Should I fit smaller wheels to my Volkswagen Scirocco to improve the tyre wear rate?

I own a 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco GT TDI with 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with low profile Pirelli 235/35 ZR 19 P Zero tyres. To meet legal requirements I will have to replace the tyres within the next month, due to wear and damage to the side walls. This will be the third set of tyres on the car, having done only 25,200 miles in three years six months, discounting a period of three months when winter tyres were fitted covering about 2000 miles. I have read your previous reports on oversized wheels fitted with very low profile tyres and my experience, as outlined above, is consistent with your comments. I am, therefore considering changing the wheels completely to standard 16/17-inch wheels with tyres to match. I would appreciate your recommendations.

Asked on 27 July 2013 by DM, Darlington.

Answered by Honest John
That's what to do. www.tyremen.co.uk can sort you out with a nice, robust TUV-approved set of five stud 16-inch Alutec alloy wheels for £335, inc. Fit them with Michelin Primacy 3s or Toyo J48s or Toyo Proxes CF1 or CF2 205/55 R16 tyres, then have a '4-way laser alignment' at a branch of www.alignmycar.co.uk and the steering angle sensor re-set if that does not happen automatically. The tyres should then last at least 20,000 miles, will absorb most bumps and potholes, will give the car better ride quality, might improve steering 'feel', will be less likely to suffer damage and will be much cheaper to replace.
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