Can GTi use 195/50/15??

HK 6N2 · Post by **HK 6N2** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 12:48 pm

Today, when I go to the tire shop, they told me that
it's good to change from 195/45/15 to 195/50/15,
and they said that it won't be any problem to use 50/15 tire.
Can I believe it??

cyhliu · Post by **cyhliu** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 1:25 pm

The 195/50/15 will have a bigger profile than the 195/45 which means overall the wheel/rolling radius will be bigger meaning that your speedo may be not reading properly. Also because the tyres are 'thicker' it may lead to rubbing problems if the arches cannot accommodate them...I would best stick to 195/45 as you are paying and what you have on are 194/45...

carmadaaron · Post by **carmadaaron** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 1:54 pm

just go for 195/45 they offer no problems (guaranteed!)
as mentioned before 50's will knock out the speedo

HK6N2 · Post by **HK6N2** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 3:34 am

I m using 195/50/15, reason is because there are much better selection in terms of tires. I am using Yokohama Neova AD07 and they are really great tires but not availiable in 45 series.

The speedo problem - I know my speedo is off a bit, but it is something that i can live with. Just like pple who move up to 17" tires, they either live with it or adjust it.

The rubbing problem - My car was slam to the ground with the original rims and 45 series tires, after I changed to 50 series tires, I had to raise my coilovers a bit. Now, I changed to another set of 15"x7JJ +41, with 195/50/15 tires, I still don't have the rubbing problem.

In terms of ride quality, which I don't care that much, but it is a bit more comfortable with the 50 series tires.

HK 6N2 · Post by **HK 6N2** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 3:12 pm

What is meaning of 15"x7JJ +41??
If I choose to use 195/50/15 tires, only need to raise my coilovers a bit??
Don't need other modify??

carmadaaron · Post by **carmadaaron** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 3:15 pm

HK 6N2 wrote:What is meaning of 15"x7JJ +41??
If I choose to use 195/50/15 tires, only need to raise my coilovers a bit??
Don't need other modify??

a 15" wheel that is 7" wide.. +41 i believe is the offset.

dubpolo · Post by **dubpolo** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 4:48 pm

your handling will be affected too! as their will be more movement in the tyre wall

HK6N2 · Post by **HK6N2** » Wed Jun 29, 2005 4:47 am

yes, 15"x7JJ means 15" wheel x 7" wide and +41 is the offset...

Assuming that you are still using the original BBS, there is no need for other modification to use 50 series tyres except making sure you have enough clearance with your coilovers.

in terms of taller side wall, i don't feel much difference, maybe it is because of my tyres. The Neova AD07 is really sticker with a very strong side wall. I can't comment for other tyres yet, I will update all of you if I decide to go for another set of 50 series tyre in the future.

good luck with your tyre hunting