51 replies to this topic

[Dan]

I will be running 10x7 this year. Its my choice as it is everyone's to do so if they wish.

Providing that when you accept that doing this may leave you uninsured, you also accept that if you should crash into anyone in an uninsured state you could be found personally financially liable for the whole lot. Including any death or personal injury claims. My opinion is much the same as yours E.L.M.O, if you want to do it to your car its up to you, as long as you accept anything that may happen as a result. As has been pointed out however, stretching tyres may prove illegal, is certainly outside manufacturers recommendations and will probably be uninsurable. Think about what might go along with driving a car in that condition.

[TopCatCustom]

You will not get improved performance by 'stretching' a tyre to fit a rim wider than it was designed for. In fact, in addition to probably being in breach of 'Constructions & Use regulations', it will not perform as well and as said above, could cause problems with insurance in the case of a claim as the car could be deemed 'unroadworthy'.
Tyre sizes and legal rim width data can be found at: www.alloywheels.com-tyrecalc.asp
The wheels of over 7" are intended for wide racing tyres which are not road legal, but are ideal for the track.

climb down off you high horse i used then for 4 years with no problem both road and track, my insurance company were told all the mods on my car and never said a word

You actually said to the insurance person on the phone- "I have also stretched tyres designed to fit 4.5-6" wide rims onto 7" wide rims", and were perfectly happy with it? I wonder how the inspector would see it both you and your insurance happily throwing the tyre manufacturers safe fitment advice down the drain should anything have happened!

Personally I do agree with you in that anything happening is unlikely, however it is quite clearly stated above each thread that you should not give advise which is not factual, and if the manufacturer of the tyres says one thing, I dont know how you can argue that it is 100% fine to disregard the advise. That's all, I had 145's stretched onto 6" wide rims for a bit, and had no problems, but I wouldn't say that it is safe and adviseable to do so.

[AndyMiniMad.]

Always stay within the manufacturers recomendations. How would you feel if your car crashed or god forbid ran over a child due to a failure. It doesnt matter how small the risk. Its still a risk. by all means do what you like on the track. but on the public highway allways stay safe. Why not have 2 sets of wheels? One for the road and one for track days.

[mini93]

Bearing in mind it also says ur not spost to run inner tubes with tubeless designed wheels how would some of you get round that when it's advisable when using certain split rims? Personaly I'll ignore that! And I'll also be ignoring the stretching rule... Good luck to you if ur near me at a show my cars going to be wildly out of control!!! Lol

[E.L.M.O]

Cooperman is right, just informing your insurer does not make it safe or legal. I'd not risk it you'll ruin the handling and create strains on the suspension and bearings it wasn't designed to take.

Actually even though cooperman did mention the insurance company, i think it was me who actually said that just because you have told your insurance company and its gone through an MOT it still doesnt exonerate you from your responsibilities to make sure your car is safe. The buck always stops with the owner / driver

Good luck to you if ur near me at a show my cars going to be wildly out of control!!! Lol

Nothing new there then David!


People need to relax and pick their arguments. It doesnt seem like this one is that bigger issue because there hasnt been any issues stretching to 7" The manufactures will always play it safe and issue guidelines, but thats what they are, just a guide. People learn from others and their own experience, and experience shows us that running 7" wide isnt dangerous or an issue.

Edited by E.L.M.O, 31 January 2011 - 12:56 PM.

[Cooperman]

Just to remind everybody what is stated at the top of this section:

Please be careful when answering peoples technical questions that you do not misguide them into taking inappropriate action.

Not only is this annoying, but it can also be costly and could even be dangerous if the wrong information is given.

This is why we ask that only first-hand and factual information is posted in reply to peoples queries.

If you are not 100% certain of your reply, be sure to point out your uncertainty.

[E.L.M.O]

Blow it out your ass.

Pretty sure everyone has clearly pointed out the legal and insurance issues, and clearly stated that there are no commonly known incidents where people have had accidents due to running 7" wide. Its all fact. So stick your red font!

[Cooperman]

Blow it out your ass.

Pretty sure everyone has clearly pointed out the legal and insurance issues, and clearly stated that there are no commonly known incidents where people have had accidents due to running 7" wide. Its all fact. So stick your red font!

How strange!

[Carlzilla]

Well. A mate of mine who owns a caddy, obviously has stretched tyres. on a 13x10 weller, and on a 13x11 weller, he has 13x8 designed tyres on them. Still runs perfectly, still ample grip, and dont lose pressure, although myself id draw the line at using an inch stretch, though stretching has been taking much much further than just half inch either side. Practically to the point a sidewall isnt a sidewall anymore...

[GreaseMonkey]

If it was dangerous, why do miglia cars run 10x7?

[yeti21586]

If it was dangerous, why do miglia cars run 10x7?

its only dangerous because you have to strech road legal tyres on to 10x7 were as they make race tyres for said wheels


YetI

[Cooperman]

It appears that it's 3 points on your licence and £60 fine. If you are a young driver in the first 2 years from passing the test, you then if caught have only 3 points left before you start again. The offence would be 'driving a motor vehicle in an unsafe condition'. And that is without going into the insurance aspect.
Now, what you have to ask yourself is whether it's worth the risk of 3 points to drive with wheels which are wider than the manufacturers define as suitable for no gain in performance.
If it so safe, as some claim, then why do the manufacturers not list wider wheels as suitable and, therefore, safe?
If you look at the Yokohama web site, you'll find that for their 165/70x10 tyres they recommend a max rim width of 5.5".

Edited by Cooperman, 31 January 2011 - 05:05 PM.

[E.L.M.O]

It appears that it's 3 points on your licence and £60 fine. If you are a young driver in the first 2 years from passing the test, you then if caught have only 3 points left before you start again. The offence would be 'driving a motor vehicle in an unsafe condition'. And that is without going into the insurance aspect.
Now, what you have to ask yourself is whether it's worth the risk of 3 points to drive with wheels which are wider than the manufacturers define as suitable for no gain in performance.
If it so safe, as some claim, then why do the manufacturers not list wider wheels as suitable and, therefore, safe?
If you look at the Yokohama web site, you'll find that for their 165/70x10 tyres they recommend a max rim width of 5.5".

You said it yourself. Recommend. Its a guideline. get over it! If you dont want to do it, then dont. we get the point, you dont think its safe. Fine. we get the point. But there is been no well known issues, and its the drivers choice at the end of the day.

[mini93]

my my...someone broke out big red guess theres no more toys left in their pram or oppinions left to shove down peoples throats

no one mentioned my inner tube point did they, guess not all arguments can be won with construction and use lark

[Puddings]

I think my point of view is correct and every one should tow the line just because i type in red letters