I am about to buy a set of four steel rims and four winter tyres and I just wanted to check I am thinking right about the equivalents and that these will fit.

 

The summer tyres are 205/55R17 sitting on 17" alloys. I am planning to get 16" rims and mount 205/60R16 winter tyres. By my calculations, this will yield a circumference 0.8% smaller than the summer tyres, so should be perfectly fine as a substitute for 17" rims and tyres. I'll be saving 35-40% compared to buying 17" wheels, or an even larger saving if I were to look at Skoda rims.

 

If I missed anything in my thinking, please let me know.

 

(Obviously I am making sure to get the right bolt pattern etc.)

Edited 23 December, 20241 yr by beneix

Yes, that is correct size for fitting 16 inch rims.

Why not just stay with the original size of tyres and wheels and keep everything standard at 205-55-17 you have plenty of tyre wall. I had an insurance query last year because my smaller wheels for winter tyres were considered a modification?

15 minutes ago, David Heavey said:

Why not just stay with the original size of tyres and wheels and keep everything standard

In France at least, the selection of 16" rims and tyres is vastly greater and cheaper than that of 17". That's my only reason, but it means a saving of at least €450/£375.

But the summer tyres could just be removed and All Season tyres fitted to the 17" rims and no need to buy 16" wheels & tyres. 

50 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

But the summer tyres could just be removed and All Season tyres fitted to the 17" rims and no need to buy 16" wheels & tyres. 

I realise that. 17" winter tyres are 50% more expensive than the same tyres in 16", and then the twice-annual re-fitting cost comes on top of that.

@beneix The point of the All-Seasons is fit and leave on all year.

But then maybe your hot summers and tyre shredding track days are too much for them. 

 

I have 16" & 17" Alloys with different All Seasons fitted.

Ones for the Summer & ones for Winter and when there might be snow. 

Edited 29 December, 20241 yr by Ootohere

@Ootohere In the Alps,I really need proper winter tyres and all-season ones are not enough.