Michelin XAS 185 R14 TYRES

[Mike Wattam <101714.1343@domain.elided>]

TYRES
The XAS tyre is not manufactured in 185-14 size any more, but the later
175-14 XVS-P is.  Note the 'A' has changed to an 'S', as this was a natural
change from the earlier tyre specification.  It was still asymetric, and
the pattern very similar but finer to allow better grip.

The 175-14 XVS is manufactured especially for the Citroen DS series
(!!??!!??!!?) and the French DS club was campaigning to have Michelin
revert to the XAS pattern.  Ha bloody ha.  The XVS is available from
classic/vintage tyre specialists in UK and France to my knowledge, however
demand is greater than supply and pricing is high.

Because of all this I gave up on XAS/XVS tyres and went for the MXV style. 
The suffix 'P' means there is an anti-kerbing rib on the sidewall, valuable
in savingthe alloy wheels from premature worm attack after kerbing.

With MXV-P you would not recognise the improvement in;

.  roadholding and traction
.  handling
.  quietness
.  grip/braking performance
.  lack of quirky steer/power drama
.  even better quality and reliability
.  no need for constant rebalancing, unlike most present-day tyres
.  suits Stag suspension set-up admirably

Forget 1970's tyre technology and go for this comparatively modern tyre. 
Oh, two negatives;

.  the rate of wear is higher, but the trade-offs are so great it just
doesn't matter.  
.  It looks ordinary, not pretty like the XAS/XVS (pretty, what am I on?)

By the way, go for original specification 'HR' rated tyres, not 'SR' which
are lower speed-rated, unless your motor insurance company is happy for you
to use these non-standard tyres.  Also most 'SR' rated tyres of this size
are of 6-ply rating and made specifically for heavy duty van use.

I am not on commission from Michelin.

OIL WARNING LIGHT
Suspect bulb/bulb connections particularly earth in the so-called 'idiots
guide' and the brake warning light.  Then go for the pressure sender unit,
these are unreliable.  Whatever you do, do not fit an oil pressure guage. 
This is a retrograde step and will only cause you to worry about a factor
which is largely irrelevant, oil pressure.  You will spend much less time
looking at the road, possibly wake up in the middle of the night screaming,
so just don't do it.

Mike Wattam
Triumph Stag Register