Minilites - most suitable tyre size?

[deefer]

I have a set of Minilites on my Herald Convertible and want to get some new tyres. The current ones (supplied already fitted to the Minilites when I bought the wheels new from TSSC) have always looked too big and fat. They are currently fitted with 175/70/R13 tyres.

 

I want to find out if there is a correct or more suitable tyre size I should be going for. I have contacted Minilite who were less than interested, only telling me they "don't get involved with tyres" when I asked them for a recommended tyre size seeing as how they are the manufacturer of the wheels.

 

The wheels say "13J" on them.

 

Can anyone offer any advice on the best size to go for?

[Clive]

They won't be 13J (j refers to the width of the wheel) but probably 5, 5.5 or 6. My guess is 5 as they are the size sold as the reasonable cost....

 

Anyway, as the wheels are not original, there is no correct size. however, as long as the 175/70 are working fine with no rubbing, I would say they are a VERY suitable size as they have teh same overall diameter as the old 155 tyres. The other option would be 165/70 which has a slightly smaller diameter and width, again they work well and my be more what you are looking for.

 

I would hesitate to suggest fitting 155/80 tyres unless you can confirm the wheels are 5j and no bigger. 

 

Whatever you fit, please buy quality tyres and don't let them get older that 7 years.....(saw far far too many cars at spa, going on track with tyres that were legal, but too old and indeed rubbish quality, scared the life out of me as I didn't want somebody on ditchfinders ploughing into me on track)

[KevinR]

 

They won't be 13J (j refers to the width of the wheel) but probably 5, 5.5 or 6. My guess is 5 as they are the size sold as the reasonable cost....

Clive,

 

Unlike you to get it wrong - the "J" refers to the bead profile for the rim/tyre.

 

A For bikes, motorcycles, light and heavy trucks and forklifts.

B Passenger cars (wheel width : 6 inches) it is prohibited to fit a tyre with a J profile on a wheel with a B bead profile !

D For bikes, motorcycles, light and heavy trucks and forklifts.

E Light and heavy trucks

F Heavy trucks

G,H Heavy trucks

J Passenger cars

JJ 4x4

P,K Antique cars such as Bentleys and old Jaguars

S,T,V,W Utility vehicles

[Clive]

Apologies, I had always taken it to be the width, as in 3.5, 4.5 etc. Every day a skoolday!

Very easy to get measuring the width wrong if tyre is off, it is the width between the beads. I was mis sold some wheels as 5.5 (not j!) because the numpty had measured to the outside of the bead which adds an inch. Wasted journey.

 

Been rethinking my earlier reply, If deefer wants original width tyres, then 155 80 13 would deffo be the choice.But only if wheels are 5j. If 5.5 I believe they will still fit, but a bit marginal.

[Pete Lewis]

when i first got the Vit6  I fiited 175/70/13 to the orig 4.5"J wheels and there was in my view too much 'wall overhang' 

but when on the replacement  5.5" minilites    they  'looked '  correct and far more stable  

 

  dont forget wider tyres gives heavier steering , and as load has not changed the area  keep close to the orig pressures

 

Pete

[deefer]

Thanks guys. I might also seek the advice of a classic car tyre specialist and see what they reckon. I'll post any findings here in case anyone else finds it useful.

[Clive]

Not sure there are many about, only one I know is Beaulieu. They sell the very nice Michelin XAS, as fitted to cars back when they were new. Sit down before you ask how much.....

[kirk.baker]

on my toledo i currently have 5.5j sellers, and running 175/70/13's
my local tyre supplier who I'm good friends with recommend   Khumo slows kh17's  and I've found them to be great tyres, so much so I've fitted them on my dads 2500tc since( 185/70/13)  and they stick like glue,  nice and quite.   also using them on company vans too now.  great tyres.

 

[deefer]

Well I spoke to the tyre specialist in Beaulieu who suggested 155/70/13 or 165/70/13, but also 155/80/13. His advice was to go to a local tyre place and see if they would try out a few tyre sizes on two of the wheels and see what they look like on the car so I could choose the size I preferred. Luckily I found a place that was willing to do just that, so I've now gone for a full set of 155/70/13 including the spare. Sorted! Thanks for your help and advice, peeps!

[deefer]

Oh I forgot to add that the car now feels so light it's like it has power steering! It also means I have two 175/70/13 tyres which are under a year old and have done less than 1,000 miles up for sale if anyone is interested!