Tyre size help

[jon7278]

I am sure it has been asked before but would appreciate some help. I have just bought a set of 17" audi wheels (S3) for my mk3 16v. They came with 225/45x17 tyres which I am sure are too big? I have lowered myy golf by 30mm and was wondering what tyre size to use? As the roads are in such a bad state I was hoping to avoid the 205/40x17 route and put 205/45x17? thanks in advance.

[thai-wronghorse]

205/45/17 is what id be using if i was to be fitting 17'' wheels....although I wouldn't personally.

That said, the 40 series tyres will probably be marginally more accurate on the gear ratios AND bumpier.

[dom]

As thai-wronghorse says 205/45/17 would be best, even 215/45/17 would be ok but 225 are too wide really. However 16's would be better than 17's

[jon7278]

17's were not my first choice but as they were £80 for the set, I couldnt say no. 205/45x17 sounds good to me, honestly the roads are horrific here in cornwall and the more sidewall the better

[thai-wronghorse]

At that price you can't really complain.

[Wayne]

205/40/17 is the correct size, 45's will throw your gearing and speedo out plus will rub the arches.

If you worried out potholes etc, sell up and go back to 15" or 16"

17" on a mk3 is a pain really, they do not drive that great, I was never happy with mine.

 

[gti gaz]

i used to have 17s and went back to 15s due to havin problems 16s are the best so i have been told i also live in cornwall and YES the roads are just stupid at the moment ware abouts are you in cornwall??

[jon7278]

illogan/redruth

[gti gaz]

ah cool am in st austell not many mk 3s up this way though not nice ones anyway, you go to many meets ??   

[Hollyberry3]

The roads in Manchester are horrendous and my car (given for free no less) has silly big wheels. It hit the arches over every speed bump no matter how slow. I had it raised slightly. You can't tell to look at but it doesn't have any problems now and was cheaper than replacing the wheels. x