Forum:
Just thought I would post about this, as I saw a few other threads when I searched and there are bound to be others thinking about this.
If you have a standard suspension, you can fit wider tyres. There are 2 options that fit comfortably in 195 width.
Those are: 195/50/15, and 195/45/15.
Of those 2, the better all-round option is the 195/50/15. It is very close in the circumference and provides a good cushion for comfort.
The 195/45/15 aspect ratio is a lower profile and feels quite harsh over bumps. The speedo will under-read as well.
I have fitted 4 new 195/50/15 tyres and I am amazed at the difference! This is even though I fitted mid-range tyres (paid
You can fit wider
Yes I have 195/50/15 tyres on my car but with a Tein Lowering Kit (35mm front, 30mm rear). It depends on the tyre make as well as one owner on here has 205 tyres fitted to 17" alloys, but as I saw the tyre needs to be more of a vertical type.
On the tyres I have (Uniroyal 550 Rally) and with the lowering kit I got the occassional rubbing of the rear wheel arches due to also having to fit 5mm hub centric spacers to the rears to clear the rear axle. In the end I have kept the tyres on but fitted a one off adjustable suspenion with the max setting left on so when going over dips etc.. I am avoiding the dreaded rubbing noise on the rear. Having 195/50/15 tyres also menas that the speedo will read the same as what is being shown on the dials. But I have to be careful that if in a 30Mph zone I do a little under 30Mph as I don't have that error of margin anymore
If you want more handling then I would also recommend a Front Strutbrace and the lowered suspension as this will also stop roll around the corners. But you also compromise on the ride, as I found out when going over cobbled roads recently
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'12' Plate Mazda MX-5 2.0 litre NC 3.5 Venture Roadster 160BHP
'15' Plate SEAT LEON 184 FR TDI. 240BHP/500nm Torque.
Past: '53' Plate Yellow YRV Turbo Approx. 150BHP