Technical Different-size winter tyres

Currently reading:
Technical Different-size winter tyres

roob

New member
Joined
Nov 13, 2011
Messages
8
Points
2
I have a set of 205/55 r16 Marangoni Meto winter tyres I used for my old Ford Focus. They don't fit my new car. Does anyone know if they would fit my wife's Sedici, which is currently on 205/60 r16 summer tyres? Thanks
 
Hi I'm a tyre fitter. The speed index (letter after load rating) dosent matter with winters. They will fit the wheels fine, the aspect ratio (height) of sidewalk will be marginally smaller but perfectly safe
 
Thanks for that. The Sedici is quite good in snow and ice but I think the winter tyres will make it even better.
 
Hi I'm a tyre fitter. The speed index (letter after load rating) dosent matter with winters. They will fit the wheels fine, the aspect ratio (height) of sidewalk will be marginally smaller but perfectly safe

Your joking right?

The Speed and weight ratings are very important just as getting the tyre size correct

The tyres you wish to fit are yes slightly smaller then the current tyres, your speedo will over read (for example your doing 30mph speedo, your actually doing 26mpg)

But Winter tyres are also stated in the Owners handbook to what level they must be acceptable

No point fitting a car that requires H speed tyres with R rated tyres, as the insurance company may refuse to pay out due to ""incorrect tyre fitted""

So please make sure the tyres are the same as whats stated in the handbook (or better!) just for peace of mind and so the insurance companies dont leave you high and dry

Ziggy
 
I've the speed rating below what's stated in my handbook on my winters. Still rated to 118mph, and I've no track days planned! Got the sticker on the dash so if the car is stolen and they kill themselves I'm not liable - always forward thinking!

Speed rating shouldn't affect insurance, but worth checking.
 
Thanks everyone. I'll check with the handbook before fitting. I bought the tyres for a 1.8 tdci Focus Mk2, so hopefully they'll be of the correct rating.
 
The load index for 205/60/16 tyres is 92, or 96 XL (extra load/reinforced ?). The load index for 205/55/16 is 91, or 94 XL. This equates to 630kg (92) vs 615kg (91) standard load rating per tyre, so I don't think there's any safety issue.

There will also be a difference in speedo reading of 3%, so at an indicated 60mph the car will be traveling 2mph slower than standard.

But, if you happen to have an accident, and the insurance assessor happens to notice non-OE sized tyres, there could be an issue.
 
Thanks Dieselglider,
I think the answer is to contact my insurance company before fitting the tyres. No doubt they will try to make a charge of some kind. Might be easier just to stick the tyres on ebay and buy a set of 205/60s for the Sedici.
 
... I think the answer is to contact my insurance company before fitting the tyres ...

Let us have feedback on their comments.

A 3% speedo variation is insignificant & won’t get you into any trouble as you’re just adding in a further buffer to the designed-in speedo variation. The variation maybe greater if you’re not comparing like-with-like – e.g. new for worn (you don’t give your tread depth?).

If the winter are down to 4mm then probably good to offer on eBay to someone gullible – although I believe the AA argue that 3mm is the minimum.

121214
 
I have just had winter tyres fitted to my 07 Sedici. The summer tyres were 205/60/16; and the replacement winter set 205/50/16.....

Is this ok please ?
 
I have just had winter tyres fitted to my 07 Sedici. The summer tyres were 205/60/16; and the replacement winter set 205/50/16.....

Is this ok please ?

The tyre options will be in your OH – that I don’t have access to.
But as far as I can make-out the Sedici (& Suzuki SX4) wheel options roll within the envelope of 782(±9) revs/mile.
205/55R16 are marginally (<3%) outside that at 811 – but 205/50R16 at 838 are more (6%) of a step outside.
How come 205/50R16 were selected?

121214
 
Thank you Caravadossi for your helpful reply. I had the tyres fitted yesterday, and only when I got home did I notice the discrepancy in sizes. I have already noted a 6m.p.h. difference as against my g.p.s. at 50 m..p.h., and the Fiat supplier of the vehicle have told me to get them off immediately. The garage who fitted the tyres are going to put matters right on Monday; in the meantime will not be using car, as apparently the insurance is invalidated. These things happen.
 
Back
Top