Wheels/Tyres: Late (1972)1800E - tyres

[VolvoFan]

Has anyone replaced their 185-70-R15 tyres for 185-65-R15? If so, what differences did you notice regarding gearing, speedo & odometer readings, handling at different road speeds and ride comfort - and anything else?

Thanks in advance.

[Derek UK]

185/65/15 are smaller in diameter than the 70 series tyres. This does effect the gearing and speedo readings. Being modern rubber, the ride and handling will be better or as good as the 70 series ones, especially if the 70's are well past there expiry date. The usual change is to the 195/65/15 size. A little more rubber on the road with virtually no change to the gearing and speedo readings. Cost for 185 and 195 should be about the same. 195 may indeed be cheaper. Shop around.

[VolvoFan]

As the 195 tyres are wider, (a) will the steering be heavier at low speed manoeuvring and
(b) will the inner tyre walls foul on the suspension or inner wings on full lock?

[Burdekin]

Originally Posted by VolvoFan

As the 195 tyres are wider, (a) will the steering be heavier at low speed manoeuvring and
(b) will the inner tyre walls foul on the suspension or inner wings on full lock?

You know what I recently changed to 195s from 165s on my 142 and I would swear the steering at low speed is lighter. I know it doesn't make sense. I got the tyres with the very jazzy name: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 and not had any issues. Just did a 1000m round trip to England in wet and dry conditions and no issues. I normally just drive at a leisurely pace but occasionally give it a bit round corners or roundabouts and the tyres stick to the road well.

[Derek UK]

a. Likely no difference. as Mitch says, could be lighter, maybe due to modern low rolling resistance rubber.
b. No.

Amazons and 1800's especially the ES for some reason can be heavy when manoeuvering but all should be reasonably light above walking speeds. Once at 10-15mph steering can be finger light. If not check tyre pressures, 28-32 front to your taste. Also check all of the ball joints for stiffness. Outer lower ones can get a bit stiff.

[volvobysea]

Changed my es tyres to 195/65/15 yokohama nearly 2 years ago and the car seems to drive much better with better road holding and I have not noticed any problems with heavy steering. The speedo will be slightly out but as I had changed my gearbox drive cog for one with different teeth because I could not get an original several years earlier my speedo is now spot on again.
The other advantage is the tyres will be much cheaper.
If you do change to wider tyres make sure you inform your insurance company as mine made a note of this on my policy.

[classicswede]

Originally Posted by Burdekin

You know what I recently changed to 195s from 165s on my 142 and I would swear the steering at low speed is lighter. I know it doesn't make sense. .

I have been saying this for years and the doubters have always insisted the steering would be heavy

[VolvoFan]

Why do you think wider tyres won't make the steering heavier at low speeds?

[VolvoFan]

Can you remember the number of teeth on the speedo drive gear you changed? (I wasn't aware that there were different drive gears for the same car!

[Derek UK]

The rolling diameter difference between 185/70/15 and 195/65/15 is insignificant. There is no need to change the speedo drive gear.