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Date:         Mon, 2 Oct 2006 16:51:20 -0400
Reply-To:     The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Subject:      Re: A new tire thread!
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2006100215345253@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

> To recap, it looks like the best tire size for OEM alloys > (not steel rims) is 205R70-14 as the width is closer to the > 6" rim width. However, almost no one makes these in a > reinforced tire.

Hankook states that the 185R14 is suitable for rim widths between 5" and 6", making it appropriate for both steel (5.5") and alloy (6") wheels. I have used them on my alloys for years. They are the same height, but slightly thinner, than the 205R70-14. As a rule (all things being equal), a thinner tire will tend to have slightly better rain/snow traction and reduced tendancy to hydroplane; a wider tire slightly better dry-road traction. A wider tire can have an advantage on a sports car that takes curves at high speeds and requires grip during fast acceleration, but my Vanagon's no sports car. On the other hand, a narrower tire will tend to be more sure-footed on road conditions that I am much more likely to encounter driving my Vanagon (such as driving through pounding rain or a snow squall), hence my general preference toward the 185's. (Also, of course, there is the cost advantage of going with a 185 tire.)

- Ron Salmon The Bus Depot, Inc. www.busdepot.com (215) 234-VWVW

_____________________________________________ Toll-Free for Orders by PART # : 1-866-BUS-DEPOT


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