Tyres - don't seem to be a standard stock tyre size in UK?

[aitchjaybee]

after 7,000 miles (11,200Km) got my first puncture, a screw too close to the shoulder to repair . I'm on a maintained contract so was told to use ATS (a large UK tyre co) but they need 2 days to get anything of this size in stock (not the fact its a Toyo, to get any brand 225/55/18/98H in stock). Out of interest, I checked a few other tyre companies for immediate in stock and was surprised to find so few stockists. Most quote 48hr to get in stock.

Given it only has foam repair and no spare wheel, I was surprised at lack of UK stock and thought I'd flag to fellow forumites. Drove back (slowly!) from tyre shop with screw still in tyre and now busy altering logistics over the next 2 days to minimise car use. :-(

Anyone else had a problem with off the shelf/immediate stock? (not internet order, immediate as in same day)

HJB

 

[Bilbo59]

I bought a spare and carry it in the boot when I don't need the space for anything else - which is 95% of my trips.

Gives me peace of mind that I can finish my journey if I get a flat.

 

[aitchjaybee]

Thanks Bilbo. I remember the discussion. For others, here: http://www.myoutlanderphev.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=621

That's worth looking into. At the time I dismissed it as not right for me but back then I had no idea it could take 2-3 days to get a tyre!

 

[greendwarf]

If you have gone down the winter tyre route then you have got the option of using one (strictly illegal) until you find a replacement.

 

[jaapv]

A nail? Couldn't they just plug the tyre even if only temporarily?

Doesn't your dealer stock spare tyres?

 

[maby]

A nail? Couldn't they just plug the tyre even if only temporarily?

Doesn't your dealer stock spare tyres?

At least in this country there is a fairly sharp distinction between car dealers and tyre retailers - I would not expect a car dealer to stock tyres for all the models they sell.

 

[Bilbo59]

If you have gone down the winter tyre route then you have got the option of using one (strictly illegal) until you find a replacement.

What is illegal?

 

[aitchjaybee]

mixing winter tyres and summer tyres is illegal in the UK. Invalidates insurance as it supposedly markedly affects the handling of the vehicle.

But I recognise maby's point as valid, I could justify that mix more easily that driving with a puncture, though both are hard to fully justify. Alas I dont own winter tyres in this instance. I've just booked a taxi to take to me to the airport and collect tomorrow (its only a short journey but not worth the risk) so will be sorted by Thursday.

And jaapv, the local Mitsu dealer doesnt have any tyres in stock, they call a specialist tyre supplier. They might be able to source quicker, but they are about 80Km from me and the risk therefore too high so I didnt call this time.

I am looking into the spare wheel option though, even if i keep it in the garage at home. Thanks guys.

HJB

 

[Bilbo59]

I got a spare with a winter tyre on it of the same type as the other wheels and will do the same when i change to summer tyres. I'm sure both will be easily sold when I change the car. I can also reclaim VAT which reduces the costs.

It is an unwieldy option and will not suit everyone but if you have the time, money and space for storage I feel it is worth considering.

 

[user 816]

Our C-Crosser (Outlander2) uses that size not surprisingly. We usually used Continental Cross Contact UHP which is an amazing grippy tyre and never have any problem getting next day (few tyre depots will ever have this size in depot stock).

Only problem is the high cost and rapid wear so I tried last time to get some Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV but as they were an Autocar group test winner there is a waiting list!

In the end after good experiences on the CR-V with Geolandars I fitted Geolandar SUV G055's which whilst being strongly road biased are still rated M+S (mud and snow), easily available and very well priced, especially from Asda online using a cashback site and delivered to a local fitter for all inclusive fitting.

No idea what they would be like on the PHEV but they were definitely stiffer walled than the continentals which made the handing a lot sharper on the C-Crosser, I suspect they may deal with the PHEV weight quite well.

On the subject, I won't be refitting Toyo's at the 1st change, they don't fill me with confidence and are too weak (even at correct pressure), start pushing on a bit and turn in and precision goes out the window as they flex. I may try the upper end of the pressure range see if it helps.