Any benefits going from 205/55/16 to 225/45/17 ?

[muddyboots]

I'm thinking of switching the Passat's 16" alloys with 205/55/16 tyres to some 17s, probably running 225/45/17 tyres.

Would this have much benefit with regards to handling ?

Obviously they'd look better but that's not what I'm interested in...wondered if the lower tyre profiles would sharpen up turn-in etc...

 

[Eternal Rage]

Yup Yup.
Less tyre profile means less tyre roll, but more importantly, the wider tyre means more rubber on the road and better grip and a more confident car to drive, meaning driving deeper into corners and pushing that little bit harder more safely...

 

[muddyboots]

Not sure how hard I'd want to push a Passat Estate into corners but I take your point

 

[MK8]

I went from 14" standard alloys on a 185/65/14 to a 16" FR alloys on a 205/45/16 - and the difference is amazing. Braking, handling and overall ride is much better. I get more grip in the wet now than i used to in the dry when i had the 14's on!

Dont like paying £95 a corner now though, used to only pay £30!

btw, im using Dunlop SP 2000 E's

 

[mrcoyote]

I went from 14" standard alloys on a 185/65/14 to a 16" FR alloys on a 205/45/16 - and the difference is amazing. Braking, handling and overall ride is much better. I get more grip in the wet now than i used to in the dry when i had the 14's on!

Dont like paying £95 a corner now though, used to only pay £30!

btw, im using Dunlop SP 2000 E's

I paid a lot less than £95 per corner for the Dunlop SP3000A's and the Uniroyal Rainsport 1's in both 205/45/16 and 205/40/17 for mine. I'd find a new tyre place if I were you.

 

[NowGottaIbizaMk5]

clicky link at top of our site for mytyres - £66.10 for your tyre in your size, plus fitting....

 

[mark65]

Don't forget that by going to a bigger tyre doesn't mean you will have more grip.
Its all down to how much is in contact with the road. A taller wheel like a 17 has a smaller patch than a 16 of the same width.

The lower profile will stiffen things up a bit and make cornering a bit better though

 

[muddyboots]

I'm aware that wider tyres don't necessarily equal more grip, could actually be less depending on the weight being carried. I think this car is heavy enough to make use of them though.

I suspect sorting the shagged suspension will provide the biggest improvement though, so I expect the wheels will have to wait. As most of the tyres need replacing I was toying with the idea of buying a 2nd hand set of 17" with good tyres on, but I think I'll just put new tyres on now and look at the alloys idea again when they wear out...
Thanks for the input though

 

[andyj]

wider tyres will also effect fuel economy greater rolling resistance etc