Cupra ST tyre suggestions low cabin noise

DigitalSushi

Active Member
Sep 7, 2020
147
69
Forgive my ignorance on the whole tyre width thing, but how would a 245 fit on a rim that has 235 tyres on? would it not be a bit big for the rim?
 

SRGTD

Active Member
May 26, 2014
2,589
1,434
Forgive my ignorance on the whole tyre width thing, but how would a 245 fit on a rim that has 235 tyres on? would it not be a bit big for the rim?
Not necessarily; it will depend on the width of the wheel. The table below which is widely published on the internet lists the ‘standard’ minimum, maximum and ideal width of tyres for specific wheel widths.
41BC60C9-238A-4763-810F-EF32BF7FB363.jpeg

According to the above table, both 235 and 245 width tyres can be fitted to 8J, 8.5J and 9J wheels (I think the 19” wheels on the Cupra ST are an 8J wheel), and with 245’s being wider, they will offer slightly better protection to the wheels against kerbing. However, replacing standard 235/35 tyres specified by a car manufacturer with 245/35 tyres will result in a small speedo reading error because of the taller sidewall (3.5mm taller) / larger tyre circumference. Additionally, a taller sidewall may mean more sidewall flex when under hard cornering and when driving enthusiastically - it might also mean a slightly more compliant, less firm ride.

Normally, changing the factory spec of a car (in this case, changing Seat’s recommended tyre size) would be considered as a modification by insurance companies, so for anyone considering changing tyre size it might be prudent for them to check with their insurer to ensure they’re happy with the change. They probably wouldn’t have any issues with upsizing by one size, but might be worth checking just in case.
 
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DigitalSushi

Active Member
Sep 7, 2020
147
69
Not necessarily; it will depend on the width of the wheel. The table below which is widely published on the internet lists the ‘standard’ minimum, maximum and ideal width of tyres for specific wheel widths.
View attachment 25875
According to the above table, both 235 and 245 width tyres can be fitted to 8J, 8.5J and 9J wheels (I think the 19” wheels on the Cupra ST are an 8J wheel), and with 245’s being wider, they will offer slightly better protection to the wheels against kerbing. However, replacing standard 235/35 tyres specified by a car manufacturer with 245/35 tyres will result in a small speedo reading error because of the taller sidewall (3.5mm taller) / larger tyre circumference. Additionally, a taller sidewall may mean more sidewall flex when under hard cornering and when driving enthusiastically - it might also mean a slightly more compliant, less firm ride.

Normally, changing the factory spec of a car (in this case, changing Seat’s recommended tyre size) would be considered as a modification by insurance companies, so for anyone considering changing tyre size it might be prudent for them to check with their insurer to ensure they’re happy with the change. They probably wouldn’t have any issues with upsizing by one size, but might be worth checking just in case.

Ooh interesting, i was looking for a slightly more compliant tyre than the standard, having had 2 tyre walls split on potholes would be good to get an extra bit.

Good point about insurance. those buggers will use anything to get out of paying.