The definitive tyre / wheel size thread

Budget isn't really a problem. It was more to see what the difference was between the 3 different sizes? I.e. as you say, if 185/50 isn't available, then 195/50 is ok, but what are the differences?
Compared to the 185/50R16 size, the 195/45R16 size has an outside diameter that is a little bit smaller and the 195/50R16 size has an outside diameter that is a little bit bigger.

The outside diameter of the 195/50R16 tyre is 1.7% bigger than the standard 185/50R16 size.

The outside diameter of the 195/45R16 tyre is 1.6% smaller than the standard 185/50R16 size.

Anything around 1.5% to 2% difference is often considered an acceptable difference.

If you want to try a different size to the standard 185/50R16 size, I would suggest 195/50R16 if using the standard 6Jx16 ET35 rims. 195/50R16 tyres will give you a noticeably better ride than the rather low profile 195/45R16 tyres due to the extra sidewall height.

195/50R16 has about the same outside diameter as the 185/60R15 size which is commonly used instead of the standard 175/60R15 size.

Another advantage to using 195/50R16 tyres instead of 185/50R16 tyres on the standard 6Jx16 ET35 rims, is that you get better rim protection from kerbing damage as the sidewalls will bulge out a little more. You would also get a little more protection from pothole damage due to the 5mm increase in sidewall height.
 
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Compared to the 185/50R16 size, the 195/45R16 size has an outside diameter that is a little bit smaller and the 195/50R16 size has an outside diameter that is a little bit bigger.

The outside diameter of the 195/50R16 tyre is 1.7% bigger than the standard 185/50R16 size.

The outside diameter of the 195/45R16 tyre is 1.6% smaller than the standard 185/50R16 size.

Anything around 1.5% to 2% difference is often considered an acceptable difference.

If you want to try a different size to the standard 185/50R16 size, I would suggest 195/50R16 if using the standard 6Jx16 ET35 rims. 195/50R16 tyres will give you a noticeably better ride than the rather low profile 195/45R16 tyres due to the extra sidewall height.

195/50R16 have about the same outside diameter as 185/60R15 tyres which is commonly used instead of the standard 175/60R15 size.

Another advantage to using 195/50R16 tyres instead of 185/50R16 tyres on the standard 6Jx16 ET35 rims, is that you get better rim protection from kerbing damage as the sidewalls will bulge out a little more. You would also get a little more protection from pothole damage due to the 5mm increase in sidewall height.
I couldn't have put it any better myself ?

One thing i would suggest, especially with you living in Scotland, is to look into buying a mid range, good wet weather set of tyres in the 185/50 or 195/50 16 size for normal use, possibly Uniroyal Rainsport or similar (very easy to check the tyre ratings on somewhere like Camskill.co.uk which is who i use, you want A rated for wet westher if possible and the lowest noise rating, ideally 70db or below) and then look at buying an additional set of cheap 15 or 16" designated winter wheels fitted with winter tyres.

It is so much easier having two sets made up and balanced ready to go that you simply bolt on and swap over when the weather turns.

If you haven't tried winter tyres before they truly do give the A2 4x4 capabilities and as long as you have the storage space for the set not in use it really is the way to go ?
 
Hi guys.... new to the site!! Been an admirer of the a2 for years... had a good few audis in my time... I’ve got the opportunity to buy an a2 locally, and I’m looking to put winters on it. I’m Aberdeenshire...

Wheels have popped up for sale... 205/55/16 and they are 5x100, 7J et31....

will the fit!!! Could actually make the difference if i buy the car or not! Cheers!

ps, I’ve been through all 27 pages of this thread and haven’t been able to get a definitive on this size.. other than not listed on page 1 haha... fingers crossed!
 
Welcome aboard :)

7J ET31 with that size tyres sounds like Mk.1 Audi TT Ronal wheels. If so, the rims are fine, I have those on one of mine, however 205/55x16 tyres are way too large. This would cause your speedo to under-read, and they would very likely rub on lock and over bumps. 195/50x16 is a good size on those rims.
 
Hi proghound.. thanks for the welcome... not worried about the speedo... but was interested in the profile size... i see 205/50 seem to be okay, so i was hoping 55 id get away with..
 
205/50x16 is about the limit. The extra sidewall with the profile change to 55 adds a lot more the the overall diameter than the width increase from 195 in the same profile does.
 
Yeh, i used willtheyfit... and can see there’s a difference from 611mm to 631mm... hmm okay... may have to leave them.. was a nice set of wheels for cheap! Maybe i should just buy them anyway! Haha... sell in the tyres..
 
Updated the first post to highlight this. 195/65R15, 205/55R16 and 225/45R17 all won't fit.

And yes, by all means sell on the tyres if the rims really are that worth it.

- Bret
 
Willtheyfit does not take into consideration plastic liners, mudflaps, body kit or suspension. So not really a reliable source of information regarding true suitability. Stick to this guide and its updates. They have been produced due to experience. So pointless asking if it will fit if it is not down on this thread already as suitable. Even worse do not ignore what you learn and never complain about the free information you get here.
Personally if I were looking for wheels / tyres for winter then I would be looking to fit the tallest and narrowest tyres possible. That is why the pepperpots are so popular. although I run 17" with 205 tyres summer and winter. Not worried about the speedo being out is also foolish as will affect mileage, fuel consumption, and possibly the ABS, EDL and traction control.
 
Willtheyfit does not take into consideration plastic liners, mudflaps, body kit or suspension. So not really a reliable source of information regarding true suitability. Stick to this guide and its updates. They have been produced due to experience. So pointless asking if it will fit if it is not down on this thread already as suitable. Even worse do not ignore what you learn and never complain about the free information you get here.
Personally if I were looking for wheels / tyres for winter then I would be looking to fit the tallest and narrowest tyres possible. That is why the pepperpots are so popular. although I run 17" with 205 tyres summer and winter. Not worried about the speedo being out is also foolish as will affect mileage, fuel consumption, and possibly the ABS, EDL and traction control.
Appreciate your reply. I completely understand that willthey fit doesn’t take in to account what you’ve mentioned... its not meant to a reliable source for suitability, it just shows you facts about size difference etc..hadnt planned on using it as anything else. I’ve not ignored anything either nor complained!!

I think you taken my comment about the speedo being out a bit too seriously too... just about every car on the road has a speedo that doesn’t actually reflect gps speed the car is doing. Ive joined the forum to gain knowledge. Forums are a great way to get real life info, and from the helpful replies to my question, i‘ve now got the info and knowledge that i was looking to gain.
 
The speedo thing certainly isn't an issue when it's over-reading, which is what most cars do. The OEM tyre sizes are all about 590-591mm circumference. With the 611mm (205/50x16) size the known average over-read error in the A2 speedo is completely compensated for, if not more than compensated for: the error on your car may also be less than average, so care is already needed. But with 631mm circumference, at the least, the average margin of speedo error would be re-introduced in the opposite direction. When your speedo under-reads, there's more danger involved for you, your passengers and other road users. Thank goodness tyres that size won't fit.
 
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I currently have a set of Michelin Alpin4 14 165 70 on my car. I have put plenty of air in and they ride well. The circumference also is within OEM.
 
I currently have a set of Michelin Alpin4 14 165 70 on my car. I have put plenty of air in and they ride well. The circumference also is within OEM.
The load index of 165/70R14 tyres is the same as the standard 175/60R15 and 185/50R16 tyre sizes, so use the same tyre pressures. There's no need to over-inflate.
 
The load index of 165/70R14 tyres is the same as the standard 175/60R15 and 185/50R16 tyre sizes, so use the same tyre pressures. There's no need to over-inflate.
Something I have noticed from the brake data on the MOT test is that the car is heavier than stated. On the last test it was 1250 kg. Perhaps the mechanic was very fat? I have been putting 3 bar into my summer tyres, which are 175 60 15, which I have used for over 20,000 miles. The wear is very even and I still have plenty of tread. Running the previous front tyres at 2.2 bar resulted in heavy wear on the inside front tyres, which is why I had to change them.
 
I've located some 15" wheels locally; looking at them tonight. I'll store them while I figure out which size and type of tyres would best suit.

Quick question; do all A2's use the same wheel bolts?
 
Quick question; do all A2's use the same wheel bolts?

Yes they do if you stick to OEM wheels. Aftermarket and other wheels may need longer bolts, but I have no evidence to back that up.

As a rule of thumb, six threads (six turns) once the thread picks up should be the minimum.

Ian
 
Yes they do if you stick to OEM wheels. Aftermarket and other wheels may need longer bolts, but I have no evidence to back that up.

As a rule of thumb, six threads (six turns) once the thread picks up should be the minimum.

Ian

I appreciate questions on tyre sizes are painful, but I'm trying to choose between a fat 185/60 15 all season (Vredestein) or a 195/50 summer which I'd potentially swop over at the end of the year - I live on the south coast, but will potentially need to commute through the winter. As far as I can see, effect on speedometer reading will be minimal, and both will give an improved ride over the 16" wheel/tyres currently fitted (185/50) - even the 195/50s will give an extra 5mm of sidewall plus the benefit of reduced unsprung weight.

Any thoughts?
 
I have used Vredesteins on an A2 before and I was WELL impressed with the ride quality. They are not cheap but they are worth it.
Steve B
 
I am looking to swap my tyres on 15 inch steel wheels. Currently, I have a Summer and Winter Set, both Continentals, both 175/60R15 but looking at putting all seasons on. I am reading good reviews for the AllSeasonContact by Continental, but I would need to go 185/60R15.

My two questions:
- Is this a good idea?
- Does anyone have any experience with these AllSeasonContact tyres (on an A2 or on another type of car)?

Many thanks
 
I work at Mercedes Benz World and many of our cars run on Continental tyres. They are highly regarded in the industry (including their all season tyres).
As for fitting 185 60 15 instead of 175 60 15 they are only 10mm wider and so they would fit ok. They would be less than half an inch taller that your current ones and that is ok too.

But remember that all season tyres are a slight compromise all year around too. Summer tyres are better than all season in the summer and winter tyres are better than all season in the winter. I know that is pretty obvious. But they are better than summer tyres in the winter or winter tyres in the summer.
Steve B
 
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