wider wheels?

[mark2410]

just thinking bout changes i might want to make and one is to put wider wheels on the v50. At the momment i think its got the 17 inch, 205mm wide Zartak? alloys.

not really wanting larger rims, tbh i think id prefer to go down it 16 inch to give more sidewall depth to give better pothole comfort.

but i would like wider wheels to gove more surface contact for better grip and make me less likely to fall into a pothole in the first place.

What sizes can the v50 take without there causing any issues, is there a guide somewhere perhaps?

[lockstock]

Originally Posted by mark2410

just thinking bout changes i might want to make and one is to put wider wheels on the v50. At the momment i think its got the 17 inch, 205mm wide Zartak? alloys.

not really wanting larger rims, tbh i think id prefer to go down it 16 inch to give more sidewall depth to give better pothole comfort.

but i would like wider wheels to gove more surface contact for better grip and make me less likely to fall into a pothole in the first place.

What sizes can the v50 take without there causing any issues, is there a guide somewhere perhaps?

tyre size calculator. google it. put in your current wheel and tyre. you can then try other wheel rim and tyre combinations that have a rolling circumference within 2% of your current one. thats it. As for sliding into pot holes, no idea how you are driving. save the money on the wheels and just splurge on some Michelin pilots. you wont regret it. wide tyres are more about getting power down. less about cornering grip. in fact, wider tyres with a thicker sidewall will give worse handling and road holding, but a little more comfort.

[mark2410]

so isnt there any concern about finding a wheel that will physicaly fit into the wheel well?

[Kev0607]

205/55/16 is the recommended size for 16" alloys. 205/50 is the recommended size for 17" alloys (As per Volvo).

Therefore, the recommended tyre size according to Volvo for a 16" set of alloys on a V50 isn't any wider than what you already have, but 16" alloys with the recommended tyres (205/55/16's) to match will give you more of a sidewall than you have now (205/50/17's, presumably?). The only thing that will be different is the bigger sidewall on the 16's, as opposed to the 17's - There's no difference in width, but you'll have more of a cushion from bumps so to speak.

If you do change your rim size & choose to go down the aftermarket route to purchase alloys, then make sure that the offset is 52.5 mm for both 16" & 17" alloys - The wrong offset can cause issues. If buying used/genuine options that were fitted to Volvo originally, check that the offset is also 52.5 mm (Stamped on the inside of the alloy itself). So for example, 16" alloys will need to be stamped with 6.5x16 ET 52.5, 17" will say 7x17" ET 52.5. Don't just buy the first ones you see, make sure they're the correct offset & correct size.

I wouldn't sway away from what's recommended by the manufacturer to be honest. Wider tyres can have a tendency to aquaplane more on standing water & can increase fuel consumption too as an example. Its a V50, not a sports car. I can't see how wider tyres will benefit you to be honest... You seem to want comfort & 16" or 17" wheels with what Volvo recommend as standard are comfortable.

Also, you should be avoiding potholes where possible, not driving into them? A wider wheel isn't going to help you dodge them as such? Its down to you to avoid them where possible, although, its not always possible I admit. Keep hitting potholes & you'll buckle your alloys, ruin your tyres and/or damage suspension parts. No tyre as such is going to be comfortable over potholes - They aren't designed for that. Different tyre sizes (16" or 17", as opposed to say 18" or 19") will offer your more comfort over small road imperfections though.

[lockstock]

Originally Posted by mark2410

so isnt there any concern about finding a wheel that will physicaly fit into the wheel well?

This is painful. Maybe you are trolling... You said you want to go for a smaller wheel... The wheel width could cause an issue if you don't get the appropriate offset. Anyway. Just buy some michelin Pilots.