Hi,

 

Might be a stupid question but if I was to get 215 tires instead of my 205 atm, would I get any more grip or control? Also would they hang over the alloys as they might be too wide for them or? Current ones are 205 and aren't hanging over.

 

Thanks

can of worms that question.  in a  word no, it's not that simple.  Contact patch may mean more grip in dry conditions, but not in wet where more contact gives more chance of aquaplaning.  

 

also remember if you go wider you will affect the rolling radius unless you drop profile ratio, which you can't from 40 really as no 35's in 215 width or will be rare if they were.

 

Remember the suspension and sidewalls will also play a role in grip.

 

Think of rally cars,

 

On dry tarmac they run slicks,

On wet tarmac they patterned tyres 

on Snow they run thinner studded or non studded winter compound tyres.

 

massive subject this.  But personally i would just keep the 205's on a monte, it will be more than enough, spend you money elsewhere. Oh and if you do make sure you change all 4.

I have 215's. Definitely better grip. Cant really notice any different to the look.

Depends what tyres you are buying and fitting.

 

Comparing 205/40 R 17 with 215/40 R17 does not automatically mean you have 215mm on the road compared to 205mm

 

The measurement is the Tyre width wall to wall, not the tread.

& you get tyres with harder sidwalls, and ones with sidewall protection.  (XL)

 

The 215 might have more tread, but it is Brand / Tyre dependent.

& you can get a sticky 205, and a harder non sticky 215.

 

I have on 215/40 R 17 on Standard rims, as many others do.

 

Not for extra grip though in my case, just to protect the rims a bit & give a bit more sidewall for a better ride and protection on potholes.

 

http://kouki.co.uk/utilities/visual-tyre-size-calculator

 

The sizes are just an indicator.

I have 205/40 R 17 tyres that are a greater Rolling Circumference , Total Diameter than 215/40 R 17's 

when measured side by side.

Edited 15 November, 201411 yr by goneoffSKi

Ignore my response. Ant FR's reply is definitely the one to read out of the two I notice a change in grip. May be the fact that they are good tyres though compared to last set.

think next tyres i'm gunna get will be the same but 215, won't be for a while though lol.. thanks though