Keeping Tyre Costs Down

[burky 4x4]

Contrary to suggestions as to risk of fouling on brakes, I have successfully replaced 16" alloys on my 2.8V6 Auto 4x4 with 15" Alloys (off a 2.8 Mk1 SI). Am now running on 195/65 R15 95XL half price tyres (

[chromedome]

I would check with my insurance company. Most specify that the vehicle should be to the manufacturer's specifications, if not they won't pay out on a claim.

[springen]

How do find the ride quality now ? I reckon the 195/65 give a more comfortable ride. Did you have 215/55 before ?

 

The other thing to check is that the overall tyre circumference is the same. Otherwise I beleive it can affect speedo/milage readings. It's probably the same - wheel size smaller, but tyre is not such a low profile.

[burky 4x4]

Ride quality is good, I prefer them to the previous 215/55R16 which were hard ! even though I run these (winter) Nokian 195/65's at high pressure (44)

 

Some surfaces are a little noisy, and I get a little slide / understeer on hard corners.

 

Circumference is similar - 1.3% (Michelin recommended this size as alternative for 215/55R16 Galaxy in their Alpine tyre for this very reason, and it is also a homologated size on the lower spec Galaxies so I have no worries with the spec.) Obviously must respect load index (95 in my case) and speed rating or place an exception sticker on dash for T versus H on winter tyres only.

Edited May 16, 2007 by burky 4x4

[Guest wolfie]

Contrary to suggestions as to risk of fouling on brakes, I have successfully replaced 16" alloys on my 2.8V6 Auto 4x4 with 15" Alloys (off a 2.8 Mk1 SI).

 

who suggested that you would have trouble? your running the 288mm/268mm disc's it's the later models, post face lift (2000+) that run the 313mm/294 discs and hence the need for the larger rims for caliper clearance!

[burky 4x4]

thanks for the explanation - must have been confusion with Mk2