Odometer reading and bigger tyres

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ghost123uk
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Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by ghost123uk »

On our Tin-Top, I am running std Carrat alloys with 205 x 80 profile tyres which I read are 8% bigger in circumference than the std (70) profile tyres. I like the look :) (a bit "syncro :roll: )

When I checked using my sat nav, the speedo is now reading pretty much exactly correct, whereas with std size tyres it was about (the usual) ~10% fast.

It has now occurred to me that the odometer will also be reading 10% less. So, when it now says I have done 200 miles on a tank of LPG, before I fitted bigger tyres it would have read 220 miles. This is not an insignificant difference, especially when comparing MPG with other folks vans :shock: And for comparing MPG pre / post bigger tyres, I suppose I will have to add 10% (which in my case seems to work out right as it used to do 220 miles on a tank of LPG on the standard circumference tyres)




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Aside = this is before we get into the ins and outs of better MPG with the larger rolling radius v the higher gearing, requiring more frequent down-shifts, (though I have not noticed that on our relatively lightly loaded Tin-Top, though it does feel more "long legged" and more relaxed at 70 on the motorway).
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by AdrianC »

ghost123uk wrote:When I checked using my sat nav, the speedo is now reading pretty much exactly correct, whereas with std size tyres it was about (the usual) ~10% fast.

It has now occurred to me that the odometer will also be reading 10% less.

Or was it 10% out before, and is now bob-on?

I think you're somewhat over-estimating the change, though. 205/80 14 (1638mm nominal circumference) is actually closer to 195/80 14 (1613mm) than 205/70 14 (1574mm) is. 101.5% compared to 195/80, versus 97.5 for 205/70. So, even comparing 205/80 to 205/70, there's only about 3% difference. Tyre wear's going to have as much, if not more, of an effect between new and illegal tyres, as well as the differences between the reality of different brand tyres and the nominal sizes.
Last edited by AdrianC on 06 Mar 2014, 09:14, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by ghost123uk »

Haven't you answered your own question by quoting me, as per =

ghost123uk wrote:When I checked using my sat nav, the speedo is now reading pretty much exactly correct, whereas with std size tyres it was (the usual) ~10% fast. It has now occurred to me that the odometer will also now be reading 10% less.

:roll: :wink:
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by ghost123uk »

OK, hang on, I see what you mean, it will now be "bob on" but everyone elses will be ~10% high :ok

So, when folks with std wheels say they are getting 22mpg they are actually only getting 20, but at least "they" are all singing from the same hymn sheet !
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by ghost123uk »

Or perhaps it was only the speedo that was reading 10% high and the odometer was accurate. So now it will be ~10% low, not "correct". Oh heck, this is getting complicated. Satnav out again next time out ! (thinks, does my satnav "do" elapsed miles, I don't think it does :roll: no doubt figure a journey from A to B and see what "it" says it should be etc)
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by AdrianC »

ghost123uk wrote:Oh heck, this is getting complicated.

Especially given that your tyres have only changed 1%, not 10%, in circumference...
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by ghost123uk »

AdrianC wrote: I think you're somewhat over-estimating the change, though. 205/80 14 (1638mm nominal circumference) is actually closer to 195/80 14 (1613mm) than 205/70 14 (1574mm) is. 101.5% compared to 195/80, versus 97.5 for 205/70. So, even comparing 205/80 to 205/70, there's only about 3% difference. Tyre wear's going to have as much, if not more, of an effect between new and illegal tyres, as well as the differences between the reality of different brand tyres and the nominal sizes.

Ummm, they don't half look bigger though =

Image

Both vans on std suspension by the way.
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by AdrianC »

ghost123uk wrote:Ummm, they don't half look bigger though

Certainly doesn't look like 10%...

But, like I said, "nominal dimensions".
<passes tape measure>
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by ghost123uk »

Tape measure accepted and used :)

I've just been out and measured them. 67mm diameter v 63mm, so 210.5 v 198, so, that's 6.3% more circumference.
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by AdrianC »

ghost123uk wrote:Tape measure accepted and used :)

I've just been out and measured them. 67mm diameter v 63mm, so 210.5 v 198, so, that's 6.3% more circumference.

Tread depth?
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by ghost123uk »

Aye, not measured, but bigger tyres are new, std ones are about 50% worn (at a guess).
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by AdrianC »

ghost123uk wrote:Aye, not measured, but bigger tyres are new, std ones are about 50% worn (at a guess).
So that's about 10-15mm (twice the depth, because it's diameter) of that 40mm difference, then...
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by pirate-pete »

AdrianC wrote:
ghost123uk wrote:
I think you're somewhat over-estimating the change, though. 205/80 14 (1638mm nominal circumference) is actually closer to 195/80 14 (1613mm) than 205/70 14 (1574mm) is. 101.5% compared to 195/80, versus 97.5 for 205/70. So, even comparing 205/80 to 205/70, there's only about 3% difference. Tyre wear's going to have as much, if not more, of an effect between new and illegal tyres, as well as the differences between the reality of different brand tyres and the nominal sizes.

Where does the 1638mm nominal circumference come from Adrian? I've ordered some GT Radial 205/80 14 winter tyres as they were only £66 a corner on Tues (now £74) from Oponeo and have heard they are OK to use as all season tyre. Chickened out of jumping straight to the 215/80R14 as discussed in other thread. Data for this tyre here http://www.gtradial.co.uk/gtradial/uk/t ... 006&flag=3 shows 686mm diameter as new. Multilply this by pi to get circumference gives 2155mm. Pretty much the same as online tyre size calculators which show 2149mm.

I was thinking around 5% difference to 185/80R14 so in between both of you with my estimates.

Disclaimer - is a while since I did maths at school and I've had a bit to drink tonight. Could have gone out to van with tape measure but that can wait for now :)
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by AdrianC »

pirate-pete wrote:Where does the 1638mm nominal circumference come from Adrian?

205mm tread width x 80% profile = nominal sidewall height of 164mm.
14" rim x 25.4mm = 355.6mm
rim + (2xsidewall) = 355.6 + (2x164) = 683.6mm diameter
diameter x pi = <scratches head> Good question...

Ah! Forgot one sidewall in the diameter.
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Re: Odometer reading and bigger tyres

Post by CovKid »

Then theres pot holes. They could increase the distance travelled if you think about it, and do you follow the route of roundabouts religiously or slightly cut them? Ah, so many calulations John, and we haven't even solved that door-vent yet....... :rofl
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