Mk7 GTI winter wheels query
Discussion
I've acquired some winter wheels for my Mk7 GTI (non-PP) from a friend who no longer needs them.
Stock wheels are 225/40R18, and looking at the Mk6 (which the wheels came from), it would appear that standard tyre size in the Mk6 was 225/45/R17.
The tyres on the wheels I've been given though are 225/55/R17, so they are noticeably bigger than my standard summer wheels when side by side. I've chucked one on loosely and they appear to fit fine, but I haven't driven them yet (I need a socket extension to get the bolts tightened as they are quite recessed).
There is not a huge amount of life left in the winter tyres fitted (around 5mm front, 4.5mm rear) but they look like they will do a winter, and I could possibly then swap them for 225/45/R17 winter tyres for next year. 45 vs 55 profile is a fair jump and will presumably have an appreciable effect on the speedo though. Is this too big a difference to be acceptable? Insurance issue?
I also noticed that whilst the BCD is fine and bolts all line up, the wheel does not "sit" on the hub quite as neatly, as the diameter on the inside of the wheel is different slightly larger than on the standard wheels. Presumably this means that the bolts are taking more weight rather than the lip on the hub taking some of the load. Is this an issue?
Stock wheels are 225/40R18, and looking at the Mk6 (which the wheels came from), it would appear that standard tyre size in the Mk6 was 225/45/R17.
The tyres on the wheels I've been given though are 225/55/R17, so they are noticeably bigger than my standard summer wheels when side by side. I've chucked one on loosely and they appear to fit fine, but I haven't driven them yet (I need a socket extension to get the bolts tightened as they are quite recessed).
There is not a huge amount of life left in the winter tyres fitted (around 5mm front, 4.5mm rear) but they look like they will do a winter, and I could possibly then swap them for 225/45/R17 winter tyres for next year. 45 vs 55 profile is a fair jump and will presumably have an appreciable effect on the speedo though. Is this too big a difference to be acceptable? Insurance issue?
I also noticed that whilst the BCD is fine and bolts all line up, the wheel does not "sit" on the hub quite as neatly, as the diameter on the inside of the wheel is different slightly larger than on the standard wheels. Presumably this means that the bolts are taking more weight rather than the lip on the hub taking some of the load. Is this an issue?
Centre Bore of the wheel should be 57.1mm. It is the same on both the MK6 and MK7. The lip doesn't take any load, it's just there to help centre the wheel.
Are the winter wheels OEM or aftermarket? OEM wheels use radius shoulder wheel studs whereas most aftermarket wheels use tapered shoulder wheel studs. Double check the face of the bolt holes to make sure you are using the correct type of wheel bolts.
With regards to tyre sizes, use the following calculator to check different sizes and the consequential effect on speedo reading.
http://www.willtheyfit.com/index.php?width=225&...
Are the winter wheels OEM or aftermarket? OEM wheels use radius shoulder wheel studs whereas most aftermarket wheels use tapered shoulder wheel studs. Double check the face of the bolt holes to make sure you are using the correct type of wheel bolts.
With regards to tyre sizes, use the following calculator to check different sizes and the consequential effect on speedo reading.
http://www.willtheyfit.com/index.php?width=225&...
Thanks. I got some longer bolts with the wheels (look like Team Dynamics Monzas) so presumably the offset is different. They go on fine, but the design of the wheel means I can only get them finger tight with the plastic VW socket in the boot, as the wrench won't fit. A socket extension will sort that.
Wheel size comparison puts the winters as over 6% bigger than the standard wheel size, which sounds chunky to me. Too much?
Is it worth getting spigot rings, or given what you say, not really necessary?
Wheel size comparison puts the winters as over 6% bigger than the standard wheel size, which sounds chunky to me. Too much?
Is it worth getting spigot rings, or given what you say, not really necessary?
You only need longer wheel bolts if you are using spacers. Offset has no impact on the length of the wheel bolt. If the wheel bolts are too.long they will go right through the rear of the threaded hole and could foul. For reference OEM wheel bolts are 27mm long. Double check clearance at the rear of the hub.
Personally I woukd get spigot rings but they are not necessary.
Personally I woukd get spigot rings but they are not necessary.
Edited by cuprabob on Monday 18th December 23:47
Thanks for that. I'll have another look. From a brief try, it did seem easier to fit the wheels with the longer bolts rather than my standard (presumably 27mm) ones, so either that was a coincidence caused by the faff of trying to line up the wheels with the wrong centre bore, or there is a spacer fitted inside the wheel already.
If I persevere, I reckon I'll get some spigot rings. I don't like cutting corners where wheels are concerned (says the man looking to fit wheels with the wrong size tyres fitted)
If I persevere, I reckon I'll get some spigot rings. I don't like cutting corners where wheels are concerned (says the man looking to fit wheels with the wrong size tyres fitted)
MK5, 6 & 7 Golf winter tyre sizes are:
205/55/16, 205/50/17 or 225/40/18
What you've got there is one peculiar size and I would not use them personally, especially as they don't even fit properly.
I just threw out a set of 16" VW winter steels/tyres. They're worthless s/hand, so get yourself on the bay of Es, or the Tree of gums and scout around for a set.
Personally I find the smaller diameter / taller sidewall is more effective on really snowy / slushy roads than the big fellas.......with proper winter tyres that is, not the silly intermediate all season rubbish which is not much use at either extreme.
205/55/16, 205/50/17 or 225/40/18
What you've got there is one peculiar size and I would not use them personally, especially as they don't even fit properly.
I just threw out a set of 16" VW winter steels/tyres. They're worthless s/hand, so get yourself on the bay of Es, or the Tree of gums and scout around for a set.
Personally I find the smaller diameter / taller sidewall is more effective on really snowy / slushy roads than the big fellas.......with proper winter tyres that is, not the silly intermediate all season rubbish which is not much use at either extreme.
A brief update (it's rude to leave a thread hanging!)
I had wondered about using these for a few limited miles this winter (subject to checking that there was no chance of any arch rub).
Spigot rings arrived and new wrench acquired, I fitted the fronts properly (using the bolts I got with the wheels) and drove the car out of my garage and stuck it on full lock. There was a paper width between the tyres and wheel arch lining on full lock so I'm not comfortable with that and I'm going to bin these tyres and get some 225/45/R17 (or even 215/45/R17 since they are 7J rims) fitted instead for next winter.
Thanks for the advice.
I had wondered about using these for a few limited miles this winter (subject to checking that there was no chance of any arch rub).
Spigot rings arrived and new wrench acquired, I fitted the fronts properly (using the bolts I got with the wheels) and drove the car out of my garage and stuck it on full lock. There was a paper width between the tyres and wheel arch lining on full lock so I'm not comfortable with that and I'm going to bin these tyres and get some 225/45/R17 (or even 215/45/R17 since they are 7J rims) fitted instead for next winter.
Thanks for the advice.
Edited by pixelmix on Sunday 7th January 16:36
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