[404State]

Hi

I'm looking for a new (used) car. Needs to tick several boxes, one of which is that I live in the mountains where the roads are poor quality with loads of rough patches, potholes, etc.

The cars I've short listed have the following spec tyres:

- 205/55 R16.
- 205/60 R16.
- 215/65 R16.

I've been told that the higher the side wall of a tyre, the more it will protect the suspension of the car and save frequent trips to the garage for new drop links, bushes, shocks, etc. I seem to have to have these sorts of things changed a lot at the moment!

With that in mind, how much difference would the above size wheels/tyres make?

Also. is it possible to easily change a car's tyre size, say from 205/55 R16 to 215/65 R16? Or would that be a real pain both practically and when it comes to insurance etc?

Many thanks

[Rolebama]

The second half of the size is a percentage of the first, this tells you the depth of the sidewall. so the 205/55 has a sidewall depth of 112.75mm, the 205/60 is 123mm, and the 215/65 is 139.75mm. So in terms of suspension life, and a bit of comfort, the 215/65 is your best bet.

[404State]

Nice one, that helpful to see those numbers.

Do you or does anyone else think it makes a real word difference? I'm hearing some say yes and others say not much difference...

[Rolebama]

The 28mm difference will make a difference, which you will probably* notice in drive comfort.
*Depending on all the other suspension components and set up. Changing sizes on the same vehicle would most definitely notice.

[Drivingforfun]

I didn't know the details about the tyre numbers so thanks for that, Rolebama

I noticed a significant increase in comfort going from a Mini Cooper S (with "comfort" suspension as opposed to "sport") to a John Cooper Works with "adaptive sport" suspension... I knew the wheels were 17" on both cars so thought I'd check the numbers expecting they'd be different but they were identical. I can only assume the suspension is much better on the new one despite being "sport" suspension

One thing I have noticed in the past is simply going from runflat tyres to regular ones made a huge difference, like dropping 2-3 inches in wheel diameter, because the runflats are so stiff. Whether you need that tradeoff is up to you as perhaps runflats would be of use if you often hit potholes

[Rolebama]

When I replaced my run-flats for steel wheels and 'normal tyres,* I had a word with my tyre man who said that he had a few customers who had punctures in run-flats, but didn't realize. Tyres destroyed by extended driving.
*Approved sizes by manufacturer. No insurance repercussions.

[Drivingforfun]

My first car had runflats and I only found out about my first puncture when someone told me it was flat, god knows how long I'd been driving around with it for? I was a new driver, I hope I'd realise now... 🤐

[olduser]

When I started to drive, (the great flood had subsided, Noah had run aground, and dockers were just having their first strike unloading the Arch😉) children thought it was great sport to let tyres down.

It became natural to glance at tyres before getting in to drive off.
Cars were not that reliable, so brakes were checked as soon as the car was moving, manoeuvring was an opportunity to check lights, as reflections off cars, walls, shop windows etc.
Old habits die hard, as they say...

[Rolebama]

The only 'fun' we had was tying the legs of sleeping dinosaurs legs together.

[olduser]

Originally Posted by Rolebama

The only 'fun' we had was tying the legs of sleeping dinosaurs legs together.

I like that, I did ask for it didn't I?😀