V70 Wheels/Tyres: 18" v 17" tyres

[100K+]

As we have a forecast for snow, I have swapped over my 18" summer wheels for 17" winter tyres, and I had forgotten how much more compliant the ride is. Yes I understand the reasons why, but people often ask how much different the ride quality is. I knew 17" was better, I'd just forgotten by how much.
Additionally, the tyres no longer rub on full lock as they did on 18" tyres.

So now I'm looking forward to the snow, so I can go play with the Landies...

Cheers
Bob

[old onions]

I just swapped my 225/45 x 17 alloys for my winter tyres which are 205/55 x 16 on steel rims. I also find the difference very marked and am amazed every time I do it.

[Brendan W]

I've just swapped my alloy 205/55/16 summer tyres for 195/65/15 steelie winter tyres and am always amazed at the improvement in handling and comfort ........

[Theeggman]

I haven't thought about swapping my wheels etc. From I've read / heard on this thead why bother?

[mentepazza]

Just swapped from 17” to 15”. It’s impressive the comfort you get out off the 15” alloy.

[myfirstv70]

Originally Posted by Brendan W

I've just swapped my alloy 205/55/16 summer tyres for 195/65/15 steelie winter tyres and am always amazed at the improvement in handling and comfort ........

I've done the same a month ago and now enjoy the 'magic carpet' ride experience! Last night I was driving in appalling conditions; 1 degree, rain, sleet, standing water, dark - basically about as grotty as it gets. To my surprise a driver of a Fiat 500 was oblivious to me and changed lanes into mine while I was next to her....it was full stomp on the brakes, ABS pumping away and I'm convinced if I were on summer tyres I would be filling in an accident claims form now. Many folks in the UK haven't tried winter tyres and the difference is night and day; it's difficult to believe a change of compound and pattern can influence driving safety so much. If nothing else your nice alloys will stay looking nice for a lot longer!....It occurred to me after my near collision that only minor damage ie a wing and a headlight would probably have 'Black Thunder' as we call her (tongue very much in cheek!) written off. For me, that would be a disaster.....Can you love your car too much - you're right - I need help!

[Georgeandkira]

Theeggman said, "I haven't thought about swapping my wheels etc. From I've read / heard on this thead why bother?"

a) You must've thought about it because you've read about it.
b) You simply must show me (us) where Winter tires result in any manner of worthless or insignificant improvement.

In wet, colder or snowy conditions the difference between Winter tires and "All-Season" or "Summer radials" is night and day.

It's time to put mine on as we had our freak "early snow" and the S-word has been used in forecasts regularly since.

Seriously Eggman, don't crack up (get it?). Driving on Winter tires is smart and effective.

[myfirstv70]

Originally Posted by Theeggman

I haven't thought about swapping my wheels etc. From I've read / heard on this thead why bother?

Seriously, if you haven't ever tried them give them a go - get a drive in something that has them fitted....In the wet they drive more or less like summer tyres do in the dry but don't take my word for it. In the snow its zero drama unless you drive like a muppet.
Cheers,
Nobby

[100K+]

Originally Posted by Theeggman

I haven't thought about swapping my wheels etc. From I've read / heard on this thead why bother?

....cos you can go play with the Landies

Bob

[2.4TSE]

My wife's C30 T5 runs on 225 (not the original 215) / 45 x 18 Dunlop SPtyres on the original alloy wheels for most of the year but 205 / 55 x 16 steel wheels with Nokian WR G2 tyres in the winter.

With their taller sidewall I don't like the damping float that the Nokians give at speed on undulating roads and they are certainly noisier than the Dunlops, but there is no denying that the comfort factor is in a different league - as is the amount of grip, even in the dry, when temperatures are a couple of degrees above freezing, or less.

Then there's grip on low friction surfaces. My wife and I left a hotel last winter in the morning of the first Warwickshire snowfall. The car par was blocked by a VW Passat 4motion spinning all four wheels on a gentle rise of a road with snow compacted almost to ice. In second gear with a gentle throttle, the C30 drove through 4 or 5 inches of powder snow to make a new way out of the car park and then up to, and straight past the Passat on the same slippery surface. Not even a wink of traction control light. In this circumstance at least, winter tyres and a free diff easily trumped summer tyres and Haldex clutches.