13" road tyres

[john_3.0s]

Need a new set of boots for the capri running 7" fronts and 8" rear 13" compomotives - generally fit 205 60 13s all round but could go 215s on the rear or down to a 55 side wall all round.

What are people using now days for road use, mainly dry with the odd occasion of getting caught out in a shower of course?

Quite enjoy some sideways action but given it doesnt get more than a couple of 100 miles a year im really not bothered about tyre wear.

Nankang AR1s look half decent and a bit cheaper than 888s - any recommendations gratefully received!

[BaileyMex]

Not sure what the costs or availability are for your size, but I've tended to stick with Yokohama's, and before that Bridgestone Potenzas.

[john_3.0s]

9 hours ago, BaileyMex said:

Not sure what the costs or availability are for your size, but I've tended to stick with Yokohama's, and before that Bridgestone Potenzas.

Cheers Bailey, have just had a look but they don't look to be available in the sizes I need. Its been years since I have bought any 13s - options are quite limited these days from the looks of it 

[BaileyMex]

Are these any good? 205/60 R13 Nankang Econex NA-1's? Never used them, but decent reviews and £68.06 each fitted? Or £49.46 each on their own mail order?

https://www.blackcircles.com/brands/nankang/econex-na-1/205-60-r13-h-86?tyre=36690169

[Rally Pack 2000]

16 minutes ago, BaileyMex said:

Are these any good? 205/60 R13 Nankang Econex NA-1's? Never used them, but decent reviews and £68.06 each fitted? Or £49.46 each on their own mail order?

https://www.blackcircles.com/brands/nankang/econex-na-1/205-60-r13-h-86?tyre=36690169

I cant say I have ever been overly fond of Chinese tyres of any sort. They seem to lack any longevity in their rubber products in general. What put me off them years ago was reviews of Falken 912 tyres that used to get favourable reviews when made in Japan then the company shifted manufacturing to China and the bad reviews and failures flooded the net. Even with their own manufacturing machinery the Chinese found a way to cheapen the product and cause issues. Once they get manufacturing established there they wind back the quality control and the companies cant find a way back even with Trumps tariffs. I know too well its hard finding that size as thats what I have used for 40 years it just takes a little digging. The Nankangs are the ones every tyre dealer throws at me first and get stroppy with me when I say no Chinese stuff. Im guessing thats where most profit is to be found. Last I checked there was some decent road Yokohamas. My Falkens were made in Japan but now made in Thailand but haven’t heard the quality decreasing on them. I know they seem like a good price but look around some more for better safety.

[Miniliteman]

When I looked at new tyres for the 8 and 9 inch Minilites I considered the cheap Chinese tyres as well. But a friend who works at a tyre shop said "don't" ... so I bought Dunlop Sport Classic tyres instead. Other options was the Vredestein Sprint Classic but both are expensive.

[Rally Pack 2000]

21 minutes ago, Miniliteman said:

When I looked at new tyres for the 8 and 9 inch Minilites I considered the cheap Chinese tyres as well. But a friend who works at a tyre shop said "don't" ... so I bought Dunlop Sport Classic tyres instead. Other options was the Vredestein Sprint Classic but both are expensive.

Oh Dunlop Sport Classics! I want to try them more than any other tyre! I just cant get anyone local who sells them! Are they really good?

[Vista Estate]

57 minutes ago, BaileyMex said:

Are these any good? 205/60 R13 Nankang Econex NA-1's? Never used them, but decent reviews and £68.06 each fitted? Or £49.46 each on their own mail order?

https://www.blackcircles.com/brands/nankang/econex-na-1/205-60-r13-h-86?tyre=36690169

I've used them on my modern car and had no problems. On a classic where mileage is limited they may be a good option too.

Yes they are cheaper than brand names but I've  not seen any quality issues. In the good old days Michelins used to last forever and Goodyear and Pirellis were excellent too. Not the same now though.

Like all things you get what you pay for and if its low to medium miles then go with the Nankangs. 😊

[Vista Estate]

1 minute ago, Rally Pack 2000 said:

Oh Dunlop Sport Classics! I want to try them more than any other tyre! I just cant get anyone local who sells them! Are they really good?

Jury is out on that. They used to be but none of the old brands use the same compound mix as they used to do. All to do with the green agenda.

I would imagine you need a tyre that can handle the extreme temp changes in Aus, James.

So if this is the case a good all season from Michelin and Continental may be the best for long-term.

[Miniliteman]

Very few (if any) top brands make tyres in the "old" sizes any more. For the RS2 I just bought a set of Pirelli CN36 's. Expensive but the only option for a Mk2 RS!

https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/pirelli-collezione/cinturato-cn36.html

[Rally Pack 2000]

1 minute ago, Vista Estate said:

Jury is out on that. They used to be but none of the old brands use the same compound mix as they used to do. All to do with the green agenda.

I would imagine you need a tyre that can handle the extreme temp changes in Aus, James.

So if this is the case a good all season from Michelin and Continental may be the best for long-term.

Trouble is here in Australia neither of those companies even sell a 13in tyre.

I put some unbranded Chinese tyres on mums Camry once called AN 600s. They stuck to the road out front of the house during the summer and we referred to them as   "Am Goo" after that! 😃

[john_3.0s]

Cheers all, in reality I'm not going to wear them out before they start to go hard/crack so long life isnt high on my agenda.

Have seen the Nankangs ecos and can get them locally so think these are a good fallback option (and cheapest!)

DTs have 4 options (for 205 60 13)

Nankang AR-1s (semi slicks) £98ea

Toyo 888s (semi slicks) £115.79 ea

Yoko A052 (half way between a semi and road pattern) £172ea

Avon CR28 (classic pattern) £214 ea! (ffs)

 

Vintage tyres have got a few options but are proper silly prices - the nankang ecos are 106 ea (about £65 everywhere else)

I like the look semi slicks but not sure what they will be like in reality given the roads are rougher than the surface of the moon around here now days - has anyone got  much experience?

BTW stumbled across this site in case anyone is after some part worn track tyres - reckon there would be some bargains to be had https://www.tyretek.co.uk/collections/13-inch. looks like i missed a set of part worn 888s @ 38 quid each aghhhhhh!!!!!!

[Xp197777]

Hankook ventures very good tyre

[Miniliteman]

Do you mean Hankook Ventus? Are these available in 13 inch? The one in the photo is a rally tyre.

[guido]

I have Nankang 185/60/13 road tires on my Ford Fiesta mk2. Good tire for that kind of money i'd say.

Edited July 18, 2025 by guido

[RWL81P]

Nankang are great tyres. i've had loads in the past and on fast cars too.

[Xp197777]

9 hours ago, Miniliteman said:

Do you mean Hankook Ventus? Are these available in 13 inch? The one in the photo is a rally tyre.

Yes, mate shocking spelling they are available in a 13 inch. I’ve got them on my mk1 they’re good.

[Miniliteman]

12 hours ago, Xp197777 said:

Yes, mate shocking spelling they are available in a 13 inch. I’ve got them on my mk1 they’re good.

Link?

As far as I can see the Ventus is not available in 13 inch, the Hankook Kinergy is. (more shocking spelling?)

[Xp197777]

[Xp197777]

These are a road legal road/track tyre

[john_3.0s]

On 19/07/2025 at 17:16, Xp197777 said:

These are a road legal road/track tyre

they look good but cant seem to find 205 60/13s

[Rally Pack 2000]

3 hours ago, john_3.0s said:

they look good but cant seem to find 205 60/13s

I dont know if you have the same disastrous tyre supply cabals that we have but if a tyre is not able to be sourced through there one and only kickback supplier it doesn’t exist. Ive seen the bold face lie to me claiming that if they cant get it no one can only to get a quote from another seller a few doors up. Keep pressing on you will find something.

[john_3.0s]

19 hours ago, Rally Pack 2000 said:

I dont know if you have the same disastrous tyre supply cabals that we have but if a tyre is not able to be sourced through there one and only kickback supplier it doesn’t exist. Ive seen the bold face lie to me claiming that if they cant get it no one can only to get a quote from another seller a few doors up. Keep pressing on you will find something.

Yea its the same everywhere now days I think, tbh most people just want some 'tyres' and arnt bothered too much about them so I guess the approach works in 99% on 'normal' sales.

[Jersey Stardust]

On 19/07/2025 at 17:16, Xp197777 said:

These are a road legal road/track tyre

Morning James,

Have you used these on track or just as a road tyre ?

Thanks

Richard

[Xp197777]

Primarily on the road, Richard