Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Ride Comfort & Tyre Age – Plus 4 Duratec

Hi all,
I've owned my 2008 Plus 4 Duratec from new, and it’s still running on the original Continental tyres—mounted on stainless steel wire wheels, with 23,000 miles on the clock. While the tyres appear in decent shape visually, they’re now over 16 years old, and I’ve started wondering how much they're affecting the ride comfort, overall handling, and of course safety.

Has anyone swapped out similarly aged tyres and noticed a meaningful improvement? What brands, tread patterns, etc.,have worked well for other Plus 4 owners.

Thanks in advance for any input or suggestions!

Nick, I think the general response will be to advise you to change them without delay. I change mine at the five/six year period. The sidewalls will be hard on your tyres by now if I am not mistaken.

Please change them as soon as possible. Almost anything will give a substantial improvement in ride quality, handling and safety.

I am sure a few +4 owners will be along soon to offer specific advice on tyre choice.

There's bound to have been a discussion on TM at some point, I'm sure someone will know.....
I'm a big believer that as tyres are the only thing you have in contact with the road they need to be good........
Brakes, suspension and steering, ride and handling........
Almost anything would be better than 16 year old tyres.........🤷🏻‍♂️
Start with Vredesteins, you won't go too far wrong........



PLUS.............. that's a long time to wait for a maiden post..........😆😆 welcome.
🇬🇧🇬🇧

Most people change them at half that age or less! You should definitely notice the difference.
I am running on Good Year Efficient Grip for the second time as performance was good for me on the previous set. They have an excellent wet weather rating and after 26k miles, still had 4 mm left.
Makes & types aside, the best tip I can offer is to go for 65 profile instead of 60. You get about an extra cm of road clearance, the speedo becomes more accurate (but still a good + 1 mph at 30), performance/acceleration change is not at all noticeable and…they are usually much cheaper than 60s as they are a more popular size. You would need to change the spare as well of course, but think you need to anyway as yours is probably rock solid by now.

+1

Sprint Classics if you can afford them, otherwise T-Trac 2

It's all being said and I fully agree. On my 4/4 I've had several makes, also the Sprint Classics, but the Michelins XZX proved to be a better alternative for me, especially on wet roads. My PlusFour still has its 2 years old Avon ZV7 tires from delivery, so not old and they are good for me too, although I did notice that in tests they are never the Nr. one, still MMC uses them as factory fitted ones.

Most important, buy new ones from an A-make!

Yes replaced 2 sets of tyres, one set was 14 the other 15 years old, Whilst dry road performance didn't seem too bad , the wet performance was terrible. The real difference (all things being equal) you will notice with new more supple sidewalls, the overall ride compliance and comfort increases. as the sidewall absorbs more of the road shock that would otherwise be transmitted thru the chassis with hardened sidewalls of your current tyres The wet weather grip and especially with changes in tyre technology since your tyres were manufactured should be very noticeable especially with the more premium brands.

At 23000 miles and 16 years you cant really complain, you have had your monies worth out of them. Go with 205/65 tyre that were fitted to the sport version as it does increase the ground clearance.

Yep, it's all been said before. General tyre rule on a daily drive is change out at no more than 6 years. For things like Mog's that generally have low miles and are in doors away from UV light 10 years is a maximum. Tyres, however you look after them will have a progressive degeneration on time alone not just how you use them! Then you need to factor in how you use the car.

Will new tyres improve ride quality? you bet they will! I'm another for 65 profile tyres too instead of 60, 10mm extra height and a whole lot better ride comfort into the bargain. You are now in the VW polo tyre sizing and being a common tyre you will save a fortune. Last year I fitted 5 Bridgestone Turanza tyres, 195 65 15 for under £350, can't fault them. I'm afraid tyres of your age are probably only found on cars in Beaulieu Motor Museum, and they only potter around the grounds. Tyres and brakes are the main thing that keeps you this side of Heaven..... don't die for under £500 what ever you choose to fit!

My Norwegian registration document for mh 2008 Plus 4 demands tyres with V speed rating (149 mph). This only makes it harder and more expensive to buy tyres. Does your car also need V rating?

Harald