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MG MGF Technical - 2002 TF tyre queries

I had my first puncture last week (whoever invented screws wants shooting !) and got two brand new tyres. My tyres are 205/50 R15 86V on the back and 185/50 R15 82V on the front.

1 - Why are they different sizes

2 - Does anyone know if I can put 4 tyres of the same size on the car

3 - Can I put the same size tyre for my spare

Thanks for any help.
P Saunders

good questions!

1) to make the handling more safe ie: less grip at the front so you understeer through the hedge rather than going backwards through it :)

2)yes you can but not sure of the best option, someone will be along soon...

3)you can pick whatever for your spare - the supplied "proper" spare used to be 165/14 I think. Some have spacesavers as well - whatever you have, your speed should be 50mph max as the handling will all go to pot depending on which end the spare is....see Q1)

HTH
Tony

>> 1 - Why are they different sizes <<

Alan Phillips, the car's chassis designer, explained the reason for this at MGF10. Basically it has a lot to do with chassis balance and steering feel.

>> 2 - Does anyone know if I can put 4 tyres of the same size on the car <<

You can indeed fit the same size tyre on all four wheels - although how that will affect the aforementioned chassis characteristics on a TF I am not sure; on the F it works fine :o)

>> 3 - Can I put the same size tyre for my spare <<

You can - I've had 215/45 R16s in the spare wheel well without problem :o)
Rob Bell

Thanks Tony and Rob. Can anyone recommend the best size tyres to have on all my rims ?
P Saunders

on 15" rims:
205/50 R15 on the back.
185/50 R15 on the front.

Dieter

it's 185/55 on the front, not 50.
But I would recommend 195/50, easier to find (more common), hence cheaper.
Fabrice

Personally I think that 195/50s work the best too... :o)
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 10/07/2006 and 12/07/2006

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