Increasing tyre profile from 50 to 55?

[jcwacky]

I'm in need of 4 new tyres on my 2001 S40. I don't feel I need a separate set of winter tyres, so the new Michelin CrossClimates seemed a great choice. However, I've discovered that they don't do them in 205/50 R16.

Would I be able to get away with 205/55 R16? Or is that a silly idea?

I've got 16" Ares alloys.

[skyship007]

Originally Posted by jcwacky

I'm in need of 4 new tyres on my 2001 S40. I don't feel I need a separate set of winter tyres, so the new Michelin CrossClimates seemed a great choice. However, I've discovered that they don't do them in 205/50 R16.

Would I be able to get away with 205/55 R16? Or is that a silly idea?

I've got 16" Ares alloys.

If you look in your owners handbook it will list the 16 inch options and it's a real good idea to stick to the list. Mich make real good tyres, but if they do not list the OEM spec, try a top of the range Goodyear all weather tyre (I think it's a Vector), otherwise you will need to contact your insurer about using non standard tyre sizes. They might not agree as it causes speedo errors and sometimes effects the basic handling. In a real silly case it can even upset the ABS causing an ABS fail warning light.

[ww1dm1]

From what I've read online, 205/55/R16 will cause some rubbing on full lock in the front and hitting the wheel arches on bumps in the back.

Originally Posted by skyship007

In a real silly case it can even upset the ABS causing an ABS fail warning light.

Why would the ABS sensor care?

[baggy798]

205/55 will be fine if it clears the fenders.

Originally Posted by skyship007

...otherwise you will need to contact your insurer about using non standard tyre sizes.

No you don't.

They might not agree as it causes speedo errors and sometimes effects the basic handling.

Seeing as speedos typically under read 2-3 mph, 205/55's could actually increase the accuracy. Handling differences won't be noticeable.

In a real silly case it can even upset the ABS causing an ABS fail warning light.

No it can't.

[jcwacky]

Originally Posted by baggy798

205/55 will be fine if it clears the fenders.

I've since come across some posts from others saying they've gone up to 205/55, but it seems there is a risk of them rubbing. What's the best way to work out if they will catch or not? (Without fitting them!)

Current rear:


Perhaps I should just get a set of 205/50 R16 Uniroyal RainSport 3 to be safe...

[Spetsnaz GSh]

Get RainSport 3 in the correct size.

Michelin Winter tyres aren't really fantastic and moneywise, the Uniroyals are much better value!

[jcwacky]

Thanks all. I've been persuaded not to change size, so have just ordered some RainSport 3's from Camskill.

[v40alex]

Load rating is the only UK legal requirement - it must be equivalent or greater than factory fit when replacing a tyre.

Everything you need to know about replacing tyres from the British Tyre Manufacturers Association - http://www.btmauk.com/wp-content/upl...nformation.pdf, they do advise that you contact your insurance company when fitting non-recommended tyre sizes, otherwise the insurance company can invalidate your policy. Apparently it's acceptable to be within 3% of the original circumference and I know it's really unlikely when dealing with a £500-1000 car that they will look too deeply (you know they would find any excuse for a £50K supercar), but the assessor can easily pick up on these things, the size of the tyre is right there on the sidewall for all to see.

ABS could potentially be affected - if the circumference of the wheel is very different and not programmed to the car, this will give incorrect sensor readings as it will think the tyre is travelling at a different speed than it actually is.

[Darlo 1]

They will not rub nor will you die in a fireball of death, fit em and be done with it.

[V40Vinnie]

I run 205/55R16 91 V all round on my 2002 V40 no issues speed is exact at 70mph