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[Dubuang]

Has anyone ever downsized tires? How was the effect of the drive? I found some 235-35-19s and 265-30-19s MPSS for sale for a great price. I was thinking about buying them and using them as spares for my other set of ZCPs. Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Dubuang

Has anyone ever downsized tires? How was the effect of the drive? I found some 235-35-19s and 265-30-19s MPSS for sale for a great price. I was thinking about buying them and using them as spares for my other set of ZCPs. Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks.

I would definitely check the load ratings on those 235s. I believe that's the OEM tire on the Audi S3 and Golf R, which is obviously a smaller and lighter car.

You can check the speedometer error, sidewall size, etc on a site like this:
https://tiresize.com/calculator/

[Dubuang]

I believe the tires came off a 335i. But, I haven't checked the load ratings that's one thing I'll do before for sure if I buy. I'm just concerned about the ride with the smaller size tires. The 235 is actually not that much smaller than the 245, however going from a 35 to 30 in the rear I believe is where it may make a difference. However, these will be my spares maybe used on road trips or dailying from time to time. Won't be tracking in them.

[Mvy]

You might get a few extra miles to the gallon I hear using smaller tires.

[tdott]

I would run 265/30/19 in front, but not the rear.

[Dubuang]

Originally Posted by tdott

I would run 265/30/19 in front, but not the rear.

I saw there are some that run that size up front, however the seller wants to sell all 4 so I can't separate if I want to. I just wanted to ask around and see if anyone has tried running something similar. Most likely I'll pass on the sale, but it's a great price if I wanted them for spares.

[SkysTheLimit]

You're going to change the effective gear ratio of the car, will see some more miles on the odo, and will hear a higher RPM at cruising speed.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Dubuang

I believe the tires came off a 335i. But, I haven't checked the load ratings that's one thing I'll do before for sure if I buy. I'm just concerned about the ride with the smaller size tires. The 235 is actually not that much smaller than the 245, however going from a 35 to 30 in the rear I believe is where it may make a difference. However, these will be my spares maybe used on road trips or dailying from time to time. Won't be tracking in them.

Like I said, use the calculator to figure out what's changing. I plugged it in and this is what stands out:

-In the front, you are going to lose a bit of sidewall height which means less wheel protection, a harsher ride, but better steering feedback/road feel.
-In the rear, you are losing a lot of sidewall height (16.2%, which is a half inch) and the speedo will be off by about 2.3mph at 60mph.


IMO, these tire sizes are a bad idea, especially for a daily driven car. Unless these are free, keep looking.