The Official Polo Tyre Thread

[leegil]

Car - 06 Polo GTI
Rim Size - 18x7.5 (Speedy FIN rims)
New Tire - KU21
Tire Size - 215/35/18
Cost - $640 (special price through Kumho, install Bob Jane)
Tire Replaced - Original Continental
Km's On new Tire - 20km

Too early to tell but new tyres were 'green' and sure spun as soon as I drove out. I needed to clear the 'new' coat off it. You can feel the harsher ride straight away on the 35 profile. You feel the same bumps as on original 205/45/16 but the bumps are a little harsher...not by that much but just noticeable. The KU21 has an outside face to the tyre and thus the tread orientation looks a little strange when mounted on the car (not symmetrical).

[kaanage]

I still contend that the 175 width XM2 is more than enough tyre for most Polos as I only held up one car in the group + the gentle and progressive breakaway characteristics make it very controllable as the limits are approached. In fact, even at a track day, it would be a good tyre for inexperienced drivers to learn with as they could learn the car's on the limit cornering behaviour and recovery techniques when overcooking a turn at slower speeds with highly predictable response.

After another cruise with these tyres (all 4 this time), I can confirm that while the limits aren't super high, they have a very wide performance plateau so you get loads of feedback as you reach the limits which allows you to slide the car quite controllably, if your chassis/suspension is well balanced. You also get audible warning from tyre squeal both in corners and under brakes as the Golf R I caught and passed will testify.

[kangfu]

Has anybody ran 225/45/17s on the Polo without problems? The fronts might rub against the strut from a quick inspection. Wanting to go higher profile for road comfort. I have 7.5 wide wheels so 225's are fine, just worried about the front struts.

Thinking of maybe running some spacers up front to be sure? I have too many potholes in my area.

[fuzion]

Has anybody ran 225/45/17s on the Polo without problems? The fronts might rub against the strut from a quick inspection. Wanting to go higher profile for road comfort. I have 7.5 wide wheels so 225's are fine, just worried about the front struts.

Thinking of maybe running some spacers up front to be sure? I have too many potholes in my area.

depends on tyres.

Lora's Polo runs 215 40 17s on the TT rims but runs a PZero Nero's which carry a thicker sidewall than most. So a 225 on a 45 profile would definitely end up rubbing and wouldn't be the right side for the polo. As you want the comfort go for a decent quality tyre and nitrogen and the car will be smooth and fine to drive.

You have to remember being a short wheel base the bumps will be felt as they have no where to travel in the chassis/body of the car.



--

Car - 08 Polo GTI
Rim Size - Audi TT 17x7.5
New Tyre - Pirelli PZero Nero
Tire Size - 215/40/17
Cost - $680 (rrp is $340-380 a tyre)
Tyre Replaced - Bridgestone Adrenalin
Km's On new Tyre - 1300 already!


ps. tire is spelt TYRE in Australia and UK, in America(s) it is Tire.. Where you from? lol

[kaanage]

You have to remember being a short wheel base the bumps will be felt as they have no where to travel in the chassis/body of the car.

Are you implying that chassis flex will help absorb the bump in a longer wheelbase car? I would think it is more the lightness that would make the bumps more noticable (the "Cadillac ride" beloved of Americans is achieved by having a short wheel base with large overhangs at each end and as much weight as possible in these overhangs).

Cost - $680 (rrp is $340-380 a tyre)

Is that from a local supplier or through tirerack?

ps. tire is spelt TYRE in Australia and UK, in America(s) it is Tire.. Where you from? lol

Probably he's from somewhere weird where they refer to an "anti-roll bar" as a "swaybar" and a "damper" as "shock absorber" lol

[BlueGti]

What is the offset on the polo gti?

[kaanage]

Try this thread

[Stuwey]

Anyone tried a 215/45/17

[Eddy]

Anyone tried a 215/45/17

Hoyhoy.

Yeah Stu, a couple of times with all different offsets, no fit, to tall & hits on full lock on the inside front.
But this -2% camber.

[Stuwey]

Naw. Sadface

[pog]

Anyone tried a 215/45/17

I've always ran 215/45/17. Always have and never have had any issues. I run the Cup Edition kit, so I'm not sure if that's any different, but even on the GTI kit it was fine.

However, if you do full lock, it rubs very lightly but nothing to panic about. I hardly full lock anyway.

[MeTsU]

Anyone tried a 215/45/17

Stuwey, I run 205/40/17's on my OZ's.

[Stuwey]

Stuwey, I run 205/40/17's on my OZ's.

Too little tyre for an 8" rim, for my liking. Scored some 215/40/17 Pirelli P Zero Neros, now I just need to get the front it all aligned and they'll be on next week!

[Eddy]

Hoyhoy.

Stu, I'm thinking of selling these if that helps,,, 17"/7"/35 offset, they have done one track day.

http://www.teamilluminata.com/Shop/TeamDynamics/prorace12swhiteblue.jpg

[Stuwey]

Nah, she's right mate. I feel greedy already with my BBSs sitting here doing nothing whilst the OZs are on. Thanks for the offer though.

What's next for yours?