Ask an expert

I've previously asked about my space saver tyre and mentioned that I was planning to get 4 new tyres for our 2003 Mazda Demio (1.3 automatic). Today I got some quotes and I have to admit that I'm a little conflicted on which tyre to get.

I think I've narrowed my choice to between the Goodyear Assurance and the Firestone TZ700.

At the best prices I can get for these fitted/balanced e.t.c the TZ700 comes out $136 cheaper overall. Price isn't really my main driver though, safety is my no.1 concern, but durability (especially on Christchurch's potholed roads) and long term reliability are also important.

It seems to me that the TZ700 is more popular in NZ? most references to the Assurance I can find online are from overseas where it doesn't rate very well at all, especially re: road noise and tread wear. The exception being the Consumer review which rates the Assurance very best and the TZ700 4th overall. By comparison there are plenty of recommendations for the TZ700 in NZ but hardly any mention overseas.

Our car is our main vehicle but it really only used on weekends (it has travelled only 6,000 km in 15 months) mostly around town - but is taken on the open road every few months and we plan to take a 1,800 km road trip across to the west coast and then down south next month.

I'd appreciate your recommendations on the best choice for our car.

Thanks, Mark.

The TZ700 has a good reputation for mid range tyres. They offer a good balance of durability and grip. At a fleet company I used to work for we fitted TZ700 to cars on a daily basis and never had any negative feedback. They seem to be well suited to our course chip roads. The Goodyear Assurance isn't a bad tyre but it most likely won't go the distance that the TZ700 will do.