Tyres should be 235/40/18 - but are 225/40/18?

Tyres should be 235/40/18 - but are 225/40/18?

Author
Discussion

paolow

Original Poster:

3,209 posts

258 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
Hi PH,

My car needs new boots on the front - ordinarily not a problem, but everything says they should be 235 tyres - though the car is currently shod on 225 tyres (all round)

Its quite evident these tyres work with the car - just for whatever reason (cost? availability? who knows?) the previous owner went for tyres that a smidge skinnier. It seems from some googlage that others have gone this route too so he wasnt the only one. Maybe there was another reason for it.

I am of a mind to put the car back on 235 tyres at the front and woud do the rears in time when they wear out.

Am I over thinking this? Will I die in a fireball? Ultimately the difference is 4% so actually either way I suppose the difference is pretty minimal.

Car is a ford focus MY2013 if that is a factor?

Do I stick or twist?

haggishunter

1,315 posts

243 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
225 are significantly cheaper so that’s why they’ll have done it.

I’d put the correct size on it if it was mine. The only issue I can see you having is with your insurance if you were in an accident, if you inform them you’ve modified it’ll be fine.

thebigmacmoomin

2,798 posts

169 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
I would put the tyre size that it should have on it, so the 235.

Pica-Pica

13,788 posts

84 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
RR Evoque?

paolow

Original Poster:

3,209 posts

258 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
Thanks guys,

As it happens taking the time to write the post forced me to think about it - and without doubt going for the 235's is the way forward.

I had a few doubts about doing the fronts before the rears (and so creating a temporary mismatch) but given that some are like this from the factory, I can't see the minute short term difference will create any issue.

So the ditchfinders will be coming off and the correct Michelins going on. Will be interesting to see the effect when all is as it should be....

haggishunter

1,315 posts

243 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
Pica-Pica said:
RR Evoque?
Ford Focus as stated in the original post.

SlimJim16v

5,660 posts

143 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
paolow said:
Thanks guys,

I had a few doubts about doing the fronts before the rears (and so creating a temporary mismatch) but given that some are like this from the factory, I can't see the minute short term difference will create any issue.
Seriously? Name one car with wider front tyres?

Pica-Pica

13,788 posts

84 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
haggishunter said:
Pica-Pica said:
RR Evoque?
Ford Focus as stated in the original post.
OK, I see it now. That seems a wide tyre for a Focus!

TheStigsWeeBrother

344 posts

65 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
SlimJim16v said:
paolow said:
Thanks guys,

I had a few doubts about doing the fronts before the rears (and so creating a temporary mismatch) but given that some are like this from the factory, I can't see the minute short term difference will create any issue.
Seriously? Name one car with wider front tyres?
Audi RS3.

anonymous-user

54 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
SlimJim16v said:
Seriously? Name one car with wider front tyres?
Citroën CX22

haggishunter

1,315 posts

243 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
Pica-Pica said:
OK, I see it now. That seems a wide tyre for a Focus!
Very! I’m presuming it’s a st. A guy at work has a 1.8 insignia and I’m sure it’s got 245s on it for some pointless reason.

SlimJim16v

5,660 posts

143 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
quotequote all
TheStigsWeeBrother said:
Audi RS3.
OK, I expected something weird and French, but this surprised me.