All season tyres ??

[racali]

I have a 2019 Beach currently fitted with Continental 215/60 R17C 104/107T and I’d like to change them for all season tyres.
No problem in getting 215/60 R17C but not with a 104/102 load rating. The door sticker says 104/102 so a bit lower but that doesn’t help me.
Has anyone solved this issue - maybe a tyre I’ve overlooked - or some other configuration as there is a choice with wider tyres.

 

[pluc99]

Maybe this size comparison will help. I don't recall where I got it from last year when I was researching tires. I ended up getting MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE + 235/55 R17 103Y

	215/60-17	235/55-17	Difference
Diameter inches (mm)	27.16 (689.8)	27.18 (690.3)	0.02 (0.5) 0.1%
Width inches (mm)	8.46 (215)	9.25 (235)	0.79 (20) 9.3%
Circum. inches (mm)	85.32 (2167.07)	85.38 (2168.64)	0.06 (1.57) 0.1%
Sidewall Height inches (mm)	5.08 (129)	5.09 (129.25)	0.01 (0.25) 0.2%
Revolutions per mile (km)	742.64 (461.45)	742.1 (461.12)	-0.54 (-0.33) -0.1%

 

[IainB]

Have you tried Black Circles, they have a good range available, also maybe consider looking for a wider profile tyre, say 235/55 or 255/50 which might give you more choice.

 

[racali]

Maybe this size comparison will help. I don't recall where I got it from last year when I was researching tires. I ended up getting MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE + 235/55 R17 103Y

	215/60-17	235/55-17	Difference
Diameter inches (mm)	27.16 (689.8)	27.18 (690.3)	0.02 (0.5) 0.1%
Width inches (mm)	8.46 (215)	9.25 (235)	0.79 (20) 9.3%
Circum. inches (mm)	85.32 (2167.07)	85.38 (2168.64)	0.06 (1.57) 0.1%
Sidewall Height inches (mm)	5.08 (129)	5.09 (129.25)	0.01 (0.25) 0.2%
Revolutions per mile (km)	742.64 (461.45)	742.1 (461.12)	-0.54 (-0.33) -0.1%

Thanks pluc99 - I had noticed that a wide profile gave a better choice but I’m a novice when it comes to tyres.

I assume my existing rims would take a wider profile without changing anything other than more contact area which might have an impact on noise and economy. I’m assuming from your chart that the overall circumference difference is +0.6 inch - so did you find economy had changed.

My current tyres are low rolling resistance but require 3.7/3.5 bar whereas I notice from the door sticker that the 235/56 are 3/2.5 bar which is a big difference so I assume a softer ride.

 

[racali]

Have you tried Black Circles, they have a good range available, also maybe consider looking for a wider profile tyre, say 235/55 or 255/50 which might give you more choice.

Thanks Ian - just a bit nervous moving away from the size the van came with. As I mentioned to pluc99 above changing the cross sectional area, if I understand it correctly, can also change the circumference whatever that means.

 

[paul_f]

My 2019 beach has multiple sizes on the door sticker.
Doesn't yours?

 

[racali]

I have a 2019 Beach currently fitted with Continental 215/60 R17C 104/107T and I’d like to change them for all season tyres.
No problem in getting 215/60 R17C but not with a 104/102 load rating. The door sticker says 104/102 so a bit lower but that doesn’t help me.
Has anyone solved this issue - maybe a tyre I’ve overlooked - or some other configuration as there is a choice with wider tyres.

I have a 2019 Beach currently fitted with Continental 215/60 R17C 104/107T and I’d like to change them for all season tyres.
No problem in getting 215/60 R17C but not with a 104/102 load rating. The door sticker says 104/102 so a bit lower but that doesn’t help me.
Has anyone solved this issue - maybe a tyre I’ve overlooked - or some other configuration as there is a choice with wider tyres.

Further thoughts/worries on changing to a different aspect ratio - would this mess with the speedometer or odometer in addition to noise and economy.

 

[racali]

My 2019 beach has multiple sizes on the door sticker.
Doesn't yours?

This is what it shows

 

[B J G]

Thanks Ian - just a bit nervous moving away from the size the van came with. As I mentioned to pluc99 above changing the cross sectional area, if I understand it correctly, can also change the circumference whatever that means.

You will notice that your existing tyres have a 60 profile ie tyre sidewall is 60% of the tyre width.
Alternative 235 tyre has 55 profile.
216 60% = 129 sidewall height
235 55% = 129 "

235/55/17 tyre to use will require a 103 load rating. speed rating can be either V or H
tyre wall marking will be 235/55/17 103 V or H

Don't go any wider than 235 as the wheel rim isn't wide enough plus load ratings are difficult to match.

I actually run 235/60/17 106V Michelin Crossclimate SUV tyres which is another size option. Speedo underreads by 1MPH + true 70MPH ie 70 indicated is 71 road speed.

 

[racali]

Thanks BJG - I’ve had a look for these 135 tyres and they seem to comply with the door sticker - though what I can do with a maximum speed of 186mph

 

[Wildcamper]

We went for Michelin Agilis Cross Climates. Very happy and will purchase again when required.

 

[Skiver]

I have a 2019 Beach currently fitted with Continental 215/60 R17C 104/107T and I’d like to change them for all season tyres.
No problem in getting 215/60 R17C but not with a 104/102 load rating. The door sticker says 104/102 so a bit lower but that doesn’t help me.
Has anyone solved this issue - maybe a tyre I’ve overlooked - or some other configuration as there is a choice with wider tyres.

My van came with Bridgestone 215/60 R17s from new and I upgraded to MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE + 235/55 R17 103Y on the 17 alloys the van came with.

A recommended size, Same rolling circumference and fit nicely.

 

[Bluebird]

Can you put tyres with a higher load rating on your van ? If you search for all season 215/60/17 with a load rating of 109 it gives you more choice than the same size with 104. This is what I’m planning to do when my current tyres eventually need replacing.

 

[kurienp]

Can you put tyres with a higher load rating on your van ? If you search for all season 215/60/17 with a load rating of 109 it gives you more choice than the same size with 104. This is what I’m planning to do when my current tyres eventually need replacing.

a higher load rated tyre has thicker sidewalls that will lead to a rougher ride.

 

[Bluebird]

a higher load rated tyre has thicker sidewalls that will lead to a rougher ride.

Do you know if they are longer lasting as a result ? I know a lot depends on driving style etc.

 

[kurienp]

Do you know if they are longer lasting as a result ? I know a lot depends on driving style etc.

Mostly made for commercial van use, so yes, it should last longer, but again, impacted by many other factors primarily tread depth which is usually not advertised. The commercial tyres tend to have more rubber.

 

[IainB]

Thanks Ian - just a bit nervous moving away from the size the van came with. As I mentioned to pluc99 above changing the cross sectional area, if I understand it correctly, can also change the circumference whatever that means.

The VW alternative sizes are detailed on the door pillar, we had wider 17" and lower profile fitted to the van when collected from the dealer (all weather tyre option). We have since moved to an 18" wheel with slightly wider profile, all within VW specifications for the California.

 

[B J G]

a higher load rated tyre has thicker sidewalls that will lead to a rougher ride.

You can go up in load rating but will loose tyre ability to soak up road imperfections.
absolute minimum is 101 but 102 is best taken as being lowest.

Each number change gives 25kgs difference in load capacity changes at 109 to 30kgs per digit.
101 is 825kgs or 1650kgs per axle.
109 is 1030kgs.

If you look at your VIN Plate it will show the front and rear axle load capability figures. Front will be highest figure, take that figure and halve it to get your minimum tyre/wheel load requirement. Note it isn't the Cali grosse figure divided by 4.

 

[racali]

I have a 2019 Beach currently fitted with Continental 215/60 R17C 104/107T and I’d like to change them for all season tyres.
No problem in getting 215/60 R17C but not with a 104/102 load rating. The door sticker says 104/102 so a bit lower but that doesn’t help me.
Has anyone solved this issue - maybe a tyre I’ve overlooked - or some other configuration as there is a choice with wider tyres.

Thanks for all the comments and great advice - I’ve finally gone with the Michelin Agilis Crossclimates which matched the original tyres.

 

[Hawthorn37]

You will notice that your existing tyres have a 60 profile ie tyre sidewall is 60% of the tyre width.
Alternative 235 tyre has 55 profile.
216 60% = 129 sidewall height
235 55% = 129 "

235/55/17 tyre to use will require a 103 load rating. speed rating can be either V or H
tyre wall marking will be 235/55/17 103 V or H

Don't go any wider than 235 as the wheel rim isn't wide enough plus load ratings are difficult to match.

I actually run 235/60/17 106V Michelin Crossclimate SUV tyres which is another size option. Speedo underreads by 1MPH + true 70MPH ie 70 indicated is 71 road speed.

Most speedos seem to over-read road speed. Waze uses GPS to calculate the actual road speed. At 70mph on the speedo of our van and Volvo, Waze gives about 68mph. At 50mph on the speedo, Waze gives the road speed as 49mph.

 

[Hawthorn37]

I’ve generally found the if you ask a tyre business you trust (not to rip you off), they’ll know all the options for sizes, loads and brands, and what’s the latest etc. They‘re really knowledgable. I don’t know where you’re located @racali , but I’ve found Formula One Autocentres (a Midlands chain) are good on price and advice.

Also be aware if you have certain features on your vehicle such as tyre pressure monitoring, you could well need a special “VW Fit” tyre. I’ve needed these on our last 3 cars, AUDI, BMW, Volvo, but we didn’t choose this option on the Cali as the specials tend to restrict tyre choice or bump the cost up.

 

[Velma's Dad]

Also be aware if you have certain features on your vehicle such as tyre pressure monitoring, you could well need a special “VW Fit” tyre. I’ve needed these on our last 3 cars, AUDI, BMW, Volvo, but we didn’t choose this option on the Cali as the specials tend to restrict tyre choice or bump the cost up.

I don't think you need to be concerned on that. AFAIK, VWs use "indirect" TPMS which utilises the ABS system to detect a change in the relative rotational speeds that would imply a pressure loss on one wheel, so it shouldn't matter what particular tyres you use.

I stand ready to be corrected though.

[EDIT] On re-reading some stuff I think perhaps the latest Calis from around 2020 may have switched to a "direct" TPMS system so the issue of tyre options might arise. Although personally I'd still fit whatever tyres I want and just keep an eye on their pressures in the good old way.

 

[andyinluton]

[EDIT] On re-reading some stuff I think perhaps the latest Calis from around 2020 may have switched to a "direct" TPMS system so the issue of tyre options might arise. Although personally I'd still fit whatever tyres I want and just keep an eye on their pressures in the good old way.

The direct TPMS is a paid for option & shows pressures on the screen for each wheel. It uses a special tyre valve with a transmitter.

The basic system that comes as standard uses the ABS sensor.

The disadvantages of the TPMS system are that the system comes preprogrammed for VW standard size tyres & recommended pressures, fit anything different & you need to get an aftermarket hack done to the system. If not you will be stuck with a warning light on permanently.
Also if you have a separate set of winter wheels you need an additional set of valves & they are not cheap.

 

[Velma's Dad]

Thanks Andy, for me that confirms why I wouldn't want it.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Thanks Andy, for me that confirms why I wouldn't want it.

Same here