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Old 07-01-2009, 02:15 PM   #1
excelix
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Default Extreme Tyre Prices for Focus

Hi all, long time reader first time poster,

I Just have a question as i need 4 new tyres for my 07 Ford Focus Zetec (205/50/r17) and im to find out there relatively rare tyres and am looking at around 350 a tyre (which is a joke) So im wondering if its possible to change to a cheaper different profile ie. 215/45/r17 or something similar? anyone else done this or know of the pros n cons of doing so?

Thanks
Rohan

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Old 07-01-2009, 02:48 PM   #2
BlackLS
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Yes you can run 215/45/17. I did over 90,000kms on them.
Makes very little difference to speedo or economy.
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Old 07-01-2009, 02:55 PM   #3
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are you still running on these ? If not, is there any reason why ?
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Old 07-01-2009, 02:55 PM   #4
Turbodiesel
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When I was at Blair's Tyres they had some 205/50 R17s for around the $200-$220 mark.

I ended up buying some Yokohamas fresh off a WRX for $150 each - big mistake they are an anything but quiet..
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Old 07-01-2009, 03:13 PM   #5
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I'm riding on 16s again. 17" tyres cost the same as near new 16s rims and tyres, and my 17s had buckles in them from massive potholes.
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Old 07-01-2009, 03:38 PM   #6
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Kmart Tyre & Auto has 215/45R17 Bridgestone Adrenalins for $264 each this month. from what I can tell, they're one of the best tyres on the market just now.

I'm looking at the Bridgestones or (cheaper) Maxxis MA-Z1 in the near future.
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Old 07-01-2009, 03:59 PM   #7
excelix
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yes but will a lower profile tyre make more noise? and decrease comfort?
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Old 07-01-2009, 05:41 PM   #8
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There would be a slight increase in harshness of the ride going to a lower profile tyre (as there is less flex in the sidewall due to its height), but I guess quietness of the tyre on the road has to do with the compound of the rubber and also the tread pattern, 4x4 tyres with the knobby style tyres are horrendous for road noise whilst some really sport looking tyres are quite good at minimising road noise.
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Old 07-01-2009, 05:56 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by excelix
yes but will a lower profile tyre make more noise? and decrease comfort?
215/45 has a side wall height of 96.75mm, 205/50 is 102.5mm, so a half a cm difference in wall size. Honestly what tyre you choose would be the main contributor to noise and less comfort.

Plus 215/45s are 2/3rds the cost of 205/50s

On a side note check whether you can do it in terms of local laws, insurance and warranty.
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Old 07-01-2009, 07:36 PM   #10
excelix
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Cheers for the help guys!
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Old 08-01-2009, 02:11 PM   #11
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Like everyone has said, it can be done, just make sure that it's cool with your insurance company. That said, any dealer who fits Zetec rims as an extra always fits 215/45s...because they're cheaper :P

-RM.
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Old 08-01-2009, 06:29 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackLS
Yes you can run 215/45/17. I did over 90,000kms on them.
Makes very little difference to speedo or economy.

Maybe thats why your getting 6.8l/100
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