Can we fit smaller diameter wheels to our Mitsubishi Lancer to improve the ride comfort?

We have a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GS4 diesel with 30,000 miles. We are very pleased with it: well-equipped, economical 55-60 mpg, and comfortable except for the rather hard ride. I have seen that you have sometimes suggested changing to smaller diameter wheels with normal profile tyres. Would you recommend doing this for our car, and, if so, what size? Where can we get quotes for this? What are the implications regarding insurance? Would it incur extra premium for having a modification?

Asked on 21 September 2013 by KL, Cirencester

Answered by Honest John

A GS4 has 18-inch wheels, I guess with 40 or 45 profile tyres. You can go down to 16-inch wheels with 205/60 or 205/55 tyres, depending which match the rolling circumference of the originals. www.tyremen.co.uk can fix you up with a set of TUV-approved Alutec wheels for £335 including VAT, plus the cost of the new tyres. This is a ‘modification’ and you do have to disclose it to your insurer. Depending on how sophisticated or how stupid your insurer's systems are, this may not or may result in an increase in insurance premium.

Tags: insurance ride comfort wheels and tyres wheel sizes

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