Increase from 17 inch to 18 inch wheels - comfort difference

JGEM · Dec 5th, 2017, 08:11

I will need some new tyres next year and saw an advert for a set of near new XC60 wheels and tyres with only 3000km on them. The wheels are 18 inch with 235/60 R18 tyres (Coninental Conti Eco contact)

Currently I am running 17 inch wheels with the Volvo Original fitment Michelin 235/65 R17 tyres

I went onto a tyre comparison website and discovered that the main diffrence between the 2 tyres is about 7% less sidewall depth on the 18 inch tyres.

Will there be a noticeable drop in cushioning / comfort if I change from 17 to 18 inch wheels / tyres? I dont drive to the limit of my tyres so as long as they stick to the road I'm not too interested in performance, comfort is a concern though.

Rex65 · Dec 5th, 2017, 18:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by JGEM

Will there be a noticeable drop in cushioning / comfort if I change from 17 to 18 inch wheels / tyres?

Yes, you will notice the difference.
I've gone from 17's to 18's and can tell at every single bump in the road - they do look good though!
17's are the perfect compromise in my opinion (which won't be everyone's I'm sure)

Crockers · Dec 5th, 2017, 18:33

When I had my V60 it was on 18" wheels. I fitted 17" winter wheels and tyres. A much more comfy ride.
I find my XC60 on 18" fine.

Why not do an Arianne and go for 21" wheels then moan about noise etc. Lol

wimorrison · Dec 5th, 2017, 18:56

I swap between 17” winter and 18” summer and have to say that I find the car handling much better with the 18” as I find the 17” too soft and ‘wallowy’ - I know some of this is down to the type of tyre, but not as much as the difference.

I suggest that the reason 18” is the standard size is because it offers handling coupled with comfort.

AndyJudge · Dec 6th, 2017, 08:02

I've got 18's on my XC60 & no way would I class the tyre as low profile.

I'd go for it, give them a try & If you don't like sell them on again.

Chief inspector · Dec 8th, 2017, 21:30

Ive 18’s and the R design chassis and its still like a mattress. Make sure you get the right profile of tyres and its fine.

I had an Alfa 159 on 16’s, swapped it for the Ti on lower springs and 19’s, it actually rode better and didn’t ground out as much.

Doesn’t always make sense!

Dec 5th, 2017, 08:11	#1
JGEM Senior Member Last Online: Today 10:13 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Christchurch NZ	Increase from 17 inch to 18 inch wheels - comfort difference I will need some new tyres next year and saw an advert for a set of near new XC60 wheels and tyres with only 3000km on them. The wheels are 18 inch with 235/60 R18 tyres (Coninental Conti Eco contact) Currently I am running 17 inch wheels with the Volvo Original fitment Michelin 235/65 R17 tyres I went onto a tyre comparison website and discovered that the main diffrence between the 2 tyres is about 7% less sidewall depth on the 18 inch tyres. Will there be a noticeable drop in cushioning / comfort if I change from 17 to 18 inch wheels / tyres? I dont drive to the limit of my tyres so as long as they stick to the road I'm not too interested in performance, comfort is a concern though. __________________ John 2014 XC60 D5 AWD Previous: 1994 940GL wagon, 2008 S80 3.2 AWD, 2004 V50 2.4, 2009 XC60 D5 AWD

Dec 5th, 2017, 18:33	#3
Crockers Premier Member Last Online: Feb 22nd, 2024 06:49 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: North Wilts	When I had my V60 it was on 18" wheels. I fitted 17" winter wheels and tyres. A much more comfy ride. I find my XC60 on 18" fine. Why not do an Arianne and go for 21" wheels then moan about noise etc. Lol __________________ XC60 Inscription Pro T5. Mussel Blue with blonde. Xenium, intellisafe pro, towbar, 4 zone , polestar, body styling pack. Apple car play.Tinted windows NOW SOLD

Dec 5th, 2017, 18:56	#4
wimorrison Grumpy Old Sod Last Online: Dec 14th, 2021 15:39 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Hampshire, nee Scotland	I swap between 17” winter and 18” summer and have to say that I find the car handling much better with the 18” as I find the 17” too soft and ‘wallowy’ - I know some of this is down to the type of tyre, but not as much as the difference. I suggest that the reason 18” is the standard size is because it offers handling coupled with comfort. __________________ Currently XC60 Previously XC60, V70, S40, ...

Dec 6th, 2017, 08:02	#5
AndyJudge Premier Member Last Online: Feb 18th, 2024 17:40 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Hebburn	I've got 18's on my XC60 & no way would I class the tyre as low profile. I'd go for it, give them a try & If you don't like sell them on again. __________________ Current 2015 XC60 D5 AWD - Caspian Blue Previous 2012 XC60 D5 AWD - Seashell Metallic Previous 2005 S60 D5 Geartronic - Gunmetal Previous 2001 C70 T5 GT Auto Convertible - Saffron Previous 1999 S40 XS - Silver

Dec 8th, 2017, 21:30	#6
Chief inspector Master Member Last Online: Mar 11th, 2022 08:02 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Global Village	Ive 18’s and the R design chassis and its still like a mattress. Make sure you get the right profile of tyres and its fine. I had an Alfa 159 on 16’s, swapped it for the Ti on lower springs and 19’s, it actually rode better and didn’t ground out as much. Doesn’t always make sense! __________________ 2018 V90 Momentum Pro

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