17inch alloy wheel tyre options for a T5 van
Discussion
I need to start looking at 4 new tyres for my T5 2.5 174, the previous owner had spec'd 235 55 tyres so when I needed front only I stuck with that size.
Since I now need 4 I can look at different sizes, the tyre pressures guide on the door shows r17 in both 235 55 and 215 60 sizes.
235 is obviously going to be more expensive but I'm happy to pay the extra if they would give better fuel economy and a nicer ride. My thoughts are the 215 with a bigger sidewall would be a bit comfier and prob better on fuel assuming I go for the same model tyre just in the smaller size. I know a 2.5 litre van will never be exactly good on fuel and noise but every little helps.
As these wheels have been around for years I'm not sure that I'm the first person to think this, I'm sure a lot of people size up to look good but has anyone here sized down and was it better?
Since I now need 4 I can look at different sizes, the tyre pressures guide on the door shows r17 in both 235 55 and 215 60 sizes.
235 is obviously going to be more expensive but I'm happy to pay the extra if they would give better fuel economy and a nicer ride. My thoughts are the 215 with a bigger sidewall would be a bit comfier and prob better on fuel assuming I go for the same model tyre just in the smaller size. I know a 2.5 litre van will never be exactly good on fuel and noise but every little helps.
As these wheels have been around for years I'm not sure that I'm the first person to think this, I'm sure a lot of people size up to look good but has anyone here sized down and was it better?
As a general rule of thumb a lower profile tyre will be less 'comfortable' than a higher profile tyre as the higher profile tyre has more 'flex' to soak up the road irregularities. Fuel consumption will vary more with tyre pressures. A lower pressure increases the tyre contact patch and hence increases rolling resistance (mechanical grip). A higher pressure reduces tyre contact patch. This is simple physics, car weighs 3,000lbs, tyre pressure of 30psi gives 100 square inches contact patch across the 4 tyres, tyre pressure of 33psi give a 90.9 square inch contact patch.
Will the 215 fit the same width wheel as the 235? There may be something in the owners manual about which size of tyre goes with what width of wheel.
215 60 should use a bit less fuel, but not by much. I'm not sure they'll be any comfier, as 235 x 0.55 = 129.25mm, whereas 215 x 0.6 = 129mm i.e. the sidewalls are essentially the same height.
I wouldn't assume the narrower tyre will be cheaper - the main factor in pricing is how popular that size of tyre is.
Edited re. comfort and sidewall height.
215 60 should use a bit less fuel, but not by much. I'm not sure they'll be any comfier, as 235 x 0.55 = 129.25mm, whereas 215 x 0.6 = 129mm i.e. the sidewalls are essentially the same height.
I wouldn't assume the narrower tyre will be cheaper - the main factor in pricing is how popular that size of tyre is.
Edited re. comfort and sidewall height.
Edited by trevalvole on Wednesday 9th August 17:55
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