Bay window - Factory Tyre size!

[AxlFoley]

After trying to find out the factory tyre size on the bay window, I have finally found it, its;

185/80/14

I know a few people have been asking for conformation of this size so I thought I should post it, this should now be the basis for choosing the correct tyres for your new wheels, as the correct rolling radius is possibly the key to longevity of your VW engine.

Using this website; http://www.alloywheels.com/tyrecalc.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have done a few comparisons, the lower the difference in % the better it is for your van

Tyre code Diameter Circumference Difference
---------- -------- ------------- ----------
205/70 R14 643 mm 2020 mm -1.38 %
195/75 R14 648 mm 2036 mm -0.54 %
205/75 R14 663 mm 2083 mm 1.76 %
185/80 R14 652 mm 2048 mm 0 %
195/80 R14 668 mm 2099 mm 2.46 %
205/65 R15 648 mm 2036 mm -0.63 %
185/70 R15 640 mm 2011 mm -1.78 %
195/70 R15 654 mm 2055 mm 0.37 %
185/75 R15 659 mm 2070 mm 1.06 %
195/60 R16 640 mm 2011 mm -1.72 %
205/60 R16 652 mm 2048 mm 0.12 %
185/65 R16 647 mm 2033 mm -0.72 %
195/65 R16 660 mm 2073 mm 1.27 %
185/70 R16 665 mm 2089 mm 2.12 %
195/55 R17 646 mm 2029 mm -0.81 %
205/55 R17 657 mm 2064 mm 0.87 %
185/60 R17 654 mm 2055 mm 0.34 %
195/60 R17 666 mm 2092 mm 2.18 %

I hope this helps.

Mark

 

[buddysbuddy]

At last.....! Good work Axl. 8)

 

[BILLYBOB]

Sorry, i do not wish to be too controversial but, looking at numerous original vw handbooks the only specified tyre size is in fact 185R14 either in a 6 or an 8 ply rating for the side walls depending on load potential.

If you decide to fit standard 185/60/14 car tyres they are not loaded for the sheer weight of the vehicle, let alone all the belongings that we tend to load them with when we travel about. Something also to think of if you go the super skinny side wall type and have a heavy right foot!!

 

[Jason]

Sorry, i do not wish to be too controversial but, looking at numerous original vw handbooks the only specified tyre size is in fact 185R14 either in a 6 or an 8 ply rating for the side walls depending on load potential.

If you decide to fit standard 185/60/14 car tyres they are not loaded for the sheer weight of the vehicle, let alone all the belongings that we tend to load them with when we travel about. Something also to think of if you go the super skinny side wall type and have a heavy right foot!!

..... and when they go pop you can expect plod to take a dim view and your insurance and even dimmer one.

Basically you'll get nicked and your insurance won't pay out (for your damage anyway.)

 

[froggy]

As said OG tyre size is 185/14 COMMERCIAL RATED, the closest car tyre size is 185/82/14 but as 82 profiles aren't made most calculations are made using 80's.
As long as the tyre you replace is of a sufficient rating then you should be alright but if your unsure check with a repetuable tyre place 1st