Narrower Tires

OE size on my 2012 Golf is 225/45/17, but am finding plenty of good options for 205/50/17 tires that are the same diameter. The tires themselves are lighter, and my logic says they'd be lower rolling resistance. I'd be buying a high-quality tire, so grip won't be an issue. Thoughts? Would that save me some fuel economy?

Hmm what are your factory specs of tires? I have now are 205/55R-16 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 ALL SEASON PLUS SL, my MPG was 39 on crappy oem tires struggling to reach 40, with new tires, went up to 45 easily.


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These are the POS's currently installed on the car, no thanks to the dealer: https://simpletire.com/atlas-225-45r17-221007483-tires

Would rather have a better, narrower tire as soon as I can burn through these garbage things.

INSW20 said:

OE size on my 2012 Golf is 225/45/17, but am finding plenty of good options for 205/50/17 tires that are the same diameter. The tires themselves are lighter, and my logic says they'd be lower rolling resistance. I'd be buying a high-quality tire, so grip won't be an issue. Thoughts? Would that save me some fuel economy?

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With a lower rolling resistance, you do get a decrease in grip, especially going with a narrower tire. You would see an increase in fuel economy, but it may be negligible. Personally, I prefer a wider tire, and am willing to take the small hit on MPG for better handling, but, if you are using it as a pure commuter, than going with a narrower (read: lighter) tire would be benefit your MPGs. The less unsprung, or rotational mass you get rid of help performance and economy.

calimustang said:

Hmm what are your factory specs of tires? I have now are 205/55R-16 PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 ALL SEASON PLUS SL, my MPG was 39 on crappy oem tires struggling to reach 40, with new tires, went up to 45 easily.


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The 225/45R17 is the factory spec for TDIs with the Pano roof.

I agreewith CDK. Look for the lightest possible in 225 45 17. Best of both without attempting to reengineer

Something like this would most certainly grip better than what's on my car now, even 20mm narrower: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...GMAS05XL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes
Or if I decide to go full summers: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tire...7DZ102XL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes
Almost anything is better than what's on there now...

A narrower tire will absolutely improve fuel economy. It will also improve grip on wet/snowy/icy surfaces. I had 195's on my Golf this winter, and the difference vs. 225's is night and day.