Changing to narrower tyre size?

Dr.Rieux

I'm going to be replacing the tyres on my Passat soon, they're 215/55R16. Is it possible to change these for something slightly narrower like 205s that I can put on the wheels as I can get a much better tyre for spending similar money?

If this is possible then can they be changed two at a time or all four done in a set?

Senna

Just check the size of the rim and make sure it will accept a 205 tyre, but 99% of wheels that have a 215 as standard will take a 205.
Something like a 205/60-16 will be only 1% of a difference. You can check online sites that will give you info on changing sizes, i.e. difference to speedo.
You have to change a minimum of 2 at a time and both on the same axle.

I've done this loads of times with older cars, newer cars maybe different due to sensors etc (i have no idea), someone else may confirm if dealing with a newish car.

Dr.Rieux

Cheers Senna. The wheel size from the VW accessories website is 7J x 16.

Online tyre calculator puts 205/55 at 1.7% smaller in diameter and 205/60 1.4% larger

dgt

Try 225/50 r16 and see if they're near

Dr.Rieux

225/50 r16 are 1.87% smaller in diameter. I'm using this calculator http://www.etyres.co.uk/tyre-size-calculator.htm. It recommends +- 2.5% as a maximum change from original.

The wheels on the car are below, standard B6 Passat Comfortline wheels I think. Would these changes be ok on this wheel?

dgt

Dr.Rieux wrote: »

225/50 r16 are 1.87% smaller in diameter. I'm using this calculator http://www.etyres.co.uk/tyre-size-calculator.htm. It recommends +- 2.5% as a maximum change from original.

The wheels on the car are below, standard B6 Passat Comfortline wheels I think. Would these changes be ok on this wheel?

I'm in the same boat with tyres on my 166, awkward size to work with.... And pricey! :eek:

Now that I'm on a laptop, other sizes that are close:
235/50 R16
235/45 R17 (no change, exact match. I do understand this isn't an option though)

I have little experience with Passat wheels however I'm sure someone will come along and shed some light

Do remember when plus sizing or vice versa that you will effect your speedo reading if the sizes are different. Example: on my old car I changed from 195/50 R15 to 205/40 R17. Acceleration was blunted and the speedo read slow ie an indicated 50kmh was approx 53kmh

Dr.Rieux

Cheers for the help dgt. I'm hoping to book the car in for a service with George Dalton when I get paid again in January and would hopefully be getting the tyres done at around the same time. I'd say he would be able to advise me what tyre sizes are recommended for the wheels and what are good ones. I need to the get the Wanli's off the front of it, and the Kenda's off the back too.

George Dalton

The 3C Passats which came fitted with steel wheels used 205/55 16 tyres so you are fine to change from the 215/55s that are currently on your car. The alloy wheel is 0.5 inches wider than the steel wheel but it is still fine to use a 205 tyre on a 7 inch rim. It's a good option to go for with these because you can buy a premium tyre in 205/55 16 for under €100 whereas the equivalent tyre in 215/55 16 would be €150 or more.

Dr.Rieux

George Dalton wrote: »

The 3C Passats which came fitted with steel wheels used 205/55 16 tyres so you are fine to change from the 215/55s that are currently on your car. The alloy wheel is 0.5 inches wider than the steel wheel but it is still fine to use a 205 tyre on a 7 inch rim. It's a good option to go for with these because you can buy a premium tyre in 205/55 16 for under €100 whereas the equivalent tyre in 215/55 16 would be €150 or more.

Cheers George, when do you open after Christmas actually? I plan on ringing when you do to try book the car in for a service hopefully on the January 19th if you still do Saturdays? I get paid on the 18th so will have to be after then

George Dalton

We are closed for any non-emergency work until Wednesday January 2nd. If you send an email to service@daltons.ie with details of the car and what you want done then I will confirm the date with you next week.

George