Tire size differential % ?

[gregoryturner]

A friend of mine has a Tiguan that wants snow tires. My dad has a set of snows on wheels just sitting around (from a sold Audi Q5), want to sell them cheap to him, if I can. The differential between the two sizes is 3.7%, everything I have read has said to the effect of " exceeding a 3% differential is not recommended". Bad idea to use, or not?

215-65-17 ( Tig) vs 235-65-17 (Q5)

 

[Kevin]

@gregoryturner Providing they fit on the VW and clear the suspension & body I see no real problem

 

[ABFoz]

A friend of mine has a Tiguan that wants snow tires. My dad has a set of snows on wheels just sitting around (from a sold Audi Q5), want to sell them cheap to him, if I can. The differential between the two sizes is 3.7%, everything I have read has said to the effect of " exceeding a 3% differential is not recommended". Bad idea to use, or not?

215-65-17 ( Tig) vs 235-65-17 (Q5)

I agree with Kevin, as long as they fit, they should be fine.

That being said, the 3% differential thing you have been reading about can be the old-school 3% rule of thumb, where as long as everything is within 3%, larger or smaller, gearing won't be affected and won't need to be of any concern. It's not bad to go above 3% but just take note of the perceived added strain on the drivetrain. It's easier on snow tyres on snow, though, where the application of the tyres is going to be on relatively lesser friction than usual. Cheers.

 

[idw]

In this case the 'differential' probably being referred to is between the front and rear tyre sizes IE don't exceed 2-3% from the front to the rear. As long as you're putting the same size on all 4 corners and they fit there shouldn't be an issue.

If you've an sg manual low range, the different will also help make the low range even more useless than it was originally

 

[Ben Up North]

even more useless

I disagree that the low range is useless. It's still better than no low range at all. Foresters aren't meant to be rock crawlers or they would have been called Boulderers.

 

[Kevin]

If you've an sg manual low range,

Somewhat off-topic as in this case we're talking VW ;-)

 

[Ben Up North]

Oops.


I've earned my status and signature.


I hope you mods can see edits! I've had a field day!

 

[idw]

Ya know what, ive gotta learn to read