Hi all

 

I'm after some opinions, facts and real life experience please.

 

I need some new tyres and have been having a search on the forum.

Firstly I have 17" wheels and eibach springs.

I'm looking at the following tyre sizes.

205/40/17...most people recommend this size.

215/40/17...for extra rim protection. 

205/45/17...for extra comfort

215/45/17...protection and comfort.

 

I'm not worried about speedo readings.

 

Any I should rule out straight away?

 

 

First rule out the ones that are too big a total diameter / rolling radius.

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

 

 

Check the ones that do give rim protection because just because one says 215 on the sidewall it might not offer better than a 205 from another manufacture.

Which have 'rim protectors'!

Some might say,  the 16" with taller sidewall gives better comfort and rim protection, 

and can do sporting driving handling with the right tyres, and function over style and looks can be the answer sometimes.

Edited 13 October, 20178 yr by Headinawayoffski

205/40 R17 are the correct size

I have goodyear eagle asym 3 and they offer some rim protection. If you arent able to drive without hitting kerbs dont consider 17s

19 minutes ago, clarendon462 said:

205/40 R17 are the correct size

I have goodyear eagle asym 3 and they offer some rim protection. If you arent able to drive without hitting kerbs dont consider 17s

Correct size for what?

Accidents happen.

 

The correct size for the skoda fabia vrs on 17" wheels. As has been previously been mentioned a 215 wont necessarily offer any additional rim protection and will likely make the car handle less favourably.

There has to be a compromise somewhere so you either pay to get your wheels refurbed when you have an accident, or put up with 16s and superior ride comfort.

 

Why are they the correct size though?

I'm already on 17's with 205/40 

You seem to be missing the point here.

205/40 are recommended because they are closest to the standard rolling radius, this does not make them the correct size.

Has anyone fitted 45's on there fab?

What where the consequences other than speedo reading slightly out?

On different Mk2 Fabia vRS's that come as standard on 205/40 R17, i have used them, 215/40 R17. 205/45 R17, 225/35 R 17 & 235/35 R18's (audi A1), 

as well as 16" winters.

 

The thing is measure what you want to put on side by side. 

Pirelli Zero Nero 205/40 R 17's can be bigger than another brands 215/40 R 17.

 (pretty rubbish Traction, and Skoda / VW fit when cars are Pulling left and the Dealerships can not sort the alignment and these Pirelli disguise it.)

 

205/45 R 17's can be a good size for traction, comfort and sidewall strength if fitting XL's.

Edited 13 October, 20178 yr by Headinawayoffski

33 minutes ago, Adam_ said:

You seem to be missing the point here.

205/40 are recommended because they are closest to the standard rolling radius, this does not make them the correct size.

Has anyone fitted 45's on there fab?

What where the consequences other than speedo reading slightly out?

 

45 tyres would allow slightly higher top speed and slower acceleration as well as the speedometer inaccuracy.

Not sure what you mean about them not being the correct size. The mk2 fabia uses the 205/40 size and surely if they are used by skoda that should make them the correct size????

 

6 minutes ago, clarendon462 said:

 

45 tyres would allow slightly higher top speed and slower acceleration as well as the speedometer inaccuracy.

Not sure what you mean about them not being the correct size. The mk2 fabia uses the 205/40 size and surely if they are used by skoda that should make them the correct size????

 

Yes correct for Mk2 not Mk1

There is no correct 17" tyre for Mk1 as they were never fit as standard or calibrated for the speedo.

40 is the closest to standard that is all.

Can I just reiterate one more time. I don't care about the rolling radius and how it affects speed or the speedo reading. I think that's the third time now.

 

Since you have 205/40 R 17 try bigger then, or more sidewall,

if you have declared mods then your Insurer / Loss Adjuster / Police Examiner will not bother if ever there is checking happening as long as you have the correct load / speed rating and enough tread.

 

'What is the worst that can happen?'

I dont understand your question then

skoda decided 205/45 16 was the correct size for the vrs becuase the standard 185/60 14 were the same radius, likewise the 15" wheels used 195/50 r15 because they were the closest in radius. Surely common sense is that the 205/40 17 are the correct size.

if you want to fit 205/45 17 then go ahead im sure its been done many times before especially as you dont care about the affect on speedometer or acceleration.

Right I think I'll try the 205/45's 

 

I'll be back later with makes of tyres.

 

I've a budget of around £300 for 4 fitted.

 

I'm looking at kumhos or Avon at the moment.

World is your oyster, plenty choices in 205/45 R 17's    

These are Goodride 205/45 R17 on Gigaro rims,

 no bigger than Pirelli Zero Nero 205/40 R17's on the same rims.

 

?

What 205/40 R 17 tyres have you fitted now.

 

From Left,

On car Maxxis Ap2 205/40,  Goodride SV 215/40, Pirelli Zero Nero 205/40  Dunlop Sport Maxx 215/40

Edited 13 October, 20178 yr by Headinawayoffski

The tyres I have now are cheap Chinese crap. They came with the wheels. They offer no traction and are frankly dangerous in the wet, spinning the wheels in the wet in third if you try accelerate and understeers like a pig.

Not all cheap tyres are crap. Or are they all ditchfinders.

Tigar made in Serbia in Michelin Owned Factory have done well for me, £50 fitted at ATS Euromaster, & Goodride similar price, 

AP2 Maxxis sidewall gone in pot hole, and pair replaced free.

Edited 13 October, 20178 yr by Headinawayoffski

If you get 205/45/17 tyres they will cost you more money than the 205/40/17 tyre size and make your car higher and have slower acceleration.

Edited 13 October, 20178 yr by DC2990

Morning 

I'm still considering the 40 profiles after what's been said. I've seen the following on Black Circles, all prices include fitting 

205/40/17

X4 Kumho ecsta PS71 = £294.64

X4 Avon ZZ5 = £285.92

 

205/45/17

X4 Kumho ecsta PS71 = £299.48

X4 Avon ZZ5 = £319.20

 

So Kumho vs Avon...any thoughts?

 

Any one else fitted the tigar or roadmasters as mentioned by @headingawayofski? 

Just get the black ones with the hole in the middle.

 

Things to consider:

 

Wider tyres perform worse in wet conditions, I notice you live in 'god's county' where rain is not entirely unknown.

 

Larger diameter tyres can rub on lowered cars.

 

You're from 'god's county' so you'll do whatever you bloody well like regardless of what we say.

 

Just make a decision and crack on.