After years of running budget tyres on my Toyota Celica, I finally decided it was time for an upgrade. Tyres are your only contact with the road, so it makes perfect sense to invest in something that balances performance, safety, and value.
The Initial Plan: Bridgestone RE003 or Michelin PS4
At first, I was torn between:
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (PS4) – RM650 per tyre
- Bridgestone Potenza RE003 – RM600 per tyre
I’ve always heard great things about both, and RE003 seemed like the better value between the two.
Discovery: Continental MC6
After some deep-diving into tyre reviews and comparison charts, the Continental MaxContact MC6 (225/40/R18) kept popping up. And surprisingly:
- It outperformed the RE003 in almost every category.
- It came very close to the Michelin PS4 in overall performance.
- The price? Only RM538 per tyre – perfect for my budget.
To be honest, I’ve always associated Continental with mid-range touring tyres, not performance. But this tyre changed my perception.
The MCO Delay
Right when I made up my mind, Malaysia was under Movement Control Order (MCO) due to COVID-19. All non-essential shops, including tyre shops, were forced to close.
Fast forward to mid-May under the Conditional MCO (CMCO) — shops began reopening under strict SOP guidelines. That’s when I finally managed to schedule my tyre replacement.
Tyre Installation Day
Finally, my Celica was prepped and ready! Here are the details of what went into the upgrade:
Tyre Spec:
- 4 x Continental MC6 225/40/R18 = RM2,152 (RM538 each)
Additional Services:
- Front & rear alignment = RM60
- Wheel balancing = Free of Charge
- Steel valve replacement = RM40 (RM10 each)
Total damage: RM2,252
My Celica patiently waiting for its new shoes…
Final Thoughts
For RM538 per tyre, the Continental MC6 is a solid contender if you’re looking for a performance tyre that doesn’t break the bank. Great grip, solid wet performance, and quietness on highways — all without paying Michelin prices.
If you’re in the market for new tyres and driving a sportier car, this might just be the sweet spot between price and performance.
