Tyre Advice

[Andehh]

Hi guys, i am looking to get some winter tyres for my 'new' alloys. The alloys are 16" by 7J... would tyres with dimensions 175 60 16 fit on them? (its the 175m wide bit I am hesitant about). I am still new to the sort of width tyres alloys can take.


Cheers

[Classic Grad 98]

I've put 175/60r13 on a 6j rim before and it was borderline. I'd be looking for 195s at least if I were you.

[Andehh]

Thanks mate, so its the width of the tyres vs width of the alloys? too small and the alloy is exposed, too muc and the tyre bulges out over the alloy?

[Andehh]

So what sort of size alloys would fit 175mm tyres then? Would steel wheels 6j be sufficient, or would I still be pushing it?

Cheers guys

Edited by Andehh on Monday 10th October 09:36

[Classic Grad 98]

http://www.alloywheels.com/tyrecalc.asp

This is a handy calculator for all sorts of wheel/tyre calcs. You need the 'Rim Width Calculator' section in the middle. Put your tyre size in and it recommends a minimum and maximum rim width.

[Classic Grad 98]

Ergo the recommended rim width for a 175/60r16 is 5J - 6.5J. In my experience, it can still be a struggle to seat the bead if your right on the upper rim width limit- Hence my recommendation for a 195 minimum but ideally wider.
As you suggest, too narrow a tyre and it'll leave the rims exposed and cause some undersiable ride/handling characteristics- too wide and the tyre 'bulges' and the sidewalls will allow too much side-to-side 'squirm'.

[5potTurbo]

OP: Check your tyre pressure tables in your handbook, C pillar or inside your petrol filler flap.... fitting tyre sizes other than those quoted (esp for "M&S")can, and likely will(!), invalidate your insurance.

[Andehh]

Just what i was after mate, thanks for that. I have tried searching google and got some info, but nothing on Pistonheads. What is the general opinion on re-treaded winter tyres? Google says there shouldn't be a problem?

edit: Cheers for the heads up as well 5pot, will keep it in mind!

Edited by Andehh on Monday 10th October 10:03

[Classic Grad 98]

5PotTurbo makes a good point re: insurance. Usually replacing tyres with m+s tyres of the same size and speed/load rating won't bother them at all, but as always it's a good idea to declare them.
I would use remoulds if they were available in my size. I don't understand the hate really, so long as they are correctly sized and rated (they very rarely are though, so again- poss insurance issue).

[Snowboy]

Andehh said:

Just what i was after mate, thanks for that. I have tried searching google and got some info, but nothing on Pistonheads. What is the general opinion on re-treaded winter tyres? Google says there shouldn't be a problem?

In the past I've always been warned off retreads by everyone and anyone who seemed to know anything about tyres.
That was a long time ago though.

Perhaps these days some retreads are fine.
Maybe my wariness of them is out of date and I need to join the 21st century and shake off my old fashioned ideas.
It's possible they are an excellent choice in this day and age.

But, all that said.
I'd rather get new tyres.

[Classic Grad 98]

Retreads did used to have a terrible reputation and indeed some were produced which were truly dangerous. However, the industry is much more regulated now.
Retreaded tyres re-use only the steel and polyester belting or 'plies' which make up the tyre's structure. Neither of these materials are liable to break down when incased in rubber. In the old days when the plies were made from organic fibres it was much more of an issue.
I would happily use re-tread winters were they available. I probably wouldn't want to use them at high speeds/loads in the dry though.