I’m a proud Yorkshireman, despite moving ‘down south’ for studies and work. My parents were thrifty (of necessity), and I like to think it has rubbed off on me. It is now fashionable to recycle, up-cycle and reduce waste. Turning off lights, wearing a jumper, and turning down the thermostat has been a lifelong habit. But I still use Amazon and occasionally fire up my MG ZTT 260, so I am far from perfect.
My recent endeavours with MGOC Spares Ltd to find a suitable MGF and MGTF 16” tyre specification seem to have been worthwhile, given the number of messages and comments received. Thank you. Those pesky engineers at MG decided that different sized tyres front and rear were a useful method to deal with low polar moments. As an MGF or TF owner, you may be frustrated by this and wonder what to do in the event of a puncture (especially if your car has ‘AP’ front calipers and the spare is a 14” tyre on a Montego steel wheel….). It could have been worse. We really pushed for different rim widths front and rear (as specified for Toyota MR2 and most Porsche sports cars). We didn’t win that one, until the 85th anniversary TF; a 1” stagger don’t you know.
Unfortunately, the 16” publicity has also flagged a problem with 15” sizes. It appears that options for the two sizes in the same make and model of tyre are also dwindling.
As an aside, I see that most of my online tyre research finds ‘EV ready’ comments. Or in other words, able to carry a huge load. I’ve mentioned tyre wear on EVs before now and it looks like tyre particulates will become an ever more important environmental problem. I enjoy torque as much as anyone, but don’t appreciate the mass that provides it.
Anyhow, back to 15” tyres for MGF and TF. I’m looking into it and will follow this up again with MGOC Spares Ltd (who are now helpfully offering the Nankang 16” sizes for sale). A friend of ours in mainland EU asked about the Hankook Ventus Prime which is available in both 15” sizes for MGF and TF. I remember being impressed with them on our MGF test car (which helped us develop the bespoke ride characteristics of our MGF Bilstein damper kit and adjustable lower arms to enable exact vehicle chassis set-up. It was also great fun to boot). So, I was even more impressed when I noticed a worn Hankook providing splendid service in our local community, as part of the children’s playground equipment.
Driving dynamics? Vehicle Handling Solutions may offer, er, solutions. Whatever you do, waste not, want not, whatever the tyre size.