HI folks, just need some advice. :confused:

Bought a Y reg. Octavia TDI and noted the 16 inch alloys/tyres 205/55/16 were shot, so as part of trade in managed to swap my old 15 inch Bora alloys 195/65/15 to the estate. These are in good condition with good tyres. Both of these are about the same size so no issues with the odometer.

Is it worth my while looking out for the original size 16 inch alloys and replacing the 15 inch ones, or do you think that there wouild not be much difference in them with grip, road holding etc.

Many thanks DTY:rolleyes:

the 16 inch alloys/tyres 205/55/16 were shot, so as part of trade in managed to swap my old 15 inch Bora alloys 195/65/15 to the estate.

Inside the filler flap on my Mk1 Octavia there is a label showing recommended tyre pressures for 205/55R16, 205/60R15 and 195/65R15, so I think this is a reasonable swap.

Is it worth my while looking out for the original size 16 inch alloys and replacing the 15 inch ones

I think you probably have lower unsprung weight at each corner with the smaller wheels, so the handling may feel nicer with what you've got.

Thanks for the response, and aware that the width is from 205 to 195, and the sidewalls from 55 to 65, and do you think this will make a big difference to the handling or grip?

I should have added that I have had the car remapped and is faster hence the questions etc. I do not drive it like a madman as aware it is an estate and also it's age!!

I've driven a TDi90 with 195/15s and my 110 with 205/16s. Both on different roads, but I don't reckon there's that much in it. I would advise the insurance though.

195/65/15 is "normal" size, so should be no insurance impact. For first 4 years of ownership, I used my Octavia with both sizes, 195/65/15 in winter and 205/55/16 otherwise.

Handling is similar, but on really heavy braking and in sharp turns you may take it a bit gentler on 195s as they do become a bit unstable due to higher sidewall. This can be counteracted by pumping the tyres to higher pressure than normal.

Note that this is only in the "I am late for the flight" driving mode, you won't see much difference in normal driving, if anything fuel consumption with 195s might be slightly lower.

As per #4, I've driven both; the 195/15s were on an Ambiante, and the 205/16s are on an Elegance. The larger tyres are standard spec on the Elegance, L&K (and vRS Estate).

I really do appreciate your comments as thought that there may be an adverse effect upon the driving/handling which obviously I will observe, and if in the future I feel the need to buy bigger alloys I will, and sell the old ones to help pay for them.

You'll have less ultimate dry grip, but better aquaplaning resistance for a given make, model and wear level of tyre.

:)thanks for the information