Sourcing tyres

My son is having difficulty finding new front tyres for his 2004 MG TF 115. It has 15in wheels and is fitted with original spec Continental Premium Contact 2 tyres; front 185/55x15 82V and rear 205/50x15 86V. The rear tyres are good, but the fronts need replacing. Unfortunately, Continental no longer make the 82V, but only 86V in the 185/55x15 size. It appears that tyre choice is critical on these cars, so will the 86V be too stiff for the fronts? If so, can you recommend a suitable alternative 82-rated tyre for the fronts? This may involve changing all four tyres, as mixing brands might not be ideal. Malcolm Taylor The load rating of the 82V is 475Kg and the speed rating is 149mph, while the 86V has a load rating of 530Kg and a speed rating of 149mph. The load is taken on the compressed air within the tyre, so the stiffer sidewall on the 86V will allow a higher pressure to support a greater weight. The small variation in sidewall flexibility should not have a significant effect on road holding. In fact, those involved in the development of the TF suspension have commented that all “mid-engined cars appear to require a far stiffer sidewall (than front engine cars) to promote predictable and reliable handling characteristics.” Taking this into account, the 86V will be an advantage.

If your son did wish to stick to the 82V/86V specification, I would go for the Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R 185/55 R15 V (82) and Advan Neova AD08R 205/50 R15 V (86). This will keep the original load rating configuration.