These, once common, size tyres are becoming hard to find in the UK.

My Falken 452's had got to the stage of needing replacement due to aging rather than wear.

There once was a good choice of make available, but no more.

Last week there were a few Yokohama 225/45 R16 s available on line but they had vanished when I tried to buy 4 of them.

It came down to NEXEN N FERA SU1 225/45R16 93 W XL as the only choice available when I ordered them on Tuesday from ALS Tyres in Farnborough.,

I had them fitted this morning, and it seems that I had the last 4 available locally as the company's website no longer longer lists them, or any other maker in that size.

If your coupe uses that size, LE's and Pluses, from memory, and they are getting old or worn, I would start looking for replacements urgently.

There do still seem to be plenty of 205/50 R16 around though.

I have those on my coop. Good tyres and handle well enough. This tyre size fits Escort Cossies and BMW E30 M3 as well.

If you have the funds you can get Pirellis https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/tyres/225-45-16.html.

You'd have to get the tyres insured separately at those prices.

Yes, I did see Longstone's offer, but it simply is silly money unless you are actually going to wear them out rather than discard them due to ageing in a few years time.

A couple currently still available from Black Circles:
https://www.blackcircles.com/tyres/225-45-16?delivery=1

One of them, the Yokohama, says it's designed for track days and shouldn't be used below -10°C, but the Toyo Proxes used to be quite commonly used on coupes.

We don't seem to have the same problems over here - a quick search reveals good availability of Nexens (two types), Toyo Proxies, Yokohamas and Nankang (various).

Maybe it's a temporary thing in the UK, or more vehicles using that size in Europe? A short break across the channel and get the tyres done at the same time??

Shades of when I first bought my coupe, and the 195/55R15 tyres were so 'low profile' that it was cheaper to drive to Berlin and change them there than to replace them in the UK :shock:

Neil

Yes, plus I was very surprised this year that I paid less for 4 x Eagle F1 A/S 6 - 225/45/17 than I had for Eagle F1's about 10 years ago in the UK!

This time they worked out at 81,50 € each or at current exchange rate - £69

I expected it to somewhat more!

Paul

225/45/17 are easy to get in the UK, big choice too.

I fitted a new set of those to my daily driver about this time last year, around £300 for 4 iirc.

Nexan Fera 225/45 R17 are currently £90 each fully fitted locally versus the £110 I paid for the same tyre in 225/45 R16 at the same place last week.

Hmmm. Also on searching for rubber, I’ve been able to find lots of 225/50/16’s but very few 225/45/16s


I’ve got an le, but changed the original wheels to some refurbished ones. They went from 205/50/16’s which were on the l.e originally I believe, so my refurbished ones are slightly wider.

Looks like you have gone through the same process I did a couple of weeks ago Gigli.

My Momo's are 7.5J so 205/50 R16 are too narrow and give too harsh a ride compared with them on the 6.5J original wheels

I’ve tried ringing around a few places in Norwich and they seem to be able to do Khumo’s fitted for a good price, although I’m not overly sure of the quality of the tyre.

I have Plus wheels - the eight spoke design - fitted to my 20VT in place of the original four spoke 16" ones. I'm using 205/50x16 tyres without any problems...

So you’ve gone for the stretched look. Just out of curiosity, could you send me a picture please?

They don't look stretched - you can't tell any difference visually. I'm not even certain if the Plus rims I have are any wider than the originals, but I'm due a tyre change soon and I'll measure them.

205/55-16 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 on original Plus wheels and standard springs. No rubbing, very pleased with both handling and comfort.