As the title suggests really, looking to see if it's worth going to 17" wheels on the MK3 VRS since the roads here in the UK are like the grand canyon and can really feel everything on 18's.

Also will 17 for on these ?

Hi there!

 

I haven't taken the plunge but have been tempted on numerous occasions to go down from my 18 geminis to 17s but I would go the OEM route. 

 

OEM 17" VRS Alloys

 

There is a saving to be had in terms of comfort levels, tyre replacement and a far less likely chance of curbing them. What holds me back is going to the trouble! 

That's exactly the same factors I am considering to change though I think the OEM ones look a bit dull for this car lol hence why I'm looking at aftermarket ones which can be of very good quality or some VW Golf ones.

Seems your car is a mk2 so is it possible your shocks need replacing?

 

Mines the MK3 2015. I also was thinking maybe the shocks perhaps ? They've never been changed or the springs maybe even the bushes.

Doubt it's the springs. They don't tend to be that far gone and not be in bits.

More likely to be the shocks and some bushes. Definitely worth putting money into those before spending on wheels.

Also unclear on the width of those wheels?

They're 225/40/18 92Y. I suspected maybe bushings and lower arm bushes so will prob look into this. Also if I remap it then the 18 would be better as 17 may wheelspin more?

1 hour ago, seneca009 said:

They're 225/40/18 92Y. I suspected maybe bushings and lower arm bushes so will prob look into this. Also if I remap it then the 18 would be better as 17 may wheelspin more?

 

Why would a 225/45R17 have less traction than a 225/40R18 during acceleration or braking?

 

In case you thought the contact area of 225/40R18 is more, you would be wrong.

 

225/45R17 has about 10% more contact area with the road than 225/40R18, because the standard load index of 225/45R17 is 91 (615kg), whereas the standard load index of 225/40R18 is 88 (560kg). This means that the tyre pressure of 225/40R18 needs to be higher than 225/45R17 which reduces the contact area that the tyre's tread has with the road.

 

However, the amount of grip has more to do with the suitability of the tyre for the conditions. An UHP summer tyre will take much longer to stop (and accelerate) in cold winter conditions below about 7 degrees Centigrade as a good all-season tyre.

 

Edited 18 January, 20233 yr by Carlston

10 hours ago, seneca009 said:

Mines the MK3 2015. I also was thinking maybe the shocks perhaps ? They've never been changed or the springs maybe even the bushes.

You might want to update your profile from year 2009 to 2015.