Tire options for a 18" rim

Humanaquarian

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2013
Location
Missouri
TDI
2014 Beetle TDI
235/45 R18 is stock, is there a tire out there with a larger aspect ratio like a 235/50-55 R18 that would work? Looking for a cushier ride - for a 2014 Beetle.
 
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06bluebeetletdi

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2012
Location
Middlesex, NC
TDI
'14 Passat TDI SEL and '13 Beetle TDI
It might be worth looking at the passat forum as 235/45 18s are much more common on the passat as compared to the bug where it is rare to see anything besides 215/55 17.
 

TucsonFlyer

Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2021
Location
Tucson, AZ
TDI
2013 Beetle Convertible
We recently purchased a 2013 TDI Beetle convertible. It has 18" rims, and the 235/45 tires. The owner's manual and the sticker inside the driver's door have recommended pressures for the 16" and 17" tires, but no info for the 18". Any guidance on recommended pressure would be appreciated.
 

TurboABA

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jul 24, 2010
Location
Kitchener, ON
TDI
RIP-2010 Jetta 6spd 2014 Touareg Execline
Just add 2-3 psi to what your sticker says for 17s.... what's it say for a difference between the 16s and 17s listed?
 

TucsonFlyer

Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2021
Location
Tucson, AZ
TDI
2013 Beetle Convertible
The sticker only lists the 215/55 R17, and the recommended inflation pressure is 31 PSI. So, I'll try 33-34 PSI. Thanks for the info.
 

TurboABA

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jul 24, 2010
Location
Kitchener, ON
TDI
RIP-2010 Jetta 6spd 2014 Touareg Execline
The owner's manual and the sticker inside the driver's door have recommended pressures for the 16" and 17" tires
The sticker only lists the 215/55 R17
You're the one providing conflicting information...... but anyways, your new sidewall is roughly 1/2" less than what's listed on your sticker, so you'd want a slightly higher pressure in order to stiffen up your tire and reduce potential flex\deformation when hitting a pothole, etc.
It's all about balance.... you want softer (lower pressure) for squishiness and comfort, but you want harder (higher pressure) for crisp handling, less rolling resistance, more rim protection, etc.
 

TucsonFlyer

Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2021
Location
Tucson, AZ
TDI
2013 Beetle Convertible
Apologies for the miscommunication. The sticker lists the 16" space-saver spare and the 215/55 R17 tires for the four wheels.
 
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