Tyres - I know nothing!

[PeteFromTassie]

Hey dudes,
I have a stock standard Subaru Impreza RV, 2006 (MY07) and it is looking like needing tyres soon. I've been told they are an uncommon size - 205/55/16

Sorry, I'm clueless....

Just wondering what my options are and whether there is much benefit in spending a lot. It seems I can get cheap ones like 'Fullruns' for about $130 each or 'Kumhos' for about 150 a pop. Bridgestones or Goodyears are near 200 each!!!

Just wanting some plain and clear advice about what the differences are and what I should be looking for in a tyre. Mostly I do city driving with a long trip monthly or so. I've also been known to get on gravel roads and fire trails for camping if that makes any difference.

Cheers,
Pete.

[sammynb]

Kuhmos are a lot better tyres than people give them credit but like all tyres you buy the cheaper models then you get what you pay for.
I can't remember what model they are but they replace a set of Bridgestone Potenzas and for me they are a better tyre.

[PeteFromTassie]

Chasing a little more specific info really. People at work are crapping on about compounds (hard vs soft) etc and I have no clue what's best for me.

Tread patterns, compounds, brands etc... What are the pros and cons and how do I make a decision??



Peace,
Pete.

[sammynb]

Chasing a little more specific info really. People at work are crapping on about compounds (hard vs soft) etc and I have no clue what's best for me.

WTF? Are you racing at Bathurst?

You want a good tyre, that isn't to noisy, works well in the wet and is economical.
It's not as if you're off testing the boundaries of the Tassie wilderness and need off road tyres and whoever is talking to you about hard and soft compounds also has no clue.

http://www.kumho.com.au/passenger.htm

You can see for yourself how tyres are rated, wear/wet/dry/noise.
You need to consider how often you drive on wet or damp roads?
You need to consider how often the roads are dry, hot and dry?
You need to consider what the texture of the roads you constantly drive on, are they course (noisy) or are they smooth (quiet)?
You lastly need to consider how much you want to spend and how often?
If you look at the wear scale on the Kumho site, less value tyres will obvioulsy wear quicker because they softer not necessarily better.
The KH15, KH31 or KU31s suit your car but regardless, use google to read some reviews on different brands.