wheels again

[StuPDi]

been looking at RS6 replicas as a replacement for my 16's

been looking at 17's for ride quality/road noise etc

now been offered 18's for the same price!!!!!!!

what shall i do?????



Stu

[Turbokiisseli]

If you drive alot I'd consider the 17s rather than the 18s. 18" tyres are usually quite a bit more expensive and by adding unsprung mass (bigger wheels and tires) you can see a big decrease in MPG. As for tyres, I'd stay at 225/45/17 or 225/40/18. You won't accomplish anything but added noise and a decrease in comfort with wider tires.

[StuPDi]

the cost of replacing tyres is not a problem, i'll just do another "wheel and tyre deal"

probably swap the fronts with rears after about 15k to stretch all four before replacing.

my only concern is the harsh ride

i went from 15's to 17's when i swapped ibiza's for the FR and the ride was awful
really dont want that again!!!!!!!!!

Stu

[Marco34]

Stu - having the same spec car, even colour I can tell you my experience. I had those 16" alloys on and recently got some top refurbed Star 17" alloys. I was really pleased that the ride was not too bad at all. It's hardley noticable from the 16" Only sometimes do you feel a harder kick from a tyre but mostly I am very happy. Also they are quiter too!! No droaning. Slinger noticed the same when he went to 17". If I'd have known I would have got them sooner.

As for 18" I can't comment but to me 45 profile is minimum for comfort. I have 235/45 as is the correct setup for the A4. 225/45 would have slightly lowe sidewall so it may affect ride more so. I could feel the difference in tyre contact and sometimes tram lining on bad roads but in general they are far superiour!

My vote 17"

Marco

[Marco34]

I also painted the calipers black when I last fitted the new EBC pads. With which I have found excellent. I think it looks good as the spokes are thinner on these alloys and tatty calipers would spoil the look.

[A4Ade]

18" tyres are usually quite a bit more expensive and by adding unsprung mass (bigger wheels and tires) you can see a big decrease in MPG.

Hi,

I have 19" wheels on my A4 (it had them when purchased) and I have been slightly unimpressed with the MPG. Could this be the cause?

Thanks,
Ade

[Turbokiisseli]

It definitely could! By adding 1kg of unsprung mass you're adding up to 4kg of mass to your car. Also, with a larger wheel the weight of the tyre moves further away from the wheel hub requiring more torque to turn the tyre. Wider tires will most of the time also have a much higher rolling resistance, which agains decreases your MPG.

The correct wheel / tire sizes for the B6 are:
195/65/15"
205/55/16"
225/45/17"
225/40/18"

If you deviate from these your speedometer will read wrong.

[slinger247]

It definitely could! By adding 1kg of unsprung mass you're adding up to 4kg of mass to your car. Also, with a larger wheel the weight of the tyre moves further away from the wheel hub requiring more torque to turn the tyre. Wider tires will most of the time also have a much higher rolling resistance, which agains decreases your MPG.

The correct wheel / tire sizes for the B6 are:
195/65/15"
205/55/16"
225/45/17"
225/40/18"

If you deviate from these your speedometer will read wrong.

The 17" Star alloys which come as standard on the Sport versions are 235/45/17 The Cab version is 225/45/17

[MalcQV]

Though a Passat I swapped my 15" Steel "poverty" rims for 17" RS6 replicas. As it is the family car I did not want to suffer a harder/harsher or noisy ride. I can't really tell the difference, other than it looks so much better.

[Marco34]

The 17" Star alloys which come as standard on the Sport versions are 235/45/17 The Cab version is 225/45/17

Yep... 235/45 for the A4. The 225//45 does maintain the rolling circumference better but the 235 is the option for the A4. It works out at 1.7% under reading that standard 16" 205/55. No big deal