Re: Why more 17& 18 inch wheels on new vehicles

Pit wrote:

> Just doing some tyre kicking and notice  a lot more vehicles now
> coming out with 17 & 18 inch tyre sizes .
> 
> In reality what are the advantages over 16 inch .Which have a lot less
> orphan sizes and far cheaper to  run .
> $98.00 for decent safe 16  inch tyre against $259 for  17 inch
> 
> going through 2 or 3 full sets of tyres  a year   this all adds up .
> 
> Serious question based on tyre size ignorance .

It is largely driven by fa****on, but is based on the use of very low
profile
tyres on competition cars where the improved grip and ability to fit
larger
or better cooled brakes outweighs the reduction in comfort and increased
possibility of tyre and wheel damage on kerbs and similar large bumps. 

While it is tempting to think it is a conspiracy to get your money on
replacement tyres, I doubt that is a factor, although I also doubt if tyre
availability is something manufacturers even think about except as far as
planning production. I am reminded of a friend who, having unsuspectingly
purchased a new car (well known four wheel drive with optional 17" wheels)
a couple of years ago, found when he wrecked a tyre for the first time,
that a replacement was two weeks delivery from the only tyre dealer who
would even offer to find one.

JD