Tyre size help

x DTR x · Jun 2nd, 2014, 20:08

Hi all,

I want to change my 18" Medusa wheels for a 17" wheel so i can maybe put a bigger tyre profile on to give me a better ride and a bit more cushion on the crappy roads i have to commute on every day! I am a bit confused with the sizing but basically i would like to achieve the same diameter that i have with the 18's i am using. I hope that makes sense and any advice would be great.

Many thanks

Hadrian · Jun 2nd, 2014, 20:52

If you are running OE spec tyres on the Medusa's (215/45/R18) you need to be looking at 215/50/R17 to get a similar circumference, this works out at around 4mm difference or 0.6% so your speedo will still read correctly. I know what you mean about the V50 on 18's on the less than perfect UK roads....

x DTR x · Jun 2nd, 2014, 22:04

Thanks Hadrian, my commute to work is mainly on country lanes and they are pretty atrocious where i am and i have wrecked 3 tyres in the winter and have a slow puncture in a decent Michelin now! Iv'e been thinking of these which seem quite reasonable http://www.alloywheels.com/7.5x17_In...oy_Wheels_Only

Thanks again

x DTR x · Jun 3rd, 2014, 07:02

Would i be able to run 225/50/R17 ??

Welton · Jun 3rd, 2014, 07:28

As far as your insurers will look at this; you can only run tyre sizes that were tested and approved by Volvo. In your case 17" rims will need the standard 205/50 R17.

To be honest I run the 17" size on the 'Dynamic Chassis' and the ride is horrible over bumps, very hard and I cringe over some of them. I've never actually damaged the tyres or rims but am very careful.

16" with squishy side walls are the best for UK use but the styling and cornering feel is a bit naff so there's choices to be made as to what's more important.

x DTR x · Jun 3rd, 2014, 16:40

Thanks welton, i didn't want to drop down too many sizes as want to keep the sporty look! Iv'e gone for these ones http://www.wheelbasealloys.com/alloy...lished/17-inch with 215/50/17 tyres and works out at only 4mm smaller in total diameter!

Thanks again

x DTR x · Jun 8th, 2014, 19:59

IMAG0010_1.jpg

I have got them on now (hopefully picture showing) and just wondering what people think? I don't think they look bad but will take a bit of getting used to i after running on 18's for so long!

Jun 2nd, 2014, 20:08	#1
x DTR x Premier Member Last Online: Dec 19th, 2021 22:22 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Horsham	Tyre size help Hi all, I want to change my 18" Medusa wheels for a 17" wheel so i can maybe put a bigger tyre profile on to give me a better ride and a bit more cushion on the crappy roads i have to commute on every day! I am a bit confused with the sizing but basically i would like to achieve the same diameter that i have with the 18's i am using. I hope that makes sense and any advice would be great. Many thanks __________________ 2005 V50 2.0 SE Sport 1999 S40 1.8 Gdi 1993 460 1.7 LX

Jun 2nd, 2014, 22:04	#3
x DTR x Premier Member Last Online: Dec 19th, 2021 22:22 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Horsham	Thanks Hadrian, my commute to work is mainly on country lanes and they are pretty atrocious where i am and i have wrecked 3 tyres in the winter and have a slow puncture in a decent Michelin now! Iv'e been thinking of these which seem quite reasonable http://www.alloywheels.com/7.5x17_In...oy_Wheels_Only Thanks again __________________ 2005 V50 2.0 SE Sport 1999 S40 1.8 Gdi 1993 460 1.7 LX

Jun 3rd, 2014, 07:02	#4
x DTR x Premier Member Last Online: Dec 19th, 2021 22:22 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Horsham	Would i be able to run 225/50/R17 ?? __________________ 2005 V50 2.0 SE Sport 1999 S40 1.8 Gdi 1993 460 1.7 LX

Jun 3rd, 2014, 07:28	#5
Welton Premier Member Last Online: Sep 14th, 2021 17:03 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Market Harborough	As far as your insurers will look at this; you can only run tyre sizes that were tested and approved by Volvo. In your case 17" rims will need the standard 205/50 R17. To be honest I run the 17" size on the 'Dynamic Chassis' and the ride is horrible over bumps, very hard and I cringe over some of them. I've never actually damaged the tyres or rims but am very careful. 16" with squishy side walls are the best for UK use but the styling and cornering feel is a bit naff so there's choices to be made as to what's more important. __________________ 2005 S40 T5 SE - Manual. Bilstein B4's. (For Sale) 2010 Citroen C4 1.6 HDi (bizarre Gearbox model). 2010 Renault Twingo (refreshingly simple) 2018 Infiniti Q30 1.6T Business Executive (what's this button do?)

Jun 3rd, 2014, 16:40	#6
x DTR x Premier Member Last Online: Dec 19th, 2021 22:22 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Horsham	Thanks welton, i didn't want to drop down too many sizes as want to keep the sporty look! Iv'e gone for these ones http://www.wheelbasealloys.com/alloy...lished/17-inch with 215/50/17 tyres and works out at only 4mm smaller in total diameter! Thanks again __________________ 2005 V50 2.0 SE Sport 1999 S40 1.8 Gdi 1993 460 1.7 LX

Jun 2nd, 2014, 20:52	#2
Hadrian Member Last Online: May 19th, 2023 21:48 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: West Yorkshire	If you are running OE spec tyres on the Medusa's (215/45/R18) you need to be looking at 215/50/R17 to get a similar circumference, this works out at around 4mm difference or 0.6% so your speedo will still read correctly. I know what you mean about the V50 on 18's on the less than perfect UK roads....

Jun 8th, 2014, 19:59	#7
x DTR x Premier Member Last Online: Dec 19th, 2021 22:22 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Horsham	IMAG0010_1.jpg I have got them on now (hopefully picture showing) and just wondering what people think? I don't think they look bad but will take a bit of getting used to i after running on 18's for so long! __________________ 2005 V50 2.0 SE Sport 1999 S40 1.8 Gdi 1993 460 1.7 LX

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