Need advice - wrong tyre size

Rachbuka

Hello all,

I bought a used car in November. Last month I realised that the tyres on my car are wrong size. The current tyres are: 205/40ZR17 84W, the manual states the tyres should be: 185/65R14 (the spare tyre is that size) . I was also informed by a mechanic that the nuts are steel , whereas the rims are aluminium, which is another issue.

My questions are:

1. Are the current tyres ok to drive with? Or do I have to buy 4 tyres of the original size?

2. Do I have to buy new wheel nuts? Where to buy them?

3. I have a recurring puncture in front tyre, can it be caused by the wrong size tyre or the wrong wheel nuts?


Thank you

Warwick_Hunt

Rachbuka wrote: »

Hello all,

I bought a used car in November. Last month I realised that the tyres on my car are wrong size. The current tyres are: 205/40ZR17 84W, the manual states the tyres should be: 185/65R14 (the spare tyre is that size) . I was also informed by a mechanic that the nuts are steel , whereas the rims are aluminium, which is another issue.

My questions are:

1. Are the current tyres ok to drive with? Or do I have to buy 4 tyres of the original size? They correct tyres will be 3 inches too small for your wheels.

2. Do I have to buy new wheel nuts? Where to buy them?Not if they’re designed for the wheels you have.

3. I have a recurring puncture in front tyre, can it be caused by the wrong size tyre or the wrong wheel nuts? No.


Thank you

Are your insurance company aware of the modification?

Rachbuka

Does that mean that the wheels hve been modified? No, the insurance company are not aware , because I wasn't aware that there were any modifications.

A guy in a tyre shop said that if I wanted to go back to the original size of the tyres, I would have to simply buy 4 new tyres of the original size.

Norman_Castle

205/40ZR17 84W, the manual states the tyres should be: 185/65R14 (the spare tyre is that size) .

Thats the radius. 17" tyres on 14" rims would fall off. Spare wheels are often a different size.

A guy in a tyre shop said that if I wanted to go back to the original size of the tyres, I would have to simply buy 4 new tyres of the original size.

Did they say the current tyres are unsuitable? Check here https://www.blackcircles.com/

Recurring punctures can be from a corroded alloy wheel or a leaking valve.

My original alloy wheels are fitted with the original steel nuts.

Rachbuka

No, he didn't say the tyres were unsuitable. He changes my two back tyres and I asked him about the sizes. He said If I wanted to go back to the original size, I would have to buy 4 new tyres. He adviced me to just continue with the current size.

Thanks

Warwick_Hunt

Rachbuka wrote: »

No, he didn't say the tyres were unsuitable. He changes my two back tyres and I asked him about the sizes. He said If I wanted to go back to the original size, I would have to buy 4 new tyres. He adviced me to just continue with the current size.

Thanks

I would find another mechanic as 14 inch tyres will not go on 17 inch wheels.

[Deleted User]

To change from 14" to 17" wheels is quite a step up. What car is it? As previously said if the wheels have been changed to 17" then the original 14" tyres won't fit.
A slow puncture should not be ignored. It means there is something wrong. This could be as simple as a valve leaking or it could be punctured somewhere you can't see. Make sure you have valve caps as this can give you an idea if the valve is the issue.

[Deleted User]

I agree, get a new mechanic.

Iceweasel

Forget the manual which will likely cover all variants of your model rather than your specific one.

Is there a label on the driver's door-post or inside the fuel cap cover?

That is the definitive size and tyre pressure info.

205/40 17 84 xl (extra load) tyres have exactly the same overall diameter as the spare 185/65 14 xl i.e. 1818mm so they are a perfect match.

The only thing is if they are listed as an alternative fitment.

It would help if you told us exactly which make and model we are talking about though.

Rachbuka

Thanks all. It's a 2005 Suzuki Liana.

Rachbuka

I will check the label on the door once I put my toddler down for a nap