Why do we have to have low profile tyres to look "sporty"?
Discussion
Mr Tidy said:
The profile is a percentage of the tread width, so a 255/35 tyre has a sidewall that is 35% of 255mm for example.
What will fit over a brake isn't a variable - a 16" rim may fit or not, but changing the size/profile of the tyre won't make any difference! If the rim won't clear the brake it doesn't matter what tyre you put on the wheel.
While that is true, moving to a lower profile tyre allows a larger rim while keeping the same rolling circumference, so in the real world changing tyre profile can help.What will fit over a brake isn't a variable - a 16" rim may fit or not, but changing the size/profile of the tyre won't make any difference! If the rim won't clear the brake it doesn't matter what tyre you put on the wheel.
For instance a 235/35/19 and a 225/45/17 are within 1% of each other so would run much the same, but you have an extra 2 inches of brake clearance (spoke design notwithstanding).
Incidentally Corsas "limited edition" models seem particularly bad for the brake to wheel size ratio:
Flibble said:
While that is true, moving to a lower profile tyre allows a larger rim while keeping the same rolling circumference, so in the real world changing tyre profile can help.
For instance a 235/35/19 and a 225/45/17 are within 1% of each other so would run much the same, but you have an extra 2 inches of brake clearance (spoke design notwithstanding).
Incidentally Corsas "limited edition" models seem particularly bad for the brake to wheel size ratio:
[i]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9UQDC_ERGpU/maxresdefault.jpg[/img]
Limited edition lolFor instance a 235/35/19 and a 225/45/17 are within 1% of each other so would run much the same, but you have an extra 2 inches of brake clearance (spoke design notwithstanding).
Incidentally Corsas "limited edition" models seem particularly bad for the brake to wheel size ratio:
[i]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9UQDC_ERGpU/maxresdefault.jpg[/img]
strain said:
Surprised that nobody has mentioned the mondeo (from what I can see)
Saw quite a few with wheels that look tiny, every time I see one all I can think is 'god that must be comfortable'
I was going to mention this too. They are 215/60/16 tyres. Possibly a result of being a US Ford Fusion originally?Saw quite a few with wheels that look tiny, every time I see one all I can think is 'god that must be comfortable'
My Mk4 Mondeo has 215/55/16 tyres -it rides and handles well (friends and colleagues have commented on the ride) and I absolutely do not want massive rims and tyres of low depth on my next car.
I want something fairly comfortable that can remain composed being hustled down a bumpy, undulating, twisty mountain/back road like a Mk3 or Mk4 Mondeo on standard suspension.
Edited by MC Bodge on Thursday 22 March 13:56
Nanook said:
Bear in mind a 17" wheel will clear a 330mm disc? Well, that depends on a whole bunch of things, doesn't it? The discs on the front of my car are 324mm. By the time you wrap the 4-pot calipers around them, you need 18s to clear them.
304mm discs with 4-pot AP Racing calipers under 16" wheels (so a tighter fit than 324mm with 17s), standard fit on the MG TF160.I can't find a closeup to post here but do a google image search for "MG TF 160" and you'll see them.
Fills the space nicely, but is definitely the upper limit of what will sensibly fit.
Flibble said:
While that is true, moving to a lower profile tyre allows a larger rim while keeping the same rolling circumference, so in the real world changing tyre profile can help.
For instance a 235/35/19 and a 225/45/17 are within 1% of each other so would run much the same, but you have an extra 2 inches of brake clearance (spoke design notwithstanding).
Incidentally Corsas "limited edition" models seem particularly bad for the brake to wheel size ratio:
But a massive looking brake caliper hanger arrangement?For instance a 235/35/19 and a 225/45/17 are within 1% of each other so would run much the same, but you have an extra 2 inches of brake clearance (spoke design notwithstanding).
Incidentally Corsas "limited edition" models seem particularly bad for the brake to wheel size ratio:
I am very happy to have the "peasant" spec wheels on my Quattroporte.
I have these "only" 19s
Instead of these 21s
As I have a baby in the back and also wanted it to do what it was made to to. Float about and make a great noise. Don't get me wrong it still can shift and I have yet to wish for the extra traction some assume the 21s would afford... because public roads. :P
I have these "only" 19s
Instead of these 21s
As I have a baby in the back and also wanted it to do what it was made to to. Float about and make a great noise. Don't get me wrong it still can shift and I have yet to wish for the extra traction some assume the 21s would afford... because public roads. :P
Those 19s look a damn sight better.
Aside from the somewhat marginal handling improvements on a track of larger wheels, they do have the disadvantage of being heavier (typically), so I could easily imagine a setup whereby the smaller wheels are quicker because the unsprung weight reduction offsets the stiffer setup.
Aside from the somewhat marginal handling improvements on a track of larger wheels, they do have the disadvantage of being heavier (typically), so I could easily imagine a setup whereby the smaller wheels are quicker because the unsprung weight reduction offsets the stiffer setup.
Tim662 said:
255/40 R17, so you are a fan of low profile tyres.Kawasicki said:
Tim662 said:
255/40 R17, so you are a fan of low profile tyres.Gad-Westy said:
Kawasicki said:
Tim662 said:
255/40 R17, so you are a fan of low profile tyres.Gad-Westy said:
Another hater of the trend for rubber band tyres here. My Leon Cupra has 19" wheels with barely any tyre showing. Unexpected potholes absolutely pound through the car and normally have me pulling over for a quick check. I'm very nervous parking anywhere near a kerb and the ride, although not as bad as it ought to be, is poor over many roads. I also think the car would look better with a wheels a couple of sizes smaller. looks like the cartoon cars that Hugh J Teens drove in Max Power.
For some time I had an E39 that had 15" wheels (I think there may have been a factory 14" option too! ) and the ride was just fantastic. Had an E46 at the same time with 18" wheels and 35 profile tyres and the difference was so stark. The E39 felt like a magic carpet.
Thank God I'm not the only sad act who remembers that! For some time I had an E39 that had 15" wheels (I think there may have been a factory 14" option too! ) and the ride was just fantastic. Had an E46 at the same time with 18" wheels and 35 profile tyres and the difference was so stark. The E39 felt like a magic carpet.
ETA: Hugh J Teens was one of their "automotive agony aunt" characters wasn't he? One of the writers in a silly costume IIRC. The cartoon bloke was Maxwell 'Ard ("He Arses About in Cars")...
As you were!
Edited by Jonny_ on Thursday 22 March 19:55
Ninja59 said:
Strange LV on the ABI Winter Tyre Commitment is no and no.
That is specifically tyres though. When I said the wheels were smaller they were very iffy about it.Mind you, getting the summer's put back on at Costco (as I'd injured my shoulder plus I wanted them balanced anyway) resulted in a massive argument due to the different size. The only did as the other tyre fitters where basically telling the supervisor he was being an arse. But he wrote on the paperwork that they wouldn't do it again!
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