We just got our wheels repainted so I'm more paranoid about 'kerbing' than usual. This got me thinking......

 

If you fitted a wider profile tyre, could you increase the extent to which the tyre 'bulges out' on either side of the rim. So, for example, stock is 235/45/18, say I went for a 245/45/18 or even a 255/40/18. Would I achieve something like below? FYI, both these options would keep the overall circumference within 1.5% of stock.  The aim is basically, to increase the recessing of the rim within the tyre to give more protection from kerbs etc:

 

 

Anyone played with alternative tyre widths?

 

Cheers,

 

iperry

Tyre manufacturers have been playing with that as kind of rim protection. I've found many Dunlop tyres with profile 45 and less have rim protection: "With rim protectors built into the tyre, you’ll enjoy greater protection against curb damage.".

Lots of Vauxhall Insignia's run 245 tyres on 18" alloys so can't see any problem as you observe the same tyre maximum speed and weight rating with a 245/45 choice. Many Octavia Vrs owners have gone for 235/35R19 tyres to replace the original size of 225/35R19 because you get more grip and more choice as more makers offer the wider size.

'Many Octavia Vrs owners have gone for 235/35R19 tyres to replace the original size of 225/35R19 because you get more grip and more choice as more makers offer the wider size.'

 

Thanks! That's really interesting. As it happens, many tyres seem slightly cheaper in 245/45/18 than they are in 235/45/18 too so a double win.

 

Just need to wear the existing tyres out now....

 

iperry

Something to consider is whether Skoda fit the tyre size from stock as insurance companies always ask if any modifications have been done to the car. Changing the tyre size could be considered to be a modification.

I know this is totally pedantic but you know what insurance companies are like.

11 minutes ago, facet edge said:

Something to consider is whether Skoda fit the tyre size from stock as insurance companies always ask if any modifications have been done to the car. Changing the tyre size could be considered to be a modification.

I know this is totally pedantic but you know what insurance companies are like.

Very wise words .... any change from standard spec. could be used to reduce or eliminate claims , best to check it out with insurer and get their agreement in writing .

I'm fairly sure that if changing the width by 10-20mm requires insurance notification then we also need to let them know when we change tyre manufacturer, go from model x to model y, put Mintex pads on instead of Pagid etc etc. 

 

Now, how do I know what tyres I'm supposed to have since Mine came with Bridgestones on and everyone else complains about their Pirellis. 

2 minutes ago, DBT85 said:

I'm fairly sure that if changing the width by 10-20mm requires insurance notification then we also need to let them know when we change tyre manufacturer, go from model x to model y, put Mintex pads on instead of Pagid etc etc. 

 

Now, how do I know what tyres I'm supposed to have since Mine came with Bridgestones on and everyone else complains about their Pirellis. 

Thought most 280 Superbs came with Pirelli P7 but might be wrong.

2 minutes ago, shyVRS245 said:

Thought most 280 Superbs came with Pirelli P7 but might be wrong.

So did I till mine came off after fitting 225/40/19 Conti TS860S Winters. The tyres on mine were Bridgestone 235/40/19. RE001's I think but I can't remember off the top of my head.

Edited 7 January, 20197 yr by DBT85

5 minutes ago, DBT85 said:

I'm fairly sure that if changing the width by 10-20mm requires insurance notification then we also need to let them know when we change tyre manufacturer, go from model x to model y, put Mintex pads on instead of Pagid etc etc. 

 

Now, how do I know what tyres I'm supposed to have since Mine came with Bridgestones on and everyone else complains about their Pirellis. 

Got Bridgestones as well but if I decided I was better informed than the Vehicle Manufacturer with regard to tyre size I'd still check it out with insurer ... which would probably be accepted with no issues.   As regards tyre make ... I believe the Vehicle Manufacturers only fit premium brands and as long as they are replaced by the correct size there is no issue .   Just my opinion  

Some good info on rim protection  here:

https://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-article/tyre-rim-protector

A few here (in Oz) r looking to, or have replaced their 235/40/19s with 245/40/19s because its cheaper (more common with other manufacturers) and easier to find.

Many not happy with the Pirelli P7s that come with the 19s here in Oz.

@iperry : Switching from 235/45/18 to 245/45/18 still complies with Manufacturers specs and tolerances, but 255/45/18 don't. You should then have 255/40/18. But lowering the profile doesn't really match with "avoiding kerbs", I think. 

Besides, the lower the profile is, the stiffer it gets. This then means... hard to 'bulge out'.

Finally I think there could be another risk with 255: The larger the tyre gets (with stiff profiles), the more the rolling path may get 'concave' (a bit exaggereted), and then the more you lose grip, I assume. 

13 hours ago, Boxerdog1 said:

Got Bridgestones as well but if I decided I was better informed than the Vehicle Manufacturer with regard to tyre size I'd still check it out with insurer ... which would probably be accepted with no issues.   As regards tyre make ... I believe the Vehicle Manufacturers only fit premium brands and as long as they are replaced by the correct size there is no issue .   Just my opinion  

 

I do love the English language. A sentence can look nice and happy but be dripping with subtext 

me too replaced stock

215/55r17

to

225/55r17, next will be the same, bigger size