Plunging tyre prices.

[peteo48]

I was always shocked at how expensive tyres were for the Jazz - probably due to the unusual 185/55/16 size. I replaced a front with a Conti from Black Circles last year and paid £93.

I am suffering from the notorious Dunlop cracking between treads problem on the rears and it's getting worse. I decided to have another look at prices.

Tyre Shopper are doing Bridgestones for £68 http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/tyres/brand/bridgestone/bridgestone-er370/185-55HR16-83H

Other premium tyres also much cheaper than 12 months ago.

Wonder if this is a knock on from the oil price? The fall is dramatic and reflected amongst other on line retailers as well.

[guest5355]

Hi, Fitted 4 x Michelin 185 55 16  Energy Savers 2 weeks ago to our Jazz (EX 2012) and they cost £99.00 each, fitted. This size was only made available in the UK a few days before fitting.
 The Dunlop's were OK but the Michelin's are fantastic, much smoother ride.

[olduser1]

The 16" tyre size is being sold on to more manufactures , some Fiat, Mini & Quashqui models are using this odd size.

[guest5079]

When I saw the heading 'plunging tyre prices' I thought yet again I have missed the boat BUT then Braingoing did cheer me up when he said the 'new' price for the 16" Michelin was £99 a wheel.   I realized my local bloke had done me a good deal, even if the total for four wheels was £20 more than the new price!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes he also agrees that the Michelin is quite a good tyre.

[culzean]

Qashqai does use odd sizes as a bloke I worked with found out when he went to replace them - cheapest he could get was about £180 per tyre at that time (about 3 years ago)

[UncleZen]

The drop in tyre price is caused by the better £ v € exchange rate because the tyres are produced in EU countries.

[Geoffers]

Global demand for tyres is ravaging forests.
Up to 21 million acres of additional rubber plantations will be required to meet global demand for tyres by 2024, according to research by the University of East Anglia.

In view of that don't be surprised to see prices rising!

[peteo48]

The drop in tyre price is caused by the better £ v € exchange rate because the tyres are produced in EU countries.

Good point - hadn't thought of that. Many factors at work.

But the drop is really dramatic for our size of tyre.

[guest5285]

Just bought  new Toyo in 185/55/16, a very well regarded tyre I'm led to believe for £79, fitted,balanced and new valve. Put it on a mint condition alloy I got off ebay for £80, no worrying about not having a spare anymore