On my 2011 Skoda Fabia VRS, I will be changing all 4 tyres shortly as there was fairly cheap stuff on the front when I bought the car. 

 

Pretty much settled on Uniroyal RS 3 in terms of budget and it looks like I will buy from Openeo. 

 

Question is in relation to height profile. Currently I have 205/40/17 on Front and back and found them a bit hard... I was debating going for 205/50/17, but local tyre fitter said they may not fit and could rub on full lock. There is also a 205/45/17 available - which looks like it might be a good alternative. Does anyone know what height profile I can go to without causing problems?

 

Thanks,

MuppetMan

General case - Wall height = Tread width * aspect ratio / 100 so a 205/50 has a wall height of 102.5mm.

 

a 205/40 is only 82mm, so yes I'd expect problems with rubbing, and indeed with over-gearing giving you blunted acceleration and an under-reading speedo and hence with the Gards.

Ken - thanks I hadnt considered issues with over-gearing/speedo... Maybe best to stick with the 40's.... thanks for that...

Is it legal, is it possible, is it wise..?..

If your original tyre size is 205/40R17, you can put on 205/45R17. The rolling circumference is slightly bigger (3.3%). In my country (Norway) it is allowed to vary +/- 5%. The readings of your speedometer will be different, in a way that the readings will be more accurate (closer to the real speed)! 205/50 will be out of range.

The wheel will be 10mm closer to the well but I seriously doubt that you will encounter rubbing as long as width and ET of your rims are within factory specs. Bear in mind that manufacturer also must allow for fitting of snow chains and similar devices.

The ride may be more comfy, but it may not be the case. It depends on tyre type. Different brands make their tyres different ways and the side walls may be stiffer or softer related to the ones you have now. So it is not given on beforehand just by looking at the size of the tyre.

Either 205/45r17 or 215/40r17  either will give s slightly more plush ride if that's what's important to you.

 

Keep in mind the ride is also affected by tyre pressures & sidewall construction.  You can get two tyres in the same size & one rides like concrete, the other like a cloud.  It might be just your crap tyres.

Thanks folks, some really interesting posts there... I had changed my mind away from the "50" and instead was considering 205/45/17 Uniroyal RS3.... which would be about 10mm higher than the 205/40/17 I Have on the car at the moment... but now, after thinking about it, I might just stick with 205/40/17 profile and get Michelin Pilot Spot 3 as they work out at the same price anyway (99 euro from Oponeo),  and it seems Michelin PS3 get better reviews.

 

Thanks for all the advice so far. Its been brilliant.

Or the other option is to go for some 16 inch wheels and stick some 205 45 16s on.