Need new tyres: should I change my wheels?

[phil keegan]

I have a 2022 T6.1 Coast. I had planned to change it after the 5 year warranty period but am now thinking about keeping it long term (prefer T6.1 to T7).

My current 215/65R16 C 106/104 T tyres need replacing.

I’m thinking of getting Michelin Cross climate 2s (from recommendations on this forum).

It looks from the numbers on my tyre side wall that the van came with 16 inch wheels.

I’m just wondering if any experts on this forum would recommend changing wheel size to 17inch and what driving benefits might result?

Chat GPT suggests that 17 inch wheels would have been more frequently supplied. I’m aware however that AI is also often confidently wrong!


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[WelshGas]

I have a 2022 T6.1 Coast. I had planned to change it after the 5 year warranty period but am now thinking about keeping it long term (prefer T6.1 to T7).

My current 215/65R16 C 106/104 T tyres need replacing.

I’m thinking of getting Michelin Cross climate 2s (from recommendations on this forum).

It looks from the numbers on my tyre side wall that the van came with 16 inch wheels.

I’m just wondering if any experts on this forum would recommend changing wheel size to 17inch and what driving benefits might result?

Chat GPT suggests that 17 inch wheels would have been more frequently supplied. I’m aware however that AI is also often confidently wrong!


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The Coast and Beach with the 140/150 engine came with 16” wheels with an Option to select the 17” chassis which basically gave larger front disc brakes and 17” wheels to accommodate . The larger engine , 180/199/204 , and the SE/Ocean came with the larger brakes automatically and hence 17” wheels were common across the range.
A 16” or 17” wheel fitted with the correct tyre size has the same overall diameter/circumference. ( see sticker on drivers door pillar ).
There will be no change in speedo/ milo meter etc. the main difference will be a higher sidewall on the 16” tyre compared with the 17” tyre.
A higher sidewall can contribute to a more comfortable ride, but going from a 215 to a 235 tyre can provide a more comfortable ride as they use 235 tyres run at a lower pressure.
There is no overwhelming evidence to change but you might find a larger choice of tyres in the 17” range. Or you just fancy new wheels.

 

[phil keegan]

Thanks WG. Much appreciated. I’ll probably just go for new tyres.


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[phil keegan]

Thanks WG. Much appreciated. I’ll probably just go for new tyres.


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[BristolCali]

A proper commercial tyre is best, I use Bridgestone Duravis which are excellent. Pirelli make a Carrier range which is a proper light truck / commercial tyre. The sizes we buy for Californias tend to be the smallest in these ranges which are used by light commercials such as supermarket delivery vans banging up and down kerbs all day long.

If you want Michelin their commercial van range is called Agilis in which I think there are cross climate versions.

My brother works in truck tyres and tells me these commercial ranges are constructed very differently to car tyres which are usually what dealers try and sell us for Californias.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

It’s often cheaper to buy new wheels + tyres with delivery miles (versus buying new tyres only); lot of people buy vans and change the wheels to bigger ones within the first month or so of ownership.

Then just sell your old wheels to part offset the cost of the ‘new’ ones.

Best place to pick them up is eBay or FBM.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

A proper commercial tyre is best, I use Bridgestone Duravis which are excellent. Pirelli make a Carrier range which is a proper light truck / commercial tyre. The sizes we buy for Californias tend to be the smallest in these ranges which are used by light commercials such as supermarket delivery vans banging up and down kerbs all day long.

If you want Michelin their commercial van range is called Agilis in which I think there are cross climate versions.

My brother works in truck tyres and tells me these commercial ranges are constructed very differently to car tyres which are usually what dealers try and sell us for Californias.

https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtMg%3D%3D_ddafbd36-3205-4ad9-89bd-ae8a3dcf4b91

I fitted the non-Agilis ones earlier this year, not knowing the difference. I think I fitted the right ones for my use but becoming aware subsequently, thanks @BristolCali, of the Agilis I can see there are pros and cons. I have not looked into the price difference.

 

[phil keegan]

A proper commercial tyre is best, I use Bridgestone Duravis which are excellent. Pirelli make a Carrier range which is a proper light truck / commercial tyre. The sizes we buy for Californias tend to be the smallest in these ranges which are used by light commercials such as supermarket delivery vans banging up and down kerbs all day long.

If you want Michelin their commercial van range is called Agilis in which I think there are cross climate versions.

My brother works in truck tyres and tells me these commercial ranges are constructed very differently to car tyres which are usually what dealers try and sell us for Californias.

Thanks. I’ve booked with ATS to have 4 Michelin Agillis Crossclimates fitted. Online price with discount £691 including fitting/balancing/wheel alignment/tyre disposal etc.


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[phil keegan]

A proper commercial tyre is best, I use Bridgestone Duravis which are excellent. Pirelli make a Carrier range which is a proper light truck / commercial tyre. The sizes we buy for Californias tend to be the smallest in these ranges which are used by light commercials such as supermarket delivery vans banging up and down kerbs all day long.

If you want Michelin their commercial van range is called Agilis in which I think there are cross climate versions.

My brother works in truck tyres and tells me these commercial ranges are constructed very differently to car tyres which are usually what dealers try and sell us for Californias.

Thanks. I’ve booked with ATS to have 4 Michelin Agillis Crossclimates fitted. Online price with discount £691 including fitting/balancing/wheel alignment/tyre disposal etc.


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[B J G]

If happy to remain om16" wheels there are lots of Clayton design on Marketplace or Ebay with as new tyres for the price of 1 or2 new tyres.
You can also find 17" wheels from the same sources. Trend for 20" wheels makes available.

Search for VW Transporter wheels.