I'm running a set of factory fitted summer alloys / tyres on my MkII Superb (225/45 R17 94W).

 

The alloys are 7.5J (7.5 inches wide?).

 

I've found a nice set of Audi winter alloys that are a match for my current wheels in all but one aspect - the width.

 

They are 8J.

 

Will this be a problem? My plan is to fit winter tyres of the same dimensions as my current summer tyres.

 

The only wheels Skoda recommend for my car are as follows (the ones in bold are currently fitted):

 

205/55 R16 94H M+S 6J x 16H2 ET50

205/55 R16 94V 7J x 16H2 ET45

 

225/45 R17 94W 7J x 17 H2 ET49

225/45 R17 94W 7.5J x 17 H2 ET49

 

225/40 R18 92J 7.5J x 18 H2 ET46

 

The Audi ones I've found are...

 

225/50 R17 94W 8J x 17 ET47

 

I'll get new tyres so will buy 225/45 instead of the 225/50 already fitted.

 

But will the 7.5J to 8J cause me issues?

 

Cheers!

Given the range of offset (ET numbers) you quote as recommended fits, I'd be most surprised if there was an issue, but you might want to check front tyre to inner wing clearance on full lock, tyre to front strut, and rear tyre to outer arch on full bump to be certain.

I suspect the 4mm wider track will have no discernable issue as you can often get away with a 5mm offset change (not specifically on Superb).  Depending on the state of the wheels I would be tempted to provide slightly more protection by fitting a 235 although this would potentially ride over snow slightly more.  Of course you know they're not just for snow...

 

On the plus side, a 235 will give you a bit more clearance over the snow and through standing water. Win-win-win.

 

Its the nominal width of the tyre that counts as under normal circumstances the wheel (of whatever width) just supports the car relative to the tyre.

Edited 18 November, 201312 yr by Jeeves

Perfect, thanks (as always) Ken.

 

I won't be able to make as many comprehensive checks as you describe due to me buying the wheels off eBay, however using this site helped a lot too...

 

www.willtheyfit.com

 

They will be 4.4mm closer to the strut and the outer rim will project 8.4mm further out from the car.

 

A little digging around on the net revealled that the Avon website shows my chosen winter tyres (Avon Ice Tourer ST) as suitable for 7 to 8.5 inch rims so I should be good on this side too.

Edited 18 November, 201312 yr by silver1011

Its the nominal width of the tyre that counts as under normal circumstances the wheel (of whatever width) just supports the car relative to the tyre.

 

Good point, I'd not really thought of it this way. This explains why most tyres can accomodate a variety of different rim widths.

 

A wider width is something to think about. The Avon site did say that a 245 was the ideal width for an 8" rim...

 

http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/car/ice-touring-st

 

My concern here was down to insurance purposes, anything fitted outside of the manufacturers recommendations is going to give them wriggle room to void my insurance in the event of a closer examination after any potential accidents.

 

I'd also like to go as high as possible on the profile for the extra protection offered against potholes, but again this brings speedo accuracy complications together with the increased liklihood of them fouling the suspension / bodywork.

 

This together with my other concerns meant I ended up going for what Skoda recommend (albeit with a wider rim).

 

I'm picking the wheels up in the morning and I'll ring my tyre fitter up to see what increase in cost there would be for a change from 225 to either 235 or 245.

 

Cheers Jeeves!

I've run 245s on my old Octavia Scout using the same offset and not had a problem. They were significantly larger but still the speedo reading only just matched the GPS speed. But no margin for error with cameras etc. I don't know if your Superb has as much leeway as your Scout though.

I've sort of replaced my Scout short term, as in the absence of a new Scout I've plumped for something else. I still owe you a photo of my spare Proteus wheel but have held back as I still have an interest in one. If it doesn't pan out I'll also have 5 awesome unused tyres to dispose of that saw it tow another car up a farm track in over a foot of snow.

A convoluted way of saying I've not forgotten but only concluded my deal today which might make my previous plans redundant.

Hey no worries.

 

I forgot to bid on these, which were an absolute steal, doh!

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151160201819?ssPageName=STRK:MEDWX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1435.l2649#ht_139wt_1171

For £410 you can get a decent set of new alloys, let alone second hand! 

Hey no worries.

 

I forgot to bid on these, which were an absolute steal, doh!

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151160201819?ssPageName=STRK:MEDWX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1435.l2649#ht_139wt_1171

. They were indeed a steal for someone. I think the seller didn't do a very good job with the headline description which perhaps accounts for the limited bidding. The inherent design flaw of the Proteus wheel perversely gives value to any that are in good condition.

For £410 you can get a decent set of new alloys, let alone second hand! 

 

But not with brand new Goodyear tyres fitted, which on their own are £130 each.