Tyre Choice/Fitting 14" (newbie first week of Caterham ownership)

[Geester]

Picked up my first Caterham at the weekend, a little used 2008 S3 Sigma 150 with the original 14" Avon VR3.

The guys at the REHAB meet last night were very helpful and suggested a few improvements I could make, starting with replacing the 13 year old tyres. 

So having read a few threads here on 14" tyres, and one suggestion from last night I've decided on the Uniroyal RainExpert 3.

Looks like my cheapest option is my local tyre garage that will supply and fit for £55 each, any reason why I shouldn't go ahead with this, and is there anything I should worry about like jacking points and the like that are common pitfalls ?

 

 

 

[Tazio]

The Rainsport 3 is sold in 14 inch sizes too, so perhaps give that a thought?

[7_Malc]

Welcome!

There is a guide to jacking up your Seven on the Get To Know Your Seven (GTKYS) pages on this site – it's very good and I have a copy printed out on the wall in my garage.

https://www.lotus7.club/guides/getting-started-guides/get-know-your-seven

I would remove the wheels at home (get some axle stands) and then you retain control of the car an its jacking / raising.

[K7 VCT]

I always take loose wheels to tyre fitting ,never the car.

[aerobod - near CYYC]

I always take loose wheels to tyre fitting ,never the car.

I have the same policy to avoid any issues with car damage, etc. Luckily I always have summer and winter tyres on their own wheels for each of the tin tops and track and road wheel sets for the Caterham, so just drop the set that needs new tyres or other work at the tyre fitter and pick them up after they are finished.

[Dan R]

Welcome Geester, im also a new owner and there are a few others here too!

[AlanO]

Hi Geester & Dan R. Another newbie here. I've found a wealth of help on these pages and the 'get to know your seven' essential reading. I treated myself to a low level jack recommended in other posts, and got hold of axle stands second hand. I wouldn't consider taking my car to tyre fitter, just the wheels. Enjoy you blatting!

[Colin Cooper]

Geester,

Welcome!

I have run the Rainexpert 3, without problems, for a couple of yeas now, following the demise of Yokohama 048's, that I had used for more than 10 years.

It all depends on the use of the car. Mine is used for touring and is not tracked, so a road tyre works well.

The Yoko's were a road legal trackday tyre, with a stiff sidewall and square profile. The Uniroyal has a much softer sidewall, and a more rounded profile, so gives a much smother ride (that swimbo prefers!) 

I had Nitron shocks and a flat floor setup after fitting the Uniroyals and have had no problems at all.

My car is a 175BHP Zetec, on 185 60 14 tyres.

If you intend to track the car, or have more power, then one of the Trackday tyres might suit you better. There is much recent chatter on this subject on Blatchat!

Col    

[Geester]

Thanks for all your help on this, I'll be off to buy axle stands and a jack this weekend, and will be reading GTKYS asap. 

Adam

[Wrightpayne]

Adam,

Where abouts are you - I'm sure there will be a local owner able to offer help, advice and lend kit (if needed).

Ian

[Golf Juliet Tango]

You are in good hands at ReHaB, no doubt there were offers of help as well as advice.

I have run RainExpert3 on the Seven, on 13" wheels.