I'm really enjoying my new V60 SE Lux D4
I usually use winter tyres over the winter and if possible would like to re-use the winters from my previous Golf by purchasing a new pair of 16 inch steel rims to fit the Volvo's PCD etc. My winter tyres are the same diameter as the Volvo's, but 205/55 R 16 compared to the Volvo 235/40 R 18.

The winter tyres would be not as wide as the Volvos and therefore I expect to give better traction in snow.

I have some questions:

1. What would be the best wheel width for the car/winter tyre combination?
2. Although insurers seem a lot more sensible re winter tyres these days, is the above likely to cause them concerns?
3. If the insurers ask for Volvo's approval how helpful are Volvo likely to be or will they just try and sell me their wheels/tyres?
4. Is my plan sensible?

Many thanks

 

When going to winter tires, the assumption is you want traction on snow or ice. For snow, narrow tires cut through the snow better (most of the traction is really the side lugs not the flat bottom of the tread). For ice, winter tires are harder rubber so they can chew into the hard pack or ice better than summer tires. Its also a benefit to have taller side walls (ie 60 vs 40 profile ratios) considering pot holes, ice chunks, firmer tire rubber to retain a better sense of ride.

So, regarding wheels, there's two things to consider diameter where there's comparisons for going plus 1,2 etc where the tread width/profile ratios map. Example a 235/40-18 maps to a 235/45-17 or can map to a 215/55-16. Second is the rim width. A 235mm tread would need a 7-8 inch wide rim. SO you have a lot of choices based on how aggressive you want your winter tires (or tyres?) to be. You can find 235/45-17 snows but they won't perform as well in fresh snow or ice as say a 215/55-16 but they will have the same rolling distance. Since you have the 205/55-16s you could certainly buy a set of 16 x 6.5 rims - they'd be about 1.5% shorter - ie at 50MPH you'd indicate 51 MPH and your odometer would clock 102 miles for every 100... That leaves just one final concern. Assuming you get correct fit wheels (ie center bore is correct, bolt pattern, correct offset etc), just confirm a 16 inch wheel will fit over your brakes. Shouldn't be a problem but something worth confirming.