Changing Tyre Size

[philjones1978]

At the mo I've got 175/65 R14 on my car all round but the fronts are wearing a bit thin. Still legal though. In the glove box it says that 180/60 R14 are also usable. I've noticed that they seem a bit cheaper, look better (lower profile and wider from the front) and should grip better. However, I'm wondering if it's ok to have slightly wider tyres on the front for a while? I can't see it making a massive difference. Will tyre shops allow me to do this? Especially as I'm not buying the tyres from them. Any thoughts gratefully received.

[daktari]

Not a problem. So long as you`ve got the same size of tyre on both sides of the same axle it`s perfectly legal.

[MSC_Kev]

yep the difference will be barely noticed with such as small change like that.

I did some tests a while back with my 17's and standard toyota alloys which came in 14" with huge tyres on and that was interesting while I did it.

[RedAE102]

At the mo I've got 175/65 R14 on my car all round but the fronts are wearing a bit thin. Still legal though. In the glove box it says that 180/60 R14 are also usable. I've noticed that they seem a bit cheaper, look better (lower profile and wider from the front) and should grip better. However, I'm wondering if it's ok to have slightly wider tyres on the front for a while? I can't see it making a massive difference. Will tyre shops allow me to do this? Especially as I'm not buying the tyres from them.  Any thoughts gratefully received.

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Most tyre shops will do it, as long as you're not putting a tyre on that's too wide for the rim or that does not have the minimum load rating of the OE tyres (5½ inch wide wheels are approved for up to 205 series tyres by the tyre manufacturers). It actually makes sense for a FWD car. I've got 195/60R14 all around on my '93, but before that, I had mismatched 185/65R14 (OE size for 1.8 models, 1.6 models got 175/65R14), with the two fronts having the best grip. Made for some interesting handling characteristics, especially in the wet (read: sudden and unexpected transitions from understeer to oversteer). Wider tyres will give a noticeable improvement, though... my car now scurries around corners at highly unlikely speeds when asked to, and makes not a sound in the process, save for the scrubbing sounds of the Bridgestone Potenzas clinging on for dear life.

[Twincam.GTi]

Most tyre shops will do it, as long as you're not putting a tyre on that's too wide for the rim or that does not have the minimum load rating of the OE tyres (5½ inch wide wheels are approved for up to 205 series tyres by the tyre manufacturers). It actually makes sense for a FWD car. I've got 195/60R14 all around on my '93,

But all owners running 14 inch rims beware if you fit 205/60r14, I think they can catch on the rears

[TOYMOTA]

I theory the accelaration and top speed will be slightly better as you're giving the wheels/tyres a smaller circumference.

All these Chavs that wack 18s on Nova's don't realise that they are making a slow car even slower by doing so.

Simple maths really!! ;)

[ariman]

I theory the accelaration and top speed will be slightly better as you're giving the wheels/tyres a smaller circumference.

All these Chavs that wack 18s on Nova's don't realise that they are making a slow car even slower by doing so.

Simple maths really!! ;)

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And when this oversized wheel and tyre combo weights 20-25kg (44-55lb) compared to stock ap. 14kg, it is really gonna hit your performance and fuel economics...

[TOYMOTA]

I theory the accelaration and top speed will be slightly better as you're giving the wheels/tyres a smaller circumference.

All these Chavs that wack 18s on Nova's don't realise that they are making a slow car even slower by doing so.

Simple maths really!! ;)

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And when this oversized wheel and tyre combo weights 20-25kg (44-55lb) compared to stock ap. 14kg, it is really gonna hit your performance and fuel economics...

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Exactly!!!

[philjones1978]

Gutted. I can't find Goodyear Eagle Venturas in 180/60 R14 anywhere on sale on line. They've been a really good buy. 2 years and 17,000 miles out of the fronts. And I don't drive like a nun either. Any ideas on what to replace them with? I have £40 a tyre or so to spend.

[TOYMOTA]

Gutted. I can't find Goodyear Eagle Venturas in 180/60 R14 anywhere on sale on line. They've been a really good buy. 2 years and 17,000 miles out of the fronts. And I don't drive like a nun either. Any ideas on what to replace them with? I have £40 a tyre or so to spend.

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Pirelli P6000?

They always did the job for me, and I do have a fairly heavy right foot. My local place does them for £28 inc VAT each.

[KidKoala]

I theory the accelaration and top speed will be slightly better as you're giving the wheels/tyres a smaller circumference.

All these Chavs that wack 18s on Nova's don't realise that they are making a slow car even slower by doing so.

Simple maths really!! ;)

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Doesn't more acceleration = less top speed????