Increase tyre height from 225/40/18 to 225/45/18

[Lucky ducky]

Hi have 2005 gti only used at the weekends and find it a little harsh on the the roads so was wondering if anyone had any views on going from a 40 to a 45 tyre there due for a change soon thanks

[pudding]

It will look silly and the overall gearing will be taller.

You'd be better off dropping to 17" wheels, or even 16s.  A couple winters ago, I ran 16" steels with winter tyres and the ride quality was phenomenal compared to the 18s!

[Lewo]

Did you use a 50 profile on the 16s pudding?

[pudding]

I think they were 205/55/16 from memory.   I did look into running 16" steels permanently as they're also lighter than the 18" alloys believe it or not, but 225/50/16 tyres are silly money, being an uncommon size.

[Lucky ducky]

Thanks guys had forgotten about the gearing been higher have now reduced the tyre pressure to 30psi down from 36psi makes a huge difference

[pudding]

I always thought 36psi is pretty high but I guess VW found that pressure the best mpg vs handling compromise on the factory fitted tyres, what ever they were in 2007!

Some tyres are just too harsh with that pressure though, so what ever works for you.  I would say 30 is a tad low.  Try 32-33 all round, otherwise you might get under inflation wear.

[rich83]

What tyres do you have fitted?

[Lucky ducky]

Hi rich
Tyre's on it are Continental SportContact™ 5 these were on it when i purchased the car before Xmas. There's still a lot of thread all round but there over 7 years old

[pudding]

ContiSports are normally pretty comfy, so it's probably their age.