16 inch tires will fit on my 2012?

[dropnosky]

Tis the season and im looking around for winter rims for a new car. Just double checking that the minimum tire size must be a 16 inch rim? I have 18s on there now

 

[armstrongtrucks]

Yes, you can run 16" rims on your car. They will fit 2015 Passat also.

 

[dropnosky]

Ok thanks!

16s and a set of 215/60 R16s should do me up nicely for winter rubber

 

[jrm]

we need a 16" winter tire sticky containing the best of all the buried threads.

 

[dropnosky]

we need a 16" winter tire sticky containing the best of all the buried threads.

Yeah we do, especially pics! They are buried deep

 

[Skimax]

Tis the season and im looking around for winter rims for a new car. Just double checking that the minimum tire size must be a 16 inch rim? I have 18s on there now

Be careful with aftermarket 16" rims. I got some and the weld bead was rubbing against the front calipers on our 2013. We went to 17" but stock 16" VW rims will fit.

 

[Fav40]

Started out with these Momo winter pro's 16"

Sold them in the Spring and got the Drag black wheels








Spring swap back to 18's

 

[hughesjasonk]

My winter rims are 16s

 

[jtskir222]

how come people only use 16 for winter tires?
i have 18 on my 2015 passat and would think a 16 would be better for all around .
i'm looking for some nice 16 to use all year.

 

[jrm]

16"s are cheap and quiet as a mouse! $350 all 4 mounted and balanced. I run them nov 1st to may 1st as only like the stock rims for the looks

 

[MichaelB]

Quote:
Originally Posted by tdiatlast
No surprise that MOST 16" wheels/tires would have better RIDE qualities than 18"wheels/tires...until you turn a corner.

Here is a post I made a while back answering that statement. I found a set of used 16" VW Bioline alloy rims for sale on VW Vortex and ditched my 18's that came on the car. Very good decision for me.

"Please note that larger rims will decrease acceleration, decrease fuel mileage, harshen your ride, greatly increase tire cost, be more susceptible to road damage... and won't improve your handling anywhere near as much as you think it will. It's up to you, but be aware you're harming the functionality of your car for "looks." You know the Vortex Bling factor. I got rid of the factory 18's and replaced them with 16's, upgraded my shocks, struts and springs, added an upgraded rear sway bar. and when I turn a corner it's much better than with the factory 18's and a stock suspension. It also has a more comfortable ride on the highway and beat up country roads."

 

[gforce1108]

Quote:
Originally Posted by tdiatlast
No surprise that MOST 16" wheels/tires would have better RIDE qualities than 18"wheels/tires...until you turn a corner.
Here is a post I made a while back answering that statement. I found a set of used 16" VW Bioline alloy rims for sale on VW Vortex and ditched my 18's that came on the car. Very good decision for me.
"Please note that larger rims will decrease acceleration, decrease fuel mileage, harshen your ride, greatly increase tire cost, be more susceptible to road damage... and won't improve your handling anywhere near as much as you think it will. It's up to you, but be aware you're harming the functionality of your car for "looks." You know the Vortex Bling factor. I got rid of the factory 18's and replaced them with 16's, upgraded my shocks, struts and springs, added an upgraded rear sway bar. and when I turn a corner it's much better than with the factory 18's and a stock suspension. It also has a more comfortable ride on the highway and beat up country roads."

I run 19s most of the year. I used to run the factory 17s / Hankooks during the winter but gave them to my mother for her Tiguan and used her original wheels with a set of snows this year on the Passat. Worked great for the snows, but a little scary to drive on twisty roads. My stability control kicks on constantly in the turns (admittedly - it's a 'spirited' commute on the Taconic parkway). Maybe a non-snow tire would be OK, but I've even had the stability control kick on with the 17s where it never does with the 19s. And the 19s ride decent even on lowering springs.

 

[Ramairetransam]

my winter rims are 16s from a 13 or 14 jetta . I run a 215 65 16 .Yes they are taller . I wanted more sidewall for winter traction .

 

[MichaelB]

I run 19s most of the year. I used to run the factory 17s / Hankooks during the winter but gave them to my mother for her Tiguan and used her original wheels with a set of snows this year on the Passat. Worked great for the snows, but a little scary to drive on twisty roads. My stability control kicks on constantly in the turns (admittedly - it's a 'spirited' commute on the Taconic parkway). Maybe a non-snow tire would be OK, but I've even had the stability control kick on with the 17s where it never does with the 19s. And the 19s ride decent even on lowering springs.

I wasn't referring to snow tires. The 16's that I replaced my factory 18's with are Pirelli P7 Cinturato AS+ on 16" Biolines

 

[gforce1108]

I wasn't referring to snow tires. The 16's that I replaced my factory 18's with are Pirelli P7 Cinturato AS+ on 16" Biolines

I'm sure they handle better than my snows! I hated how soft the Passat rode stock with the 17s. The H&R springs helped, but the 17s still had too much flex. 19s are perfect other than the price. 18s and 20s are much cheaper and have a better selection. But - if you like a soft riding car - go for it!

 

[MichaelB]

I'm sure they handle better than my snows! I hated how soft the Passat rode stock with the 17s. The H&R springs helped, but the 17s still had too much flex. 19s are perfect other than the price. 18s and 20s are much cheaper and have a better selection. But - if you like a soft riding car - go for it!

I put on H&R's and Koni FSD's and an H&R rear sway bar believe me the ride is not soft, the factory suspension with 18's was soft. Now it's just comfortable and controlled. Rims no mater how tall will not overcome a suspension issue.

 

[BKmetz]

I have 16" steel wheels and covers from a Passat S. Obviously it's a VW wheel so the offset and clearance is correct. For winter tires I'm running Michelin X-Ice Xi3.