Advise on Tyre Size Selection

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

I have recently got my hands on a set of Volans for my V90 and will also be using them for my 940 (with the appropriate spacers).

Both these cars use tyre size 205/55 x 16.

SO, what is the acceptable tyre size to use with the Volan.
The wheel is a 17" (7x17 or 7J?).
For obvious reasons I cant use 205/55 as the wheel will be bigger than that for the 16" wheel.
But I would like to keep a higher sidewall for comfort reasons.

What is the acceptable tyre size for these wheels?
205/50 ?
215/45 ?
215/50 ?
225/45 ?

Or can one get a calibrated speedo somewhere?

Thanks for help on this..

Des. . .

[Andy_Gibson]

you can use either 205/50/17 or 215/45/17

if you want to keep comfort then stick to 205/50/17's

[imac]

I'd go with 215/45 17

205/50 17 is an option, and indeed would be more forgiving on todays roads, but the Volans really suite a low-pro tyre.

[Engineer]

The 215/45 will keep you under on your speedo by a milli % the 205/50 just over by a milli % all things being equal going by your quoted original fitment, either way buy a decent tyre not a budget one The 205 may be cheaper and it will do the buisness if a decent make, plus will have less rolling resistance lol........maybe?

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Would any go for 225/45 or would that be stretching a good thing a bit too far?
It may be a bit tight a fit as the wheel is pretty close to the strut..

Attached some samples...

Des. . .

[Engineer]

Originally Posted by CTCNetwork

Hi,

Would any go for 225/45 or would that be stretching a good thing a bit too far?
It may be a bit tight a fit as the wheel is pretty close to the strut..

Attached some samples...

Des. . .

Is this a size thing lol...or performance/comfort thing? A 35 AR would suit better with the 225 IMHO

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Originally Posted by Engineer

Is this a size thing lol...or performance/comfort thing?

Well not a "size" thing - not had any complaints with regard to that..

No, it is a comfort thing.
Having popped the Volans with their 205/45's on.
Obviously the the ride changed.. Much to the chagrin of SWMBO!!!

I know that the speedo clock is reading about 3mph out (slower) so wouldn't be so worried about an extra mph gained with a tyre size change, as it would still be recording a higher than actual speed.

So it is a matter of getting a tyre which is as close to the same speed but with more tyre wall for the gain in comfort..

I admit that 225 does seem pretty wide compared to 205 (a full 20mm difference!) but am aware of the limit to space in the arches..

Des. . .

[Engineer]

Originally Posted by CTCNetwork

Hi,

Well not a "size" thing - not had any complaints with regard to that..

No, it is a comfort thing.
Having popped the Volans with their 205/45's on.
Obviously the the ride changed.. Much to the chagrin of SWMBO!!!

I know that the speedo clock is reading about 3mph out (slower) so wouldn't be so worried about an extra mph gained with a tyre size change, as it would still be recording a higher than actual speed.

So it is a matter of getting a tyre which is as close to the same speed but with more tyre wall for the gain in comfort..

I admit that 225 does seem pretty wide compared to 205 (a full 20mm difference!) but am aware of the limit to space in the arches..

Des. . .

If it’s comfort Des, then keep your 16” or bite the bullet and broaden your outlook (no pun intended), but keep in mind that different tyre manufactures offer a very varied quality regarding grip, noise, comfort and wear, all dependant on size, wheel width and price lol

[DSK]

To keep your rolling radius within the specified limits, you can use either;
215/45/17 or 235/45/17, any others and your rolling radius will be outside the limits. On balance, 215/45/17 would be the ones to go for (think these are standard size on the V70 R as well).

Take a look at http://www.tyresave.co.uk/choose.html (there is a calculator gizmo on there too).