1.4 on 17", change to 45 aspect ratio

VAG fool

Member
I'm thinking more for comfort and to protect the wheels (which need refurb and a little straightening anyway)
Will it be overgeared compared to 40%?
Its no road rocket anyway and will rarely do motorway work, plus its not hilly in our part of the world.
From what I have read it should cause the speedo to read accurately rather than under reading a few % and then the computer will be closer to calculating true mpg?
 
I run the first sidewall oversize 185/55/16 on one of mine, as you say it makes the speedo accurate but you really don't notice any difference in the way it drives, it's only geared up about 3%.
 
Have I got this right, you probably currently have 205/40/17 and you are thinking about 205/45/17? Quite a few members run the latter in search of a tad more comfort and report it does improve but the sceptics argue it just the pliability of new tyres. More to the point it's largely trouble free fit except a few report a touch of rubbing on full lock.

As to speedo, assuming you can see the two sizes I put in..


I think the difference can be corrected with VCDS if you know what you are doing - not me! There again as the oem speedo is designed to over read by a few perecent it will probably be nearer to right or is it the other way round? It's too late to think about it

Andy
 
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3.4% gearing increase which isnt crazy but I know how easy it is to overcook gearing when your engine doesnt have a lot of torque! It puts 10mm on the sidewall which is considerable.
The car has standard springs, not sport if that is a factor.

What about 195/45R17 then?

1.7% increase, 8mm more sidewall but less chance of rubbing? Assuming it is a popular size and not £££
 
Or... I change to the 6-spoke 16" with something like 195/50 which are in my eyes a lot more attractive and suit the car far better.
 
205/40R17 are fitted to 7Jx17 ET38 rims as standard.

If you like 205s but want more sidewall, maybe try 205/55R15 fitted to 6Jx15 ET38 Pepperpots, or other rims that size.

Uniroyal RainSport 5 205/55R15 88V

205/55R15 tyres have an outside diameter 1.8% bigger than 205/40R17, whereas 205/45R17 tyres have an outside diameter 3.4% bigger than 205/40R17.

The ride comfort of 205/55R15 tyres fitted to 6J rims will be in a different league compared to 205/40R17 tyres fitted to 7J rims. Also, pothole damage to the rims will be a thing of the past.
 
When I bought mine it had the 17’’ QT wheels with the 205/40’s I think. Still have them but can’t be bothered to go and check them now.
Pretty much the first thing I did was swap to the six spoke 16’’ inch rims with the standard 185’s on (Khumo’s). Transformed the ride, the car is also much quieter and steers with more delicacy. Can’t comment on the 15’s but probably better still! Also the car looks less like it’s trying too hard to grab attention!
 
We run 205/45/17 Bridgestones on Adams A2 without issue. He does not report a difference in ride over the old Toyo 205/40/17. The Bridgestones should be a better tyre and are 84W, which is the correct load rating for the best comfort. It’s riding on new Bilstein springs and dampers but still not the best ride.
Ian
 
Thats good reference data, I had wondered about load ratings. I briefly looked at the car today on the way out and reckon the wheels will have to stay for a bit, so new tyres will have to do for now.
Having said that, I have spied at least one dent on an front inner rim (but couldn't feel any ill effects at the wheel)
 
All the 17" sport wheels tend to have dents on the inner rim as they are made of cheese.

We've had two sets refurbished for this reason.

Ian
 
Had our last set done at Wheelfix, 1a Langley Rd, Staines TW18 2EH . They were powder coated for £70 per wheel but that does not include straightening.
 
That's not bad. We have "Wheels Approved" locally but the last set of 5 I had done was £400 at trade rate (we used to remove a lot of broken titanium screws from big modular rims for them)
 
The first set I had done at Lepsons in Gillingham, Kent. They used the proper Audi colour and straightened every wheel, I have to say they looked brand new, but around £110 each, however, they do offer a four day service and they will collect and return the wheels. So if you don’t mind having the car on axle stands for a few days, I would recommend them.
 
These were the Lepsons refurbished wheels:
20180609_173819.jpg


And these the Wheelfix powder coated jobs:

refurbed wheel.jpg
 
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