The Fabia was available with 13" wheels in some Eastern European countries such as Poland, at least for the smaller petrol engined models up to 1.4 litre.

 

5Jx13 ET35 5x100 57.1

 

This size rim would have been fitted with 175/70R13 tyres.

 

Here in Western Europe 14" wheels were the minimum, with 185/60R14 tyres often being fitted to the Fabia.

 

Alcar 3560

 

https://www.oponeo.pl

 

175/70R13 tyres have advantages over 185/60R14 tyres such as more comfort, more mpg, less unsprung weight. Both tyre sizes are cheap with top quality brands being available from £32 each.

175/70/13 are better in the snow as well.

They might be better in snow if the narrow tyres are the appropriate ones, but if just working on the theory that narrower cuts through the snow then just as rubbish if summer tyres and narrow.

Then on hard packed snow, that can also apply.  Appropriate 175/70 R13 required, not just any £32 tyre.

 

Wider Winter or Snow tyres can work better than narrower Winter or Snow tyres, and the same can be true with Wet Weather tyres.

But then horses for courses.

All 3 cars had Winter tyres and all 3 were autos. 

The picanto most able in snow, but then little ground clearence in roads not ploughed.

 

 

Edited 14 October, 20196 yr by Roottootemoot

"at least for the smaller petrol engined models up to 1.4 litre."

 

Only ones with 239mm discs and FSII calipers, I think - 1.0 engines, some but not all 1.2-engined cars, and some but not all 1.4MPIs with AZE/AZF engine codes; as far as I can see.

 

Won't find many takers in this country, especially among men owners. Seems that most feel that virility is closely connected to wheel diameter of their cars.

 

 

Edited 14 October, 20196 yr by Wino

The Euro look on a Fabia really never hit it like it has with VW Polo and the likes.

But then Banded 13's is OT in this thread.

 

Stretched A/T's not the best of looks...

Edited 14 October, 20196 yr by Roottootemoot

3 hours ago, Roottootemoot said:

They might be better in snow if the narrow tyres are the appropriate ones, but if just working on the theory that narrower cuts through the snow then just as rubbish if summer tyres and narrow.

 

Narrower tyres increase traction, it's not a theory, it's a fact.

Narrower tyres are less prone to aquaplaning as well so they're always better in slippery conditions.

Narrower tyres don't look very good or corner very well though.

Yes, a fact that suits the use.

 

Cornering is quite important, and as for aquaplaning yes narrower works, slowing down does as well. 

No traction no action, or no safe actions,

and then narrower in the rain has to be balanced with when it will not be raining, just like when there is no snow, 

or frosts or ice.

 

If you are on a glacier it will be wide low pressure floatation tyres, same on soft ground and actually i have 265 wide Crossclimates on this year but then on a heavier 4x4.

Not so many farmers have SAT's on Land Rovers anymore, but then those that do know their ground and what works.

 

Actually on Brighton Beach i would go wider tyres than narrower, just because. 

 

We will be getting told no doubt about Rally cars and narrower Snow / Gravel tyres or studded ones, 

but then thats another story.

 

Horses for courses.

Its going to be just what people use their cars for.

 

 

 

Edited 14 October, 20196 yr by Roottootemoot