Tire question (Hankook Optimo H724, anyone?)

[jameshoward]

Hello,

I'm thinking of treating my car to a new set of shoes.

She currently runs 195/70 14s on original rims. I've tried (thanks to Naj) a set of 205s Bundts and whilst I really liked how sure-footed the car was, I didn't go ahead and buy a set nor can I for now.

However, I do want to change my tires and here in the US I can get a set of Hankook Optima whitewalls (white stipe, really) 195/75 14s for about $200 on special offer. That's a steal.

My question: has anyone here made the change from 195/70s to 195/75s and noticed a difference? Does anyone have any experience of the Hankooks? I have no experience whatsoever of this brand, and since I'm likely to have them for the next decade I wondered what people thought. Knowing nothing about tires, I assume these will fit my rims!!

Grateful for any advice.

Thanks!

[erickmarciano]

Great price
Tirerack?

[neelyrc]

My question: has anyone here made the change from 195/70s to 195/75s and noticed a difference? Does anyone have any experience of the Hankooks? I have no experience whatsoever of this brand, and since I'm likely to have them for the next decade I wondered what people thought. Knowing nothing about tires, I assume these will fit my rims!!

I recently changed from 185/70s to 195/75s but I chose Maxxis which are more costly but still much less than the more original looking Coker Phoenix.  The Hankooks do provide the original narrow white stripe look which I love.  The diameter and circumference measurements of the 195/75s are almost precisely the same as the factory supplied Firestone Phoenix (when white walls were ordered).  See my recent post on my recent replacement.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15847.msg184433#msg184433

My new 195/75s drive great and I am very happy with them.  I can't say how much another brand in the same size will differ.  The Hankooks will fit your original 6" rims.  While you are changing size, will you also change your spare?

[Mike K]

Last week I replaced my tyres with Michelin 195/70R14 91 T
I'm very pleased with them, I like the ride and handling which I prefer to the Firestone 195/70R14 91 T which I previously had.

Best,
Mike

[jameshoward]

Thanks, all. By bizarre fluke I saw a car with the whitewalls today. Now I'm far less certain. I understand why some folks like them, but I'm not sure they're me. I'm even less sure they'll suit my car.

I'm going to see what I can get Vred Sprint Classics for over here.

Great price
Tirerack?

Yes. I have a rebate card/

[66andBlue]

Jamie,
take a look here:
https://www.tires-easy.com/brands/vredestein-tires/sprint-classic?code=8714692107092
I bought those for the red 230SL, but for the blue 280SL I preferred the white walls and bought the Hankook Optima 195/75.
No real driving issues with either one.

[mclewis]

Jamie,

I have the Vredesteins if you want to take a drive to see how they feel.  Mine are a few years old but are still pretty fresh.

Marc

[Tyler S]

I know this is just Hearsay but I had Hankooks put on my truck yesterday and this topic came up while talking to to the tire shop manager. He said Hankook tires are by far the quietest tires he sells, and thats across the board with respect to sizes and applications.

[mbpaul]

I have Hankook Optimo H724s on my 1966 230SL.  The car originally came with whitewalls of about the same width and I wanted the original look.  The Hankooks seems pretty good and when you consider the price, outstanding.  My car is not a daily driver and the tires will probably rot long before they wear out so I did not want to put  high priced tires on it.  I guess it all depends on your driving habits but for me, they seemed to be a great choice.