Tyre Width

This link explains the effect of changing the rim width on the same width tire.

If you want to select a tire for a particular make and year, go here. Unfortunately, it won't give you returninformation for stock VW tires, i.e. 155 or 165, probably because fewstores stock them (I know that's true here in the USA), so you willhave to choose another size. I entered info at the above link specifying a 1967 Karmann Ghia (you are limited to choosing the Beetle or KG) and it returned the message "NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME". On that same screen it allows you to "select a custom size", which I did and I choose 185/65-15. For that size it returned the following page. of the columns at that page is "Rim Width Range". In this case itshows that a range of 5 to 6.5 inches is acceptable. The next column is"Meas. Rim Width". It shows a figure of 5.5 inches. I assume that meansthe actual tire width and diameter as measured on the 5.5" rim.

-- Randall

P.S. Since you are looking for tyres and since you also drive on the left side of the line and perhaps even since you are south of the equator (different gravitational effects?) then the information at these sites may not apply precisely to your situation. Also, as they say in the advertisements, "your mileage may vary."

Here's another website that is fun to play with.

Offset is in mm (positive or negative) so you will have to search elsewhere for the standard VW rim offset. I know on my stock '63 Type 3 rims the backspacing is th same as the rim width -- 4.5 inches. Remember, 1 inch = 25.4 mm. Measuring the offset is a bit trickier.

-- Randall

Have you tried reducing the pressure a little?

Usually around 18 front and 30 rear. Probably wouldnt be much point reducing the front but maybe the rear down to ~25???. John

Sounds about right for a beetle, so I imagine it should be close for your vehicle too!