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Subject Topic: Questions about wheels Post Reply Post New Topic
via mobile 06/3/2019 at 12:56pm
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When I bought my car it came with 18” wheels from a newer style golf, always find I’m very close to rubbing on the back with my caravan on, would buying a set of 16” standard ones make this any better?



via mobile 06/3/2019 at 1:08pm
 Location: Cheshire
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The wheel diameter doesn't make a direct difference as they tire wall height will be lower to give the same overall diameter.

E.g. my winter wheels are 225/65/17 while the summer wheels are 225/55/19.

Both wheels are the same size however there is a greater proportion of rubber on the 17 inch wheel.

There are a couple of potential causes
1)The tyres and/or wheels you have are wider than standard therefore making it close to the arch.

2) The offset of the wheel is incorrect for your car. The offset is the difference between the flat plate where the wheel bolts to the hub and the edge of the rim.

Best option would be to look at another car like yours with standard wheel sizes to see how the wheel fits in the arch.


06/3/2019 at 1:18pm
 Location: Lichfield
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If you change your wheels from the standard size you would have to notify your car insurance provider as it is classed as a modification. That's liable to increase your premium so before you do any permanent alterations it's advisable to check with your insurance first otherwise you could be left with a hefty bill if ever making a claim as they could refuse to pay out due to the fact that the modifaication was not declared.


06/3/2019 at 1:47pm
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it will also change the gearing and speedometer readings as they are set for the circumference of the wheels designed for the car


06/3/2019 at 1:57pm
 Location: East Herts
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It sounds to me like the O/P's car isn't fitted with standard wheels to begin with. Maybe the speedo readings are already wrong?

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


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06/3/2019 at 2:02pm
 Location: West Yorkshire
 Outfit: Bessacarr Cameo 625 2011
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The circumference doesn't change for the reasons explained by Decto above.

Larger rims simply have a lower profile tyre fitted to keep the same diameter, and therefore circumference.

If the previous owner was into changing wheels, its also possible that the car has been fitted with lowering springs, which is a favourite modification in some circles. Aftermarket springs are often bright colours or at least have the makers name on one of the spring coils



via mobile 06/3/2019 at 3:02pm
 Location: Hatfield Peverel Essex
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Or, if it only happens with the caravan hitched on, is the nose weight too high ?
DaveS1


06/3/2019 at 3:39pm
 Location: Midlands
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Going from 18" to 16" usually gets the same rolling diameter.

The 16" tyre will have a higher profile and usually be the same height from the ground to the top of the tyre.

That way they don't need to stock and fit new speedometers if someone chooses an optional wheel/tyre package.

For my car that wheel options are.

205 / 55 x 16 giving a tyre height of 63.19cm

205 / 50 x 17 63.69cm so just 5mm taller

225 / 40 x 18 63.72cm a fraction over 5mm taller than the 16" wheel/tyre.

The actual overall diameter will need to be the same or very close otherwise it will affect the speedo. It wont give any extra clearance.

If you fit smaller wheels and low profile tyres then it will affect the speedo but also lower the car also, speedbumps maybe an issue and it will lower the towball height which may cause problems with the jockey wheel grounding.

Looks like your caravan is just too big for the car to handle safely.


via mobile 06/3/2019 at 8:22pm
 Location: Scotland
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Nose weight check would be my first move, then get your springs checked, if b both on then might need spring assisters to stop rear end droop!


23/3/2019 at 3:34pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift Challenger Sport 524 VW Carave
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First thing to establish is whether or not the 18" wheels are recognised as being suitable for your car. A VW garage should be able to easily answer that question.        From the insurance viewpoint, your car must be equipped with wheels that are suitable for the car - if you bought it with wheels that are not suitable, it is you, as the current owner, who could be in trouble.
Also check if the suspension has been lowered, as this could make the situation worse.
Another thing to consider. If you have insufficient clearance for the edge profile of your front wings, braking whilst on a bend, with your wheels turned to the side, any dipping at the front end could cause a wing profile to bite down onto the tyre, and the consequences could be severe.
On the subject of wheel diameter, the actual diameter at the treads is important, as any deviation from standard will render your speedometer readings incorrect and the gear ratios will not be right for the car.
Bertie.
Bertie.

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The 2 Tops



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