I think my front tyres are about done and I've started hunting around for replacements but I've found that when I check my car on tyres sites it comes up with 225/45 R17 tyres while the car currently has 235/45 R17 tyres all round (Michelin Pilot Sports).

I'll admit I don't really know much about tyres, I usually just stick on whatever is recommended so I don't understand why the car has wider tyres, is this a choice you can make for better traction as there's a bit of leeway on the alloy? The difference in price is only £14 for the Pilot Sport 3 but £20 for the Primacy 3 tyre.

I've been doing some reading through topics here and Michelin seem to get the nod, the Primacy tyre is rated quite a bit better for fuel efficiency and quieter but still the same wet weather performance which makes me dubious that the ratings can be trusted as I assume the pilot sport tyre is better suited to the VRS?

Thanks for any help,

John

The standard size on 17 inch vrs alloys is 225/45, I have heard of people gettting wider tyres to suit winter conditions, other than that I dont know why you have 235's on there

Hmm, I wonder if it's as simple as the previous owner just didn't get the correct tyres fitted.

The standard size on 17 inch vrs alloys is 225/45, I have heard of people gettting wider tyres to suit winter conditions, other than that I dont know why you have 235's on there

...Wider summer tyres in winter would be worse...

I thought when you did the calculations getting a wider tyre also increases the radius so leads to a more bouncy tyre.

Not saying this is the right thing or that I do this, its just an example of maybe why they are 235 on your car at the moment

Could have just been the last owner looking for more grip. or a special on that tyre size.

how much a corner out of interest?

Around £110 or £115 for the 225 tyre with the Michelin Premacy or Pilot Sport, it doesn't sound like there's much reason to go for the 235.

John

I see VW put 235/45 on there 17" alloys but as said the std size is 225/45.

I was thinking of going with the 235's again to keep all four the same given the price difference isn't that much but I guess there's not really much point as the 225's will be fine.

John

I'm keen to hear feedback on the Primacy III's as my Pilot Sport III's are due for replacement soon, and I too had noticed the hint of lower rolling resistance. It looks like the Primacy tread has more chance of getting a bite on snow than the PS3's, for which snow was their nemesis.