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Ibiza FR - Different size tyres?
- Thread starter modd1uk
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Sorry but I've think that if she does not like it on 17" the only change that will provide a softening of the ride will be moving down to 16" or maybe even 15"! I don't know of any good 17" sizes that are suitable that would provide a softened ride.
To be within the law the outside rolling circumference needs to be within 3% of the original fitment.
The lower the profile the more feel you get of the road, however, if you run on softer sidewall tyres the ride will become softer with less feel and sometimes less noise depending on tread block design, however, this of course also has downsides when it comes to balance, also a harder compound will offer less feedback than that of a soft grippy compound..
The lower the profile the more feel you get of the road, however, if you run on softer sidewall tyres the ride will become softer with less feel and sometimes less noise depending on tread block design, however, this of course also has downsides when it comes to balance, also a harder compound will offer less feedback than that of a soft grippy compound..
I think that this request is just down to wanting a slightly more comfortable ride than considering driving dynamics, so as said, the OP needs taller side walls which equates to smaller diameter wheels, either starting from scratch using 16" or 15".
Personally, I find my daughter's Ibiza with 17" okay - maybe not initially, but I've got used to it, though it is a Mk5 and they probably don't clatter about as much as the equivalent Mk4 - to qualify that, wife's old late 2002 Polo 1.4SE came with 15" alloys, it always felt better in winter when it had its 14" steels and winter tyres on.
If driving comfort on normal commuting is important, then unfortunately only going down to 15" wheels will guarantee enough improvement. Though as suggested earlier, if someone has replaced the original FR spec springs with something else, then the spring characteristics will always limit comfort improvements.
Edit:- I've just checked online tyre places and that car, to comply with original type approval, and so insurance companies as being "standard spec", can only be fitted with 205/40 X 17 or 205/45 X 16 - so it looks like you would be better changing to 205/45 X 16 wheels and tyres. 185/55 X 15 is spec'd for winter (M&S) use.
Personally, I find my daughter's Ibiza with 17" okay - maybe not initially, but I've got used to it, though it is a Mk5 and they probably don't clatter about as much as the equivalent Mk4 - to qualify that, wife's old late 2002 Polo 1.4SE came with 15" alloys, it always felt better in winter when it had its 14" steels and winter tyres on.
If driving comfort on normal commuting is important, then unfortunately only going down to 15" wheels will guarantee enough improvement. Though as suggested earlier, if someone has replaced the original FR spec springs with something else, then the spring characteristics will always limit comfort improvements.
Edit:- I've just checked online tyre places and that car, to comply with original type approval, and so insurance companies as being "standard spec", can only be fitted with 205/40 X 17 or 205/45 X 16 - so it looks like you would be better changing to 205/45 X 16 wheels and tyres. 185/55 X 15 is spec'd for winter (M&S) use.
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The OP has stated ^ it's not down to requiring more comfort..
Taller sidewalls will only provide a softer wall strength if remaining with the exact same tire manufacture and model of tyre.
The OP could fit a different brand which offers a softer sidewall and in addition could change to 215/45 17" which offers a slightly taller wall and remains within the law as it's within 3% of original, however, it would then be good advise to check with ones insurance company beforehand to see if they class this as a modification..
Taller sidewalls will only provide a softer wall strength if remaining with the exact same tire manufacture and model of tyre.
The OP could fit a different brand which offers a softer sidewall and in addition could change to 215/45 17" which offers a slightly taller wall and remains within the law as it's within 3% of original, however, it would then be good advise to check with ones insurance company beforehand to see if they class this as a modification..
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Quite the opposite, the OP said, quote " Needs it to be a bit comfier, it's just a mile muncher." and corrected his initial posting in as much as he was aiming to achieve this only by changing tyres/tyre sizes and not suspension.
If this is important or urgent, I'm sure that he will get back and correct/clarify any misunderstanding taken so far.
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I've misunderstood the OP's correction then of "it's not the ride that's harsh".
I'm sorry for that misunderstanding of my poor English and bow to your superior knowledge..
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215/45/17 have been fitted to my partners ibizia fr pd130 for around 6months now the ride is so much better and the only rub it gets is over hard bumps the tyres catch the top of the inner guard near where the bumper attaches. Would recomend them 100% havent checked the speedo but guessing you can easily just check a satnav speed and the clocks at the same time to see how much its out.
My apologies, I rushed looking for the links to post and didn't really read them thoroughly enough, I will try and find the correct one to post when I have time..
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