New wheels and tyres

[John H]

I have just fitted the A3 Pepperpot wheels which I bought on here with a new set of 195/55 x 15 Continental tyres, and fitted them to the A2. I rather like the look, but judge for yourself below. Note newly applied A2OC badges too!

You might have read in my other thread about odd tyre wear, and I certainly did not feel too confident with the 175 Dunlops that were on it before. The front of the car felt a mite under-tyred to me, no doubt not helped by the wear on them. In vigourous cornering they felt as if they were almost "tucking under" if you know what I mean. The slightly wider Contis make the car feel altogether much better, and the ride is still good too.

The car feels more like it's mine now that I have changed a few details.

:D

[Emm]

Very nice mate, i like it.

I haven't seen that style very often so its good to see.

[John H]

Very nice mate, i like it.

I haven't seen that style very often so its good to see.

Thanks, I confess I have grown weary of the fashion to fit the biggest possible wheels, with the lowest profile tyres. Some cars look like caricatures these days ... four enormous wheels with a car draped over them.

I reckon that 15" wheels look perfectly OK on the A2, not to mention that you get some compliance in the sidewall. The 195/55 x 15 size seems a good compromise, so long as it doesn't harm my MPG figures too much.

[ULP]

There is a 'boggo' A3 I often see with these wheels, and they look spot-on in those arches but appear quite small in the A2. I like to look and, like you John, don't share the current fashion for drug-dealer wheels that do nothing for grip, ride or handling.

[Darren C]

I like to look and, like you John, don't share the current fashion for drug-dealer wheels that do nothing for grip, ride or handling.

Each to their own I say.

I am very open minded and really like the look of your A2 on those 15" pepper pot rims John. They really do look 'understated' in a very positive and 'standard fitment' sort of way and add to the 'uniqueness appearance' of the A2.

Equally though, I like the appearance of the 17" rims on the A2; specifically those fitted to 'Tank'. Interesting to hear your thoughts on the 175 profile too John; my A2 came with 15" 175 profile tyres and I totally echo your comments. It was this lack of front end grip that forced me into opting for the 17" wheel; though I fully accept that I too could have gone with the 195's.

Your wheel selection is in a word 'nice'.

Cheers,

Darren

P.S. I also understand how personalisation makes the car somehow feel more at one with you. :)

[ULP]

The A2 can get away with 17's quite easily due to the large expanse of metal below the window-line and large arc's created by the wheel-arches; featureless flanks are more susceptable to drug-dealer wheels syndrome because there is nothing else to break-up the size.

I agree that Tank's wheels look lovely and are my own personal favourite on any A2, even more than the 16" 6-spokes which, to me, look spot-on.

[John H]

I suppose I'm coming at this from a different angle. I actively want my A2 to look discreet, and I want it comfortable. These were the qualities (along with its economy) that I bought it for.

I don't want it lowered, with big wheels and more power, cos I'm not looking for it to be a sports car. If I want that, I just lift a different set of keys off the key rack. The Porsche ones!

;)