Non-standard tyre sizes and wheel alignment

[wolfgang]

From lots of searching on here it looks like Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric tyres seem to be highly recommended so i'll probably be going with these when I need to change.

However, my question revolves around tyre sizes and wheel alignment. Some people put 275/30s on their RS4s when the standard size is 255/35.

What effect would putting non-standard sized tyres have on handling and will it impact wheel alignment?

[P_G]

You should have wheeel allignment done when you have new tyres put on all round anyway but otherwise, no.

[PetrolDave]

What effect would putting non-standard sized tyres have on handling and will it impact wheel alignment?

So long as the rolling radius is near enough the same there will be minimal effect on the accuracy of your speedo.

As already said wheel alignment should be checked every time you fit new tyres even if you fit the OE size, the effect of spped bumps, potholes, etc shouldn't be underestimated.

Handling? - I'd say the different compound and tread pattern has more effect than the different size. OE size PZeros Rossos had more effect on handling (rubbish) than 273/30 F1s.

[Connor_S]

What is the advantage of 275s instead of 255s?

[PetrolDave]

1) 275 Goodyears are cheaper than 255 Goodyears
2) More rubber on the road
2) Fill the arches better

[P_G]

+ better turn in and grip as a result of marinally more rubber on the road.

[sonny]

What is the advantage of 275s instead of 255s?

You should also consider the disadvantages too. A lot of people on here rate 275s. But you must consider a few things. A bigger contact patch (80mm extra all round) can resort in more fuel consumption, a reduction of torque, tramlining and a greater risk of aquaplaning. Although the side walls are lower profile, resulting in better turn in (due to less side wall flex) you will loose the shock absorption properties making more of a harsher ride, also putting more strain on the suspension components.

[P_G]

I can honestly say fuel consumption between 255 and 275 is nigh on identical to within perhaps 0.1mpg, risk of aquaplaning would be more with mimimal read than 20mm larger footprint and if the laser allignment is good, zero tramlining.

Granted on sock absorption with thinner tyre wall but 35 profile isn't exactly luxurious! And strain on components, well time will tell but spacers I would suggest would have an equal effect.

[steve_70]

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric get my vote, had them on both Evo's and couldn't be faulted.

[PetrolDave]

What is the advantage of 275s instead of 255s?

You should also consider the disadvantages too. A lot of people on here rate 275s. But you must consider a few things. A bigger contact patch (80mm extra all round) can resort in more fuel consumption, a reduction of torque, tramlining and a greater risk of aquaplaning. Although the side walls are lower profile, resulting in better turn in (due to less side wall flex) you will loose the shock absorption properties making more of a harsher ride, also putting more strain on the suspension components.

I had 275/30s on last winter during the snow and ice - and I have to say that the grip levels were not noticeably different than when I was out today on "normal" 255/35s. In fact, if pushed I might say that the 275/30 Goodyears were better than the 255/35 PS2s in snow and ice...

[sonny]

I can honestly say fuel consumption between 255 and 275 is nigh on identical to within perhaps 0.1mpg, risk of aquaplaning would be more with mimimal read than 20mm larger footprint and if the laser allignment is good, zero tramlining.

Granted on sock absorption with thinner tyre wall but 35 profile isn't exactly luxurious! And strain on components, well time will tell but spacers I would suggest would have an equal effect.

Yes spacers will definitely increase the wear and tear on wheel bearing components. Funnily even KWV3 will and any coil over to the matter. On some cars its been known for the chassis to crack at the weld seems due to really hard suspension, another thing to take into account.

The disadvantages are just some of the issues that have been identified with running wider tyres than the car was designed with, you may not noticed a difference at all.

[PetrolDave]

Yes spacers will definitely increase the wear and tear on wheel bearing components.

Which is why I've never been interested in fitting spacers - in my younger days I can remember seeing many cars at the side of the road with wheels at strange angles where the bearing has failed due to the fitment of, usually excessively wide, spacers.

[sonny]

Yes spacers will definitely increase the wear and tear on wheel bearing components.

Which is why I've never been interested in fitting spacers - in my younger days I can remember seeing many cars at the side of the road with wheels at strange angles where the bearing has failed due to the fitment of, usually excessively wide, spacers.

LOL there is a few videos doing the rounds on youtube. One shows a MKII Golf on the track where the wheel and spacer comes off. This actually was the "shim" type spacer and not hub-centric.

[steve_70]

Guilty as Charged #1 ...I had a stupidly wide Dimma Pug back in the 90's ...6ft 1" rear track Image Split-Rims think they were 15x10.5 or something bonkers.

Guilty as Charged #2 ....yes this was my car also (Trophy Kitted R5GTT Skip to 1.13 to get the full horror of whats coming next.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6RvoMzG8tk
<p.s.> this was the guy I sold it to who had it on the Video.

Hangs head in shame

[ArthurPE]

as far as alignment spec with wider tires

'my guy' says to set toe to the inside of the spec to allow better straightline stability/tracking and reduce tramlining
camber can be set in the middle of spec as usual (I like mine on the flat side for better tire wear, but a bit less sharper handling)