Morning all, I've got 185x70x13 Yokos on my Sprint (stock alloys), but when fully loaded they also rub slightly, so I'm tempted to go back to stock 175x70x13s rather than mess with the arches. The Yokos came with the car, and seem to be discontinued anyway.
Problem is, I can't seem to find any decent tyres in the 175x70 size, only budget ones. I want sticky tyres, not something made of iron that'll out-live me and squeal on every corner. I'm not bothered about short tyre life at all, as my mileage is fairly low over the year.
Any ideas? What are you all running on yours? I guess as these sizes are less popular these days, choice is becoming more and more limited.
186 60 13s, fulda at the minute, acnnot stand all that wollowing about on 70 profile tyres.
Rolling circumfernce of 185 60 13 is about the same as 175 70 13
1979 Triumph Dolomite Sprint Highly Modified
2006 Triumph Sprint St 1050
2012 BMW 318d Touring
The Dolomite Sprint was originally homologated with 175/70 HR 13 tires, thus H speed-rating (130mph/210km/h). Most tires brands however list the 175/70 x 13 tire with T speed-rating which are limited to 120mph/190km/h and could be illegal by law in some countries (Germany )
Further, I thought the H-rated tire has a sturdier side wall as opposed to the T-rated tire, thus giving more straight-line stability and theoretically less deflection in corners… I was very pleased with the performance of my Michelins MXV3A 175/70 HR 13
Thanks all - I should elaborate that it's the rears that rub the sidewalls over large bumps in the road. I have new rear shocks and springs going on (heavy duty) imminently which may help.
It's had significant resto work done in the past (before my ownership), and I wonder if the rear wheel arch repair sections are intruding more than stock, as you guys mostly seem to have no probs with 185s. I'm not keen in rolling the arches though, as my brother had a right time doing that with his MG B.
Agreed on the H rated tyres - The only H rated I found so far were Dunlop SP Sport 200s and unnamed "Budget", the rest were below. Granted, not likely to reach 130, but the rating is only (IIRC) for 2 minutes continuous at the rated speed!.
I thought the H-rated tire has a sturdier side wall as opposed to the T-rated tire, thus giving more straight-line stability and theoretically less deflection in corners
When pricing up tyres, how do you know which one's have a sturdy side wall?
I found this picture below that has helped me understand tyre size meanings.
I see that 185s are wider than 175s, but does that mean they are a better tyre than 175s?
If you get better traction from a 185, why buy the narrower 175s? Is it because 175s cost less or is it because they are easier to steer at low speeds?
) 
