Hi, I have a 1.2tsi Rapid Spaceback which I have had for just over a month. It's got 215/45 R16 tyres which to me seem overkill. Can I fit tyres with a higher profile and possibly a smaller width on the same wheels? Something like 195/55 or 195/60? Or whill I need new wheels?

 

Also on the same topic I want to buy a spare wheel with tyre but am finding it difficult to get an exact match. Can Fabia wheels fit on the Rapid?

 

Cheers

Sam

@Sanj - What width are the wheels? There will be a code like, say, "16x6.5ET42 5x112" cast on them someplace. That will give us the limits for what tyre width(s) can be safely used.

7 minutes ago, KenONeill said:

@Sanj - What width are the wheels? There will be a code like, say, "16x6.5ET42 5x112" cast on them someplace. That will give us the limits for what tyre width(s) can be safely used.

 

Will the recommended tyre size for the car be on the Inside of the fuel filler flap ?

These are the numbers I can just about managed to see on the wheel : 5JA 601025 A and underneath 7Jx6H2 ET46

 

The inside of the fuel filler flap shows the tyre pressures for R14, R15m R16 and R17 which isn't much help

 

Cheers

 

Sorry it's 7Jx16H2 ET46

 

Thanks

Not sure if it’s the picture but Rapid seems to sit high.

 

Davy

2 hours ago, Sanj said:

Sorry it's 7Jx16H2 ET46

 

Thanks

OK, that's 7" wide by 16" diameter. The other data I mentioned are the offset (in this case ET46) and wheel bolt number and spacing.

 

The normal recommendation (by most tyre manufacturers) is that the tyre be between 70% and 95% of the wheel width, so that gives us a width of 7*25.4 = 177.8mm. That means that you can go down to a 185 or 195mm tyre width as long as you fit a higher profile to retain something like correct overall gearing.

 

1 hour ago, Skodaboy1983 said:

Not sure if it’s the picture but Rapid seems to sit high.

 

Davy

 

I am thinking that too, especially the rear. I don't mind it actually as long as it's not an issue

1 hour ago, KenONeill said:

OK, that's 7" wide by 16" diameter. The other data I mentioned are the offset (in this case ET46) and wheel bolt number and spacing.

 

The normal recommendation (by most tyre manufacturers) is that the tyre be between 70% and 95% of the wheel width, so that gives us a width of 7*25.4 = 177.8mm. That means that you can go down to a 185 or 195mm tyre width as long as you fit a higher profile to retain something like correct overall gearing.

Thanks Ken. Something new I learnt today. Is there any advantage to changing to a smaller tyre width and higher profile. I think the ride will be less harsh but the grip not as good. Correct me if I'm wrong.

1 hour ago, Sanj said:

Thanks Ken. Something new I learnt today. Is there any advantage to changing to a smaller tyre width and higher profile. I think the ride will be less harsh but the grip not as good. Correct me if I'm wrong.

As you say, the higher section should give you more wall flexibility, and less ultimate grip, but it will give you better traction in snow and aquaplane resistance.

2 hours ago, Sanj said:

 

 

I am thinking that too, especially the rear. I don't mind it actually as long as it's not an issue

 

The 4x4 stance is standard on the Rapid and they are higher at the back, If you're in Russia its jacked up another 15mm or 20mm higher.

For alternate tire size diameters look here:

 

https://tiresize.com/comparison/

 

scroll down and look at 23 inch diameter for other sizes that keep the gearing similar.

 

or look here:

 

https://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Tire-Size-Calculator

 

195/50R16 looks good - almost identical diameter. 205/50R16 slightly bigger but still well inside the recommended 3% change.

 

205/50R16 is a lot more popular size so possibly cheaper too with more choice.

 

 

your suggested 195/55 is over 3% taller which flags up a warning on 1010tire site.

the 195/60 is over 6% taller.

 

For pricing on a random tyre selected on Blackcircles (Avon ZV7) - 215/45 £83 205/50 £74 195/50 £80

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 12 July, 20187 yr by camelspyyder

16 hours ago, camelspyyder said:

For alternate tire size diameters look here:

 

https://tiresize.com/comparison/

 

scroll down and look at 23 inch diameter for other sizes that keep the gearing similar.

 

or look here:

 

https://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Tire-Size-Calculator

 

195/50R16 looks good - almost identical diameter. 205/50R16 slightly bigger but still well inside the recommended 3% change.

 

205/50R16 is a lot more popular size so possibly cheaper too with more choice.

 

 

your suggested 195/55 is over 3% taller which flags up a warning on 1010tire site.

the 195/60 is over 6% taller.

 

For pricing on a random tyre selected on Blackcircles (Avon ZV7) - 215/45 £83 205/50 £74 195/50 £80

 

 

Thanks for the links. Shame they don't list Skoda so you have to work around.

Skoda Yetis sit even higher. There's one a few roads away from me. Quite nice.

 

 

 

32 minutes ago, Sanj said:

 

You already know the Original size so you don't need to enter "SKoda anything"

 

The first site, if you scroll down VVV it compares all sizes by diameter so you can click on the 23 tab for sizes that fit, and some of the 24's do too.

 

The second site, just enter your original size and it will offer you alternatives - the ones I put on here for you already.

 

BTW, I am now convinced to do the same thing when my ****ty Bridgestones wear out too.

 

 

2 minutes ago, camelspyyder said:

You already know the Original size so you don't need to enter "SKoda anything"

 

The first site, if you scroll down VVV it compares all sizes by diameter so you can click on the 23 tab for sizes that fit, and some of the 24's do too.

 

The second site, just enter your original size and it will offer you alternatives - the ones I put on here for you already.

 

BTW, I am now convinced to do the same thing when my ****ty Bridgestones wear out too.

 

 

are you planning to get smaller width tyres? Just out of curiosity what's the reason if you are.

It doesn't have sporty handling in any way and the ride is noisy on many of my 215/40R17 options . I will try 205/45R17 next time because they're more available and cheaper and have a higher sidewall. The marginal difference in grip available wont effect me because I don't corner aggressively.

Edited 13 July, 20187 yr by camelspyyder

7 minutes ago, camelspyyder said:

It doesn't have sporty handling in any way and the ride is noisy on many of my 215/40R17 options . I will try 205/45R17 next time because they're more available and cheaper and have a higher sidewall. The marginal difference in grip available wont effect me because I don't corner aggressively.

 

I'm thinking of going one lower to 195/55 or 195/50. My old 2 litre Accord had 195's and he was fine. :-)

 

195 are fine for rim widths between 5.5 and 7 inches.

 

Of those 2 195/50 is the best size match. The other is more than 3% taller than the standard tyre (215/45)which some tyre retailers consider possibly unsafe.

Changing tyre size beyond OEM fitment may have insurance implications. Best ask your insurers if they're prepared to continue offering insurance with your chosen changed tyre sizes.