tyres

[ginga]

Hi
Have just started my european trip (so far from leeds to stratford upon avon!!!) and after fully loading van (had a mild lowering job) front tyres scrub on wheel arch when cornering and on large bumps. Can someone tell me what is a low profile tyre i can safely put on standard 14" wheels, national tyres refused to change them from the ones on it which are also m and s tread which i'm told means mud and snow/slush not marks and sparks.
cheers
Ginga

 

[Clarkson46]

They refused because what you have fitted is correct for the vehicle's type approval. Anything less and it invalidates the type approval and possibly your insurance with it. The lowering has possibly done that all ready unless you have fully declared it as a modified vehicle. These are the joys of lowering. I know the lowering fraternity will now have a go at me saying I don't know what I'm talking about but I used to work in road safety training and saw the accident reports and statistics that the press tend to ignore. :mrgreen:

 

[Justin & Muttley]

You won't get flamed by me!!
I think we'd all agree that it's prudent and worthwhile to tell your insurer about any changes from stock that you make to your ride - ultimately we all need safe vehicles that are fully insured and reliable.

It's also worth noting that now that the authorities have the right to seize (and ultimately crush!) any unroadworthy vehicles used on the road we should be ambassadors for VW owners and classic car owners alike!!

Modify for your ride, but keep it safe and legal dudes!!

 

[ginga]

no problems with all of the above, the van was lowered when purchased and my insurance co know about it. Unfortunately my tyres are still catching on my wheel arches. Can i fit different tyres to stock wheels or should i raise the vehicle. We're off for a year in the van so its like this for a while!!

 

[Justin & Muttley]

If you're going on a big trip I'd be tempted to raise it a little - if nothing else it might make it easier to get into campsites!

 

[currylager]

You could go for 60 or 65 profile tyres but be aware this will affect the gearing of the vehicle if changed on the rear or the accuracy of the speedo if changed on the front. I've had no probs getting these types of tyres fitted to my bus, but if the tyre fitter is being picky, just take the rims to the tyre centre and not the bus :wink:

 

[mk2matt]

i have just had all my tyres renewed

ask the tyre place to put slighty lower profile on as im intending to lower it abit and wanted more clearance

they said no probs, so i told them what i had seen on other bays, loke on the quay for combi's on the quay in poole
great nite that was, anyway

notice they had 185/65/14 or 185/60/14 with 82 rating

told them and he came back with 185/65/14 with 86 rating so even btter than i have seen

and told me if i had probs he would change for free in the 1st 3 months

top bloke too