Tyre Advice

Chat about your MKI or MKII Polo (86 and 86F)
WildChild
Silver Member
Posts: 259
Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 5:20 pm
Location: Norwich

Post by WildChild »

Here's a screenie: i presume i've got the right settings..

What does the "Difference" percentage mean?

Image
Mk2Adam
Platinum Member
Posts: 1311
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2005 6:58 pm
Location: Kent

Post by Mk2Adam »

as GC said use the bottom calculator to find the possible sizes, and then if you type in your new found sizes into the rim width calculator (trial and error style) and you need the minimum size to be your wheel width.

e.g 145 - 80 - R13 = 4*13 to 5.5*13

^meaning for 145mm wide tyres you would need a wheel between 4" and 5.5".

i know it's confusing :lol:

if you're still confused just reply :wink:
Mk2Adam
Platinum Member
Posts: 1311
Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2005 6:58 pm
Location: Kent

Post by Mk2Adam »

the percentage is the total size of the wheel compared to your current wheel....the speedo works out your speed by the rotations of the wheel so if your wheel size is smaller/bigger it will read the wrong speed, doesn't matter as long as it's within about 3% either way :)
WildChild
Silver Member
Posts: 259
Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2006 5:20 pm
Location: Norwich

Post by WildChild »

So technically the best option is to go for:
165/65 R13 545 mm 1712 mm -0.27 %
165mm 65% 13" = 4.5*13 to 6*13

I was told by a guy at tyre fitting place that he would put 185 65 13's on but i take it from my results on the site it wouldnt fit on..

I want wider tyres, mainly for handling but also i'd like if possible wide enough tyres that they protrude the wheel arches slightly..
Breadman
New
Posts: 29
Joined: Fri May 20, 2005 8:04 pm
Location: Wallington, Surrey

Post by Breadman »

If you are going to stay with your 4 1/2" wide rims then I would really recommend 155/70/13 tyres. Although 165/65's are a better tyre on the Polo, they really do need a 5 1/2" wide rim to be a comfortable fit.
165/65's on a 4 1/2" rim are a bit 'loose' because of their extra width, and tend to wander more during cornering. Within reason, it is far better to have a slightly narrower tyre that sits with the sidewalls being slightly angled out to the rim. This keeps the sidewall much stiffer and the hence more of the tread in contact with the road during cornering.
Please find PM.
Cheers,
Richard.
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