Smaller wheels for V40

[Jambutty]

Hi Everyone, my wife has a V40 with low profile tyres, and we have been replacing tyres at the rate of about 4 a year because of potholes. We also keep having to get the wheels straightened, a complete pain. I was wondering if anyone had made the switch from 17" wheels to 16" or even 15" to get round this problem, and if there are any issues to be aware of before leaping in. Thanks for your help.

Joss

[jack taylor]

Hi jambutty, I think the problem is with the tyres not the wheels. Have you considered a higher profile tyre as the tyre wall has more flexibility and will cope better with a bad road surface. The ride will be more comfortable for your Wife as well.jack.

[HDAV]

Originally Posted by jack taylor

Hi jambutty, I think the problem is with the tyres not the wheels. Have you considered a higher profile tyre as the tyre wall has more flexibility and will cope better with a bad road surface. The ride will be more comfortable for your Wife as well.jack.

Dropping wheel size allows for higher profile tyres to be fitted. Check with a dealer or the accessory options list for your car clearance over brakes is the main issue but most are ok an inch smaller might get smaller again. Also what tyres are you using some are better and dealing with rough surfaces than others
Example
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-V40...oAAOSwtlhWF8nv

I think some cc models had 16” wheels

[kenny]

Just train her to look out for potholes.

[jack taylor]

Hi, should you not want to go to the expense of buying 4 new alloys, I think you can put 55 profile tyres on your 17 inch rims. What profile are you running at the moment

[Tannaton]

I would be cautious of putting larger tyres on the same rims as that will affect acceleration, speedo accuracy and may rub on full lock (MOT fail).

My D3 SE has 16" wheels with 205/55 which I think are a good compromise between sharp handling and comfort. Also substantially cheaper than bigger, lower profile rubber....

[Jambutty]

Originally Posted by kenny

Just train her to look out for potholes.

Nice - except really? Seriously, dark nights, puddles hiding the potholes, I blame Surrey council not her - makes for a happier house.

[Jambutty]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

I would be cautious of putting larger tyres on the same rims as that will affect acceleration, speedo accuracy and may rub on full lock (MOT fail).

My D3 SE has 16" wheels with 205/55 which I think are a good compromise between sharp handling and comfort. Also substantially cheaper than bigger, lower profile rubber....

I'll check about tyres, but I believe you are right - it's change the whole shebang, wheels and tyres. It is running very low profiles, and higher side walls are needed I think. Thanks for the advice.

[jamei305]

What V40 does she have and what wheels/tyres currently?