I have a Fabia 3 with the standard 16" Alloy Wheels and 205/45W16 tyres. The car is really uncomfortable and crashes over the slightest of bumpy roads. My Tyres need replacing soon all round, I was wondering if the tyres I have are uncomfortable because of their profile. Is it possible to replace with a more comfortable type or size, I have driven other lesser spec Fabia's that are much more comfy than mine because of the smaller wheels, Im also looking for a tyre with little road noise.

Any Suggestions, can you change the type of tyre that goes on that rim?

If you change the tyre profile, it will affect the gearing of the car. A higher profile will make the car lower geared and you will lose some performance and your speedo/odometer will read slow.

Best bet is to find some 15s and do a swap, Im sure someone would like the 16s on their car?

If you change the tyre profile, it will affect the gearing of the car. A higher profile will make the car lower geared and you will lose some performance and your speedo/odometer will read slow.

Best bet is to find some 15s and do a swap, Im sure someone would like the 16s on their car?

Not necessarily, another way would be to reduce the width of the tyre as well:

A 185/50/16 tyre has the same rolling circumference as the 205/45/16 currently fitted.

Tyre Calculator

As Gizmo says, but be aware that this will be considered as a modification by most insurance companies.

The 205/45/16 on the Fabia 3 do give a fairly firm ride.

The Fabia 2's have a 15" wheel with (IIRC) 195/55/15 tyres. This puts more sidewall between you and the road, so takes the 'edge' off the ride a bit. The overall wheel diameter is exactly the same with this wheel/tyre combo so your gearing does not change. I doubt whether your insurance company would worry, since it would be a configuration that many vehicles are supplied with from new.

If you are anywhere near Leicestershire I have a near-new set of 15" wheel/tyres off a Fabia 2 that you could try out and see if it improves matter for you. Personally I think it would (having experience both the 15 and 16-inch combos on Polos, Ibiza and Fabias!).

The 205/45/16 on the Fabia 3 do give a fairly firm ride.

The Fabia 2's have a 15" wheel with (IIRC) 195/55/15 tyres. This puts more sidewall between you and the road, so takes the 'edge' off the ride a bit. The overall wheel diameter is exactly the same with this wheel/tyre combo so your gearing does not change. I doubt whether your insurance company would worry, since it would be a configuration that many vehicles are supplied with from new.

If you are anywhere near Leicestershire I have a near-new set of 15" wheel/tyres off a Fabia 2 that you could try out and see if it improves matter for you. Personally I think it would (having experience both the 15 and 16-inch combos on Polos, Ibiza and Fabias!).

Sounds ideal for me, but one of the 16's has kerb damage (Easily Refurbed) and the tyres are starting to get low on tread, so it's not a totally fair swap, but I am sure something can be arranged if you want to PM me that would be great

Only other thing that worries me is the car is on PCP, when I go to trade it in will they notice and charge me?

Hopefully 15's would give the ride im looking for:thumbup:

If you change the tyre profile, it will affect the gearing of the car. A higher profile will make the car lower geared and you will lose some performance and your speedo/odometer will read slow.

Best bet is to find some 15s and do a swap, Im sure someone would like the 16s on their car?

I would be interested in the 16" wheels. please check your pm

Mr Youth, yes...do be careful. Officially, if on pcp it isn't your car. It's hire car with the option to buy. You cannot make any substantial alterations to it. Changing the wheels is a substantial spec alteration from standard and it will no longer be a standard Fabia 3. If you don't buy it they expect to get the car back in exactly the same condition that you bought it in (normal wear and tear accepted). When I was deciding which model to buy, I went for the Fabia 2 as I was told by the dealer the Fabia 3 has a somewhat harsh ride over the bumps due to the wheel and tyre size. My '2' has a superb ride and I can confirm it would solve your problem. But look into it very carefully. I don't think you can officially make the change for paperwork/legal reasons.