Studless tyres

zigzag · Post by **zigzag** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 2:43 pm

I've had my Bongo a couple of months now - the tyres are Bridgestone EW11 Studless (M+S). Am I right in thinking these are Winter tyres - if so how much difference will it make if I switch to 'normal' tyres? There is loads of tread left on them so I wouldn't want to change them unnecessarily.

smartmonkey · Post by **smartmonkey** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 3:47 pm

It will be quieter and handle a tiny bit better but not by much. I dont think the swap will be worthwhile. If you are going to do it I would get a cheap set of wheels and keep the M and S as a spare set. If you really don't want them sell them on - someone else will.

SimonH · Post by **SimonH** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 8:20 am

Mine came with M&S tyres all round when I brought it over. Three years later I have started to replace them, and they were no problem. However, I wish I had done it sooner as doing the front ones has completely eliminated my wobbly wheel syndrome.

I never got to use them in either mud or snow, so cannot attest to their efficacy in this respect. BTW, I went for same size all round as a replacement, and have found the slighter wider front tyres better, especially when it comes to kerbing!

Cheers,

zigzag · Post by **zigzag** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 9:47 am

Thanks for the replies. I've got a 2WD so no off-roading is planned. They are all the same size - 205/65 R15 93H.
I was wondering whether the braking distances would be increased on dry roads?
SimonH - did your tyres also say studless on them?

smartmonkey · Post by **smartmonkey** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 2:03 pm

Dont worry about the studless bit - it just means you cant screw metal studs into them for ice driving. Some M&S tyres have holes in to allow for screwing in spikes.