205/55/16 instead of 205/50/16

PurvesGrundy

I have a 1st gen Volvo S40 with an unusual 205/50/16 tyre size. It appears that 205/55/16 are more easily obtainable and cheaper, but my search on here has revealed mixed responses to fitting them.

Would it be a totally bad idea?

George Dalton

I have seen plenty of them running 205/55 16 tyres.

I personally wouldn't do it if it was my car but I'm a fussy fecker and I can totally understand somebody else doing it.

Cee-Jay-Cee

The difference is negligible and will not effect how the cars performs or drives anything noticeable. It'll actually make for a more comfortable ride with a bit more tyre on the rim. I wouldn't have any concerns changing to that size if in your position.

PurvesGrundy

Grand then, good to get some fresh opinion on the matter. Cheers.

jprboy

Could you mix the tyre sizes safely e.g. 205/50 front and 205/55 rear or vice versa?

George Dalton

I wouldn't recommend that no. It could confuse the ABS system.

mullingar

I ran those numbers with an online calculator:

Circumference: +62mm
Diameter Difference + 21mm (ie car will sit 10.5mm higher)

Speedo will over read by 3.35%, @ an indicated 70mph, you are actually doing 72.4mph. But as nearly all speedometers under read by afew %, it will actually be more accurate.

kerten

Did exact same size change on a 2001 Primera.

25% cheaper tyres(same make/model)
More comfortable
Slightly higher ground clearance
Felt more air under the car at high speeds(see reason above)
Difference in reading of speed(closer to real speed)

I would do it again.

jimgoose

kerten wrote: »

Did exact same size change on a 2001 Primera.

25% cheaper tyres(same make/model)
More comfortable
Slightly higher ground clearance
Felt more air under the car at high speeds(see reason above)
Difference in reading of speed(closer to real speed)

I would do it again.

Theoretically at least, the slightly taller gearing should improve cruising economy slightly as well, although it's a fine enough line.