S80 Tyre size quandary

[green van man]

I changed the discovery tyres from 205/75/16 to defender 235/85/16 which is a standard defender size. As it was a standard landrover size even though not on my model my insurance company were happy to accept it as a non modification. Similarly I run heavy duty springs which give a 20mm lift, again they accepted those as a non modification.

Had I fitted 33 inch tyres or a 2 inch lift kit both would be modifications and attract a premium hike.

With insuranice companies it's fine untill they face a pay out then it's any excuse. I found that out when my 460 was written off by an oncoming driver and I was the 3rd car he hit. The offered payout was derisory and it wasn't even my insurers money. Eventually haggled them to top book but from the inspectors report I did not recognise my own car the number of things in his opinion marked it down. Fortunately I had the evidence to argue or would of been further out of pocket.

Paul.

[Sotosound]

Keep your good lady safe in all ways.

I would swallow the cost without hesitation and ensure that you have correct size tyres all round, and preferably all the same brand and type.

I'm guessing that in your heart of hearts you know this already but that you're unhappy about the cost of having to do so.

Follow your better instincts on this. The previous owner obviously didn't. Instead, they dumped the problem on you.

[Kev0607]

My 2007 S80 has 235/40/R18's all around. I know these are low profile tyres, but the previous owner put alloys on the car & I bought the vehicle with them on. I have noticed that these tyres do seem to tramline, which is a tad annoying if I'm being honest.

Would putting 235/45/R18's all around make a difference in terms of more comfort/reduced tramlining, or are these still a low profile tyre too? Does anyone know what's the biggest size tyre I can put on my existing 18" wheels without having to change the alloys to 17" ones & fitting tyres to match?

Cheers

[Kev0607]

Any comments to the above post are appreciated.

[AndyV7o]

If you read through the thread it should provide insight!
Fit tyres that are listed for your vehicle with your size wheels. Look on fuel filler, theyre usually listed there. If your S80 is same as thread originator, then your tyre size should be 245/40.
All tyres 70 profile and below are low profile.
Again, pretty much all the info you need is in this thread 👍

[alanoconnor]

It is confusing though. My 2005 S60 T5 was running 17 inch Orpheus alloys with 225/45/ZR17 tyres on it. 2007 to 2012 I think there was an option of 18 inch Eudora alloys - on the P2. I bought some and run 235/40/18s which rub like Hell on full lock...and was told VOSA are ok with it. Kwik Fit advised me to run 225 width tyres. Volvo checked an S60 with Eudoras I know of through the registration plate and said 235/40/18 tyres are the ones I need...but they catch like a nightmare and I have to turn extremely slowly on full lock.

[Billggski]

(VOSA closed five years ago, replaced by DVSA)
There seem to be several overlapping considerations, legality, manufacturers' specifications, upgrades, insurance worries, and availability.
I know some continental motorhomes that have odd spec tyres that are now unavailable, and others where the weight has been increased, the V5 altered and tyres changed.

[AndyV7o]

Yes.
Suitability and legality are paramount.
After that any variation from what the manufacturer fits to the vehicle is an insurance issue. The insurer may or may not give a fluff but they want to be informed/consulted.

Thats it basically in a nutshell.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by AndyV7o

If you read through the thread it should provide insight!
Fit tyres that are listed for your vehicle with your size wheels. Look on fuel filler, theyre usually listed there. If your S80 is same as thread originator, then your tyre size should be 245/40.
All tyres 70 profile and below are low profile.
Again, pretty much all the info you need is in this thread 👍

I had a look on the plaque inside the driver's door & it says 245/40/R18's are the tyres listed for the vehicle, just like the original poster of this thread. I have 235/40/R18's all around currently. Will the extra width in the recommended 245 tyre make much of a difference to what I have on currently in terms of driving experience? It'll be a wider tyre I know, but will it make the ride any more comfortable, considering the aspect ratio is the same (40%) on what's on the car now & the recommended tyre size?

[AndyV7o]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

I had a look on the plaque inside the driver's door & it says 245/40/R18's are the tyres listed for the vehicle, just like the original poster of this thread. I have 235/40/R18's all around currently. Will the extra width in the recommended 245 tyre make much of a difference to what I have on currently in terms of driving experience? It'll be a wider tyre I know, but will it make the ride any more comfortable, considering the aspect ratio is the same (40%) on what's on the car now & the recommended tyre size?

245/40 are 10mm wider and the sidewall a little taller, thus there is a small amount more air volume which may dampen the road and provide extra comfort, to a small degree.
Likewise there would be a slight increase in roadholding, and the speedo will read closer to what the actual speed is.