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MG MGA - Which Tires to Buy?

Almost have my 1500 coupe back on the road. Need new tires now, did not get a clear direction from a search of the archives. I don't need an autocross or racing tire, just a good cruising/street tire.
Recommendations....?

George
George G.

I've had very good service on my TD and my MGA from VREDESTEIN SPRINT CLASSICs.

Jud
J K Chapin

NEXEN SB802 - 165/80R-15 87T is a very good value for a decent cruising tire. Walmart can supply and install for you, if you have steel disc wheels or alloy wheels. Not sure I would trust wire wheels or inner tubes to Walmart techs (run away?).
Barney Gaylord

I've been happy with the Vredstein Sprint Classic 165 on both my MGa and Healey. A little soft for the Healey but they do the job. Perfectly adequate on the MGA. Plus the have a somewhat vintage look.
Steve Simmons

George, whichever brand you buy, do check the production date to avoid buying new tires that have been sitting around for a year or two. Its not unusual for some tire retailers, especially discount houses, to sell old "new" tires. You can also go to post #57 at the attached link for a list of most of the current manufacturers of both 155 & 165 tires for the A. Good luck.

https://www.mgexp.com/forum/mga-forum.2/new-tire-search.3450715/page-4
Nick Kopernik

I appreciate all the comments. Thanks for that link Nick.
George G.

Would a tire with a 60 aspect ratio fit? I found a Continental 165/60 R15 tire.

George
George G.

I decided on the Vredestein Sprint Classic. I ordered from the Tire Rack in Indiana, lowest price I could find with free shipping, will receive in a couple days.
The sales person I spoke to wanted to give me a heads up, apparently Vredestein will stop production of this tire (maybe just the 165HR15 size?) in October of this year. Thought I'd pass that along....

George
George G.

Vredsteins are great tires overall, but the Sprint Classics are rated for summer use only, so be careful if you plan to drive in cold weather. Typically, temps below 45F have a detrimental effect on the performance of summer tires. As the temps drop, the rubber compounds in summer tires stiffen up, resulting in loss of traction, and as temps reach freezing or below, the rubber can actually crack or break off in small pieces as the tire's flexibility is lost.
Nick Kopernik

Nick, I have Vredsteins Sprint Classics on both my MGA and my TD. Both cars get driven all winter. Granted that I'm talking about South Carolina winters so the temperature is rarely below 35F. How cold do you think it has to be before the Vredsteins become unsafe?

Thanks.

Jud
J K Chapin

For normal cruising all modern tyres are fine compared to tyres that were supplied with the cars originally (superior speed ratings). Premium tyres are only needed if you are driving near the limit of adhesion (ie motorsport events).
Mike Ellsmore

Vredstein's statement on summer tires: "Summer - Above 45 Degrees. These tires offer the highest level of performance for enthusiasts. The soft tread compound provides maximum grip but will need to be swapped for a winter capable tire in colder conditions, due to their composition."

...and from Tire Rack: "Like all summer tires, the Sprint Classic is not intended to be serviced, stored nor driven in near- and below-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice."

Not sure how many days you may experience very low temps, but you could do what I used to do when I had my RX8 and had ultra high performance tires on it: just don't drive it if its too cold. For me, that was basically late Oct thru March, but boy did I miss driving that car!



Nick Kopernik

Thanks Nick. Jud
J K Chapin

The Vredsteins are Summer rated but they will handle the cold when necessary. Just don't expect them to perform like an all-season or Winter tire...

Steve Simmons

Hi,

Sorry for hijacking this post but I have a pair of tyres that I'm looking to sell and I believe will fit MGAs.

Can anyone confirm if that is correct please?

They are 165 R15 86S and have never been fitted.

Many thanks

James




James Paul

This thread was discussed between 26/08/2021 and 08/09/2021

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