Tyre Size on Mondeo...

[Martyvan]

Am i correct in assuming that Ford has narrowed the Tyres on the mondeo over the years?

I believe (please correct me if im wrong) but the early Diesel/Zetec models came with 235/45/17 Tyres... and the Current MC Zetec, has 215/50/17 tyres?

Thats really a strange one.... can anyone confirm that?

Specs on Ford website for current model say 215/50 and redbook says 235/45!! Go figure...

[NZ XR6]

Originally Posted by Martyvan

Am i correct in assuming that Ford has narrowed the Tyres on the mondeo over the years?

I believe (please correct me if im wrong) but the early Diesel/Zetec models came with 235/45/17 Tyres... and the Current MC Zetec, has 215/50/17 tyres?

Thats really a strange one.... can anyone confirm that?

Specs on Ford website for current model say 215/50 and redbook says 235/45!! Go figure...

Same in NZ - 215/50 is standard for the 17" wheels on the MC.

And I think there is a very good reason for the change. Basically, as I discovered myself, the Mondeo is over-tyred with 235/45-17s unless it has sports suspension. I replaced my 16" wheels with Ford 17s and the 235/45 tyres and did not enjoy the results. The steering became less responsive and the suspension struggled to control wheel movement on bumpy roads.

I ended up selling the wheels and tyres, but of course what I should have done was replace the tyres with the 215/50. My tyre guru did try to tell me this at the time... Bigger, or in this case wider, is not always better.

[AG3]

I just realized how much bigger the tires of the USDM 2013 Fusion (2013 Mondeo) are compared to the current Mondeo.
16's are 215/60R16
17's are 235/50R17
18's are 235/45R18
19's are 235/40R19

[apstar]

I thought 17" was for a comfortable ride hwy cruising 18 & 19 were more sporty ride

apstar

[Riksta]

My 2010 built MC Zetec has 215/50/R17's on it.

[Martyvan]

Originally Posted by Riksta

My 2010 built MC Zetec has 215/50/R17's on it.

thanks Riksta.. do you consider that sufficiently tyred for the size of the vehicle? I think it would be ok...... But after hearing NZ's comments, maybe that size is a good comprimised between nice handling, and compliant ride..... ?

[NZ XR6]

Originally Posted by apstar

I thought 17" was for a comfortable ride hwy cruising 18 & 19 were more sporty ride

apstar

You're right, but you should try a Mondeo on 16s - the ride is even better.

[NZ XR6]

Originally Posted by Martyvan

thanks Riksta.. do you consider that sufficiently tyred for the size of the vehicle? I think it would be ok...... But after hearing NZ's comments, maybe that size is a good comprimised between nice handling, and compliant ride..... ?

Excuse me answering this, but the 215s give plenty of grip - just come over to Auckland and I'll take you for a drive!. IMHO cornering speeds are limited by the standard suspension, not grip.

Get a Titanium, which has the sports suspension, if you want the best handling Mondeo...

[Martyvan]

Originally Posted by NZ XR6

Excuse me answering this, but the 215s give plenty of grip - just come over to Auckland and I'll take you for a drive!. IMHO cornering speeds are limited by the standard suspension, not grip.

Get a Titanium, which has the sports suspension, if you want the best handling Mondeo...

I dont want to go around corners fast, i just want the maximum safe level of grip. I know on our corolla which is a pussbucket when it comes to handling anyway has 195's.... so my question was more relating to the torque of the diesel, and the effect it has... is 215 sufficient to stop the traction control kicking in every time you take off? as it hits max torque...? Or how does TC work in the Mondeo, does it cut revs or apply the brakes gently? or both?

But from a handling perspective i think it would be pretty good, i doubt Ford would put tyres on there that didnt meet handling/ride characteristics that they wanted.

[apstar]

Originally Posted by Martyvan

i doubt Ford would put tyres on there that didnt meet handling/ride characteristics that they wanted.

Ever since I replaced the original Goodyear Excellence with RE002 on my MA TDCi its now a totally different car to drive for the better like chalk & cheese,very quite and can now through it around corners with confidence

apstar

[NZ XR6]

Originally Posted by Martyvan

I dont want to go around corners fast, i just want the maximum safe level of grip. I know on our corolla which is a pussbucket when it comes to handling anyway has 195's.... so my question was more relating to the torque of the diesel, and the effect it has... is 215 sufficient to stop the traction control kicking in every time you take off? as it hits max torque...? Or how does TC work in the Mondeo, does it cut revs or apply the brakes gently? or both?

But from a handling perspective i think it would be pretty good, i doubt Ford would put tyres on there that didnt meet handling/ride characteristics that they wanted.

I've never seen the TC light come on, even on wet roads. All Mondeos have an electronic throttle which I suspect modulates the power during take off, and this is probably how the traction control would work on smooth roads. If one wheel lost traction, e.g. gravel on the road, then it would brake that wheel.

I should note that I have Falken F K 452 tyres, which are better than the OEM Goodyear Excellence on wet roads. But as Apstar commented, decent aftermarket tyres will usually be an improvement on the OEM fitment.