic that the Swift Sport is a feasible daily driver car all year round in the north of the UK without having to swap to winter tyres? If I don't want to do the winter swap, am I better off changing to different wheels so I can get decent all season tyres? Any thoughts / experience hugely appreciated!!

I have Eagle F1's at the moment and run them all year round with no issues. I'm on 215/45's though with wider wheels, I'm not sure if you get them in the size you want though

It may be worth considering putting 205/45r17 tyres on. They will fit the stock rims just fine and it opens up a bigger range of options.

Thanks for that @nerdman - there was quite a lot of debate on the previous thread about the impact of going up to 205 I think. I do wonder why they didn't use 205s as the official stock size if it works fine with the rims?

@retrosooth & @redklf - sorry to hassle, I noticed from the previous "Tyres" thread that you had PS4s fitted a couple of years ago, if possible could you share your experiences with them? Have you used them throughout UK winters?

I'd consider changing wheels but having read a few threads I'm still not sure whether it is possible to do this without some kind of compromise!

If you fit the right wheels, even with bigger/wider tyres they can end up being just as light at the oem setup, but with the added benifit of more grip at each corner.

Thanks @moyz, as it happens I was just looking at your thread and admiring your wheels! I'm just not really sure where to start with getting something like that done here in south Manchester.

Does your wheel / tyre combo come out as the same or similar diameter overall as stock?

I currently run goodyear as6 (in 205/45)tyres and very happy with them. Run the PS4 on the oem wheels in standard size and did a winter no problems, though all driving is done on main and normal side roads. On the road both tyres are on a par with each other.
In the OPs situation I think a second set of wheels with all season tyres probably sounds a good investment. I managed to get a set of z32s wheels with decent tyres(summer) for £300. Ebay or gumtree can come up trumps at times.

Gareth Probert has reacted to this post.
Gareth Probert
Quote from Gareth Probert on August 7, 2024, 11:17 am

Thanks @moyz, as it happens I was just looking at your thread and admiring your wheels! I'm just not really sure where to start with getting something like that done here in south Manchester.

Does your wheel / tyre combo come out as the same or similar diameter overall as stock?

My setup makes the overall diameter slightly larger than the oem setup. That really doesnt bother me in the slightest... I know some people worry about it messing up your speedo but its like 1mph off at 70 lol... at lower speeds you really wouldnt notice

Gareth Probert has reacted to this post.
Gareth Probert

I run 205/45 semi slick (Yokohama AD09) tyre on stock rim. Brings the speedo closer to true speed actually. Looks better too. Grip is mega but i don't recomend running this tyre unless you live where its sunny and dry most of the time.

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