Are my tyres too big?

[tim145tim]

Hi guys,

On my car, the tyres are 4x  205/50 R16's on the bbs anniversary alloys...
Yet in my filler cap, the PSi given is for 215/40 R16's?

On full lock it does seem to sometimes rub the arches (at first i just thought this was the steering being stiff, as my belt squeeks sometimes).

Im also about to get 2 new tyres for the front,

but can i mix 40's on the front with the existing 50's on the back? or is this not wise?

Do I

a) get the same size and risk the possible rubbing?
b) Mix the two sizes
c) shell out for 4 x 205or215 40's?


Anyone else who has these wheels, I would be greatful to know what you have on them?
Ive looked at some on ebay, most have 40's, although 1 or 2 pairs from a mk4 cabrio have 50's...

To my car the suspension hasnt been lowered, but certainly feels very low... its a 16v anniversary if that helps.

[Mikester]

In the end, the 50's are the cheaper budget tyres, it dont matter if you roll on them, but you might rub :/

40's will defo look better mate, and if you want to be the slickest on teh road, they are what you need mate.

[brisdriver]

I have sixteens on 45's i'd say 50 is too big, I dont know about the gradual changeover though, cant seen any reason why you cant have smaller on the front until you change the backs!!

[Mikester]

Me neither, wont matter if you have different sizes, i awesome nice tyres on the front and on the rear i have bigger worn tyres.... Just cant afford both ends yet.

[tim145tim]

Yeh thanks guys,

I was thinking that it shouldnt matter having a 10mm lower profile on the front for a few months, Should it?

As it seems to be the fronts that are rubbing?

My only doubts were that would they possibly make the car tip lower at the front resulting in lots more pressure on the front end?

Or would it not really make a difference?

[Mikester]

i wouldnt worry about it at all really. Only person that will notice is you!

[Len]

I would have thought 215/45 would be the tyre to go for on a 16" rim.
I have 215/40 on 17's (spare set)

[VW_08]

mine are 15s and a 45 profile, looks just right 

[mark3valver]

the correct tyre for the size is

205/50/15

and

205/40/16   to keep the same radius so the speedo is showing right etc but it wouldn't make much difference really.

I would stick 40 profile's on there, the profile is not mm it is a % of the width   

is there a big price difference then? as Im looking at buying some anni wheels soon...

[Len]

True it does depend on the width of the wheel, which is not quoted.

My 215/40's are on 8" wide rims.