The owners manual provides specific guidance on correct MGF tire sizes. Additionally, it somewhat understandably notes, “no other arrangements are recommended”. This is basically, British politeness saying “don’t use anything other than these sizes, if you want the car to handle right”.
As some MGF owners may be new to sports cars/classic cars, the idea of different size tires, front and rear, may be an unusual concept. With the MGF on 15 inch rims this supports the mid-engine configuration. As Mark Jones has noted: “The mid-engine design typically promotes oversteer, which is very dangerous. Installing a wider tire at the back to promote understeer. The reason to promote understeer is that understeer is more predictable from a handling point of view compared to oversteer”.
The manual data shows the 7 by 16 inch wheels on some MGFs should use a 215/40R16 all around. Additionally it is generally accepted that on a 15 inch wheel 195/50R15 is a safe alternative. This provides very similar dimensions to the suggested 185/55R15 tire.
Tire Availability & Brands – MGF Tire Sizes #
If you have 15 inch wheels and want to stick with the recommended sizes (185/55R15 front and 205/50R15 rear), choices are limited. MG-Rover are very specific about the brand and tire version to install. These are no longer available. Using the online website, TireRack.com at the time of writing, just 3 choices were available:
- Yokohama ADVAN Fleva V701
- Kumho Ecsta PS31
- Kumho Ecsta PA31
Research shows 3 choices at discounttire.com so, it seems quite similar situation within USA. I personally use the Kumho Ecsta PS31. In Canada, it seems getting different size tires for front and rear is a bit more complicated. Online retailers don’t seem to support even searching for this situation.
MGF Tire Sizes – Front 195/50R15 #
If you go with a 195/50R15 tire for front 15 inch wheels (keeping 205/50R15 rear), there are more options. Specifically on TireRack.com you’ll find 5 additional options.
- Hankook Ventus V2 concept2
- Dunlop Direzza ZIII
- Toyo Proxes R1R
- Yokohama ADVAN A052
- Nankang Sportnex CR-S
Checking on discounttire.com there were also additional options with only one difference to TireRack.
MGF 16 Inch Wheels 215/40R16 #
Although these are standard for the 16 inch wheels, in the USA, I have not found this size to be available from major online retailers. They may be available locally or from other online sellers.
Tire Pressures #
In addition to the specifics on tire sizes, tire pressure is also important. See the separate article on tire pressures.
Tire Age #
Lastly, pay attention to the age of your tires. The tread wear or amount of tread left is not an indicator of the life of the tire. The tire’s age is an important safety factor. See this article on tire age to learn more and how to read the date of manufacture of a tire so you can determine the age of the tire.
Other Material #
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