Fiat 500 TwinAir wheel size
Discussion
I hit a pot hole a couple of weeks ago which caused one of the front wheels to buckle. I called Fiat to quote for a new wheel and tyre, and with balancing fitting and VAT the cost for ONE WHEEL came to not far off £400. This was for one of the standard black 16" wheels that seem to come as standard with the 500 TwinAirs (not sure of the product name for that wheel).
Anyway, I thought **** that I'm not paying that for 1 wheel and went and got a set of 4 new (aftermarket) wheels and tyres for £500. I'll get the damaged wheel refurbed and maybe stick the set on eBay to offset the cost.
The reason for this post though is that changing the wheels has been a revelation in this little car. I went down a size to 15", and the effect these wheels have had is amazing. The car accelerates with more urgency, the ride is slightly better, and there is less tyre noise. The car feels more pokey all round, turns better and cruises at motorway speeds more serenely. I think going down a size has saved a lot of weight off the cars original wheels and the car is all the better for it. Who knows, MPG may improve too, although the problem with these cars as many people have found is they're virtually impossible to drive slowly and economy suffers as a result. Small engines worked hard are not the most economical.
That's all really, just wanted to share my findings....
Anyway, I thought **** that I'm not paying that for 1 wheel and went and got a set of 4 new (aftermarket) wheels and tyres for £500. I'll get the damaged wheel refurbed and maybe stick the set on eBay to offset the cost.
The reason for this post though is that changing the wheels has been a revelation in this little car. I went down a size to 15", and the effect these wheels have had is amazing. The car accelerates with more urgency, the ride is slightly better, and there is less tyre noise. The car feels more pokey all round, turns better and cruises at motorway speeds more serenely. I think going down a size has saved a lot of weight off the cars original wheels and the car is all the better for it. Who knows, MPG may improve too, although the problem with these cars as many people have found is they're virtually impossible to drive slowly and economy suffers as a result. Small engines worked hard are not the most economical.
That's all really, just wanted to share my findings....
Hi the wheels I went for were 15" Cades Eros in black, like this - http://is03.thegumtree.com/image/big/152264451.jpg
They're on Kumos, and I find the whole set up a lot more refined and a bit more grippy than the standard 16" black wheels that the car came with. Car definitely feels lighter and accelerates better. I bought from R-Tec in Hatfield, very nice guys, very knowledgeable too and happy to recommend them http://www.rtecshop.com/car-parts/Alloy%20Wheels/H...
Not sure of the exact tyre size, I just went with R-Tec's recommendation, I will check later and post back here, otherwise if you need to know in a hurry call R-Tec and ask to speak to JP. HTH
They're on Kumos, and I find the whole set up a lot more refined and a bit more grippy than the standard 16" black wheels that the car came with. Car definitely feels lighter and accelerates better. I bought from R-Tec in Hatfield, very nice guys, very knowledgeable too and happy to recommend them http://www.rtecshop.com/car-parts/Alloy%20Wheels/H...
Not sure of the exact tyre size, I just went with R-Tec's recommendation, I will check later and post back here, otherwise if you need to know in a hurry call R-Tec and ask to speak to JP. HTH
Thanks they look good, I think I'll get a set. It looks like some shops are proposing the 195 50 15s whereas others seem to propose the 185 55 15s - anyone have any preferences as to which is the better tyre option? I guess a lot is down to personal taste.... However these are cracking little cars so far I've only managed to put around 1000 miles on it but all with a smile!!!
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