For those that are running 225/55/17 tyres, have you noticed a difference in ride/handling/grip after changing from 215/55/17 tyres?

A few people have done this but I wonder if the larger sidewall translates into a number steering feel. But I also wonder if the extra 10mm of tyre width would give better traction (both on initial take-off and during corners).

Also, if anyone has any photos of 225/55/17 tyres fitted, I'd be keen to see them :)

For those that are running 225/55/17 tyres, have you noticed a difference in ride/handling/grip after changing from 215/55/17 tyres?

Yes - but probably just as much because of the change in tyre quality rather than the size.

Pros:
1. My speedo is now accurate to within 0.3km/hr
2. Went from stock Dunlop - slippery, EXTREMELY NOISY to Bridgestone Potenza - grippy and quiet
3. Tyre visually fills out the wheel wells better
4. You have more rubber on the road (width AND length). My grip off the line is so much better.

Cons:
1. Size 225/55/17 is not a common size, I paid over a grand for a set of four Potenzas (and the shop scratched my rims too)

Would never go back to the standard size. The larger size might be slightly more numb in steering feel because of bigger sidewalls, but I haven't ever noticed it.

Might try getting a photo to you - PM me your mobile number and I'll try to remember to do it tomorrow.

Yes - but probably just as much because of the change in tyre quality rather than the size.
Yeah, I had that in mind when asking the question.



1. Size 225/55/17 is not a common size, I paid over a grand for a set of four Potenzas (and the shop scratched my rims too)
Bridgestone Select currently have the Bridgestone RE002s in 225/55/17 for $229 each. I was quoted a similar figure for the same tyre in 215/55/17. Just debating whether it's worth it.


Would never go back to the standard size. The larger size might be slightly more numb in steering feel because of bigger sidewalls, but I haven't ever noticed it.

Might try getting a photo to you - PM me your mobile number and I'll try to remember to do it tomorrow.
Thanks mate, much appreciated.

If the price is pretty much the same, it's a no-brainer IMHO.

Does your speedo over-read on the stock size like mine did?

Does your speedo over-read on the stock size like mine did?I only had the stock wheels on for a day or three (tyres were unroadworthy when I bought the car). But I do recall that the speedo did over-read by a noticeable margin. Not too concerned about that though as my current tyres make the speedo over-read by about 10%, so I'm used to it by now lol

Have standard 215/55/17 Michelin Primacy and my speedo is over by about 5% - indicated 115 is true 110 kmh (based on GPS)




4. You have more rubber on the road (width AND length). My grip off the line is so much better.

.

Not compleltely true because area of contact patch is dependent on tyre pressure and weight on that wheel

ie Area = weight / pressure

So wider section will result in slightly smaller length of contact