Club 80-90 Forums

Tyre size is 225/50/16

Those are too small...

Too small? What way?

Rolling diameter.
Compare to 185/82/14 or 205/70/14 using the calculator

Ok have just looked, so what would be the problem?

Your speedo will read fast for a start

I have had that in previous cars.
Not too big a problem.

..and do the tyres fitted have a load rating of at least 95

Yep they are 96

In the owner's manual VW recommended either 185 R14 or 205/70 R14 tyres for 2WD vans, and your speedo will indicate roughly the right speed with a tyre that has a similar diameter to these sizes. The load rating that VW recommended for any tyres was 97 or greater. Standard wheels were 5.5J x 14 steels and 6J x 14 alloys.

With regard to tyre profile, VW seem to have gone for tall and thin tyres for these vans, perhaps because they found sidewall flex was helpful in reducing road noise feedback, but also perhaps because non-power steering is easier with thin tyres, and because thin tyres are generally thought to grip better in wintery and wet conditions. If you go lower and wider you will obviously compromise on these things. However you should try to fit a tyre that's rated 97 or above.

The wheels have now been sold so I am now looking for some replacement alloys if anyone has any they don't want.

Thanks