What are the best tires for the new Focus?
4 Answers
The tire selection for the new Focus is detailed as follows: 1. Main method for tire selection: The choice of tires primarily depends on your needs. 2. Key considerations for tire selection: If you prefer aggressive driving and prioritize handling, Pirelli is the best option. For those seeking comfort and quietness, Michelin and Continental (also known as Hankook) are recommended. For family sedans that require durability and cost-effectiveness without much concern for tire noise, Hankook is a good choice. If you want a balanced performance, Japanese brands like Dunlop and Bridgestone are ideal. 3. Recommendations for tire replacement: Generally, vehicle tires should be replaced every 50,000 to 80,000 kilometers. As long as there are no visible cracks or signs of aging on the tire surface, you can check the distance between the wear indicators in the main tread grooves and the wear layer. There are also triangular wear indicators on the tire crown. If the wear level is almost aligned with the wear indicators in the tread grooves or the crown indicators, it's time to replace the tires. For those prioritizing quietness and comfort, Michelin is recommended. For better durability and handling, Pirelli, Goodyear, and Bridgestone are good choices. For overall balanced performance, Continental is ideal. Michelin and Continental use silica-based additives, which enhance comfort and quietness, while other brands typically use carbon black additives.
I put a lot of thought into researching tires for my new Focus. If you do a lot of city commuting, I'd recommend comfortable and quiet tires like the Michelin Primacy series or Continental CC6 and UC6. They make the cabin noticeably quieter and provide a smoother ride over bumps. If you have a more aggressive driving style and prioritize handling, performance-oriented tires like Pirelli's P Zero or the new P7, or Goodyear's Eagle F1 offer much better stability during high-speed lane changes and cornering. Make sure to check the original specifications, such as 205/60 R16, to avoid buying the wrong size. In areas with low winter temperatures and lots of rain, all-season tires like Michelin's CrossClimate are more practical. Prices vary widely, ranging from 700-800 to over 1,000 yuan per tire. Getting them replaced at an authorized dealer often includes free wheel balancing and a warranty, which is hassle-free.
Tire replacement depends on what changes you want for your car. The new Focus has a solid chassis, and upgrading to better tires can significantly enhance the driving experience. For an economical and practical choice, consider Bridgestone's Turanza T005, which offers great value and strong sidewall support. If you're after ultimate quietness, try Hankook's Ventus S1 evo³, which benefits from Continental's technology and delivers noticeably low noise at high speeds. For superior wet-road safety, Michelin's Pilot Sport 5 excels in water dispersion. Don't overlook the manufacturing date—look for the four-digit number after DOT on the sidewall, e.g., 1323 means the 13th week of 2023. After installation, it's best to drive straight for a while to let the tires adapt to the rims. There might be slight vibrations initially, but they should disappear after a few dozen kilometers. Inflate the tires to the pressure indicated on the door frame label—avoid over or under-inflation.
With ten years of driving experience and five or six tire changes: Focus owners shouldn't stick to a single brand. For daily commuting, consider Dunlop's VE303 or Yokohama's BluEarth for fuel efficiency and wear resistance. For driving pleasure, Pirelli's Dragon Sport or Cooper's ZEON RS3-G1 offer surprising grip. Domestic tires are also decent now, with Chaoyang's SA37 performing excellently in wet conditions. Before changing tires, remember to measure tread depth—replace if below 1.6mm. Pay attention to the tire load index and speed rating, e.g., 91V, where V represents a maximum of 240km/h. Be careful not to scratch the rims when removing tires, and ensure proper wheel balancing after replacement to prevent steering deviation. Wheel alignment isn't necessary if there are no issues. New tires are safer when installed on the front wheels.
