Viewing: Stretched tyres

***waynne*** · 03-05-2011, 09:13 AM

What are your thoughts on stretched tyres? (This is where a narrow tyre is stretched over a wide rim.)

I'm just not convinced this is safe or adds anything to the handling of the car. I suppose it's done to allow the tyres to clear the wheel arches where wide wheels are fitted but it seems like a big bodge to me.

Update (We now have an article covering the legality and safety of stretched tyres.)

***HDi fun*** · 03-05-2011, 09:24 AM

It was done originally to comply with European rules saying that the TREAD of the tyre must not protude beyond the width of the bodywork. Something to do with road borne detritus getting thrown up into the air.

Personally I think it looks revolting at best and perverted at worst. It's also extremely dangerous in my opinion.

**claymore** · 03-05-2011, 09:50 AM

Although the defenders of stretched tyres will say that they are perfectly safe, When at the Retro Rides Gathering last year, every car with stretched tires that went on the track, popped the tyres off the rim.

***herb*** · 03-05-2011, 09:59 AM

for show use only

***waynne*** · 03-05-2011, 10:01 AM

FSUO covers a multitude of sins then Herb! (I bet they drove the cars to the show like it though!)

***T9 man*** · 03-05-2011, 10:22 AM

I saw an example of this parked up at the Briley coachworks and I thought it looked terrible! I just would not feel safe in the car.

**Yugguy** · 03-05-2011, 10:37 AM

Stretching tyres originated in Japan, it is properly used by drifters to DECREASE grip to aid in drifting.

But as with all these things the Corsa driving chavs have latched on to it cos they thinkz itz wikked.

**ChaseMark** · 03-05-2011, 01:44 PM

That's really dangerous isn't it?...atleast I would think it pretty unsafe...

**Big Fat Fatty** · 03-05-2011, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T9 man

I saw an example of this parked up at the Briley coachworks and I thought it looked terrible! I just would not feel safe in the car.

Name and shame them T9!, I hope it wasn't one of our lot.

**Big Fat Fatty** · 03-05-2011, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yugguy

Stretching tyres originated in Japan, it is properly used by drifters to DECREASE grip to aid in drifting.

But as with all these things the Corsa driving chavs have latched on to it cos they thinkz itz wikked.

That's right, something the Japs do to stop them popping off the rim is run ridiculously high pressures in them as well also helping to decrease grip but a good point to make is that they drift them to destruction, they don't plan to drive home on the same tyres afterwards.

***T9 man*** · 03-05-2011, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Fat Fatty

Name and shame them T9!, I hope it wasn't one of our lot.

Not one of our lot i'm glad to say BFF, I just looked at it and thought, rather you than me!

***HDi fun*** · 03-05-2011, 02:44 PM

Seems unlikely that we're going to started a Stretch Fitted Tyres forum here.

Hideous, isn't it?

**Big Fat Fatty** · 03-05-2011, 03:00 PM

It just looks wrong, all it does is show off a part of the rim that shouldn't really be seen. How do tyre fitters do it anyway, and is it ethical to let someone drive off with tyres you (the fitter) have stretch fitted?

apparently running tyres too small for the wheels they are on is illegal in Germany, they are so sensible over there aren't they.

***HDi fun*** · 03-05-2011, 03:11 PM

I think not. Even if it is legal I wouldn't fit tyres in this way to anyone's car.

**MickieH** · 03-05-2011, 10:41 PM

I think the Police would frown on this and probably try and report the driver for having a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

I think stretched tyres look awful.

Not to mention the possibility of kerbing your alloys

I've always preferred to run tyres that overhang the rim slightly. My Wofrace alloys are 8J and I run them on 235 40 17s which seems ok.

***HDi fun*** · 04-05-2011, 05:51 PM

Sounds about right mine are 7.5J and 225s sit on them nicely. This also happens to be the factory fitment anyway and it doesn't want for grip.

***Prince*** · 05-05-2011, 02:59 PM

Looks like I'm the only one then!!

I'm running 8J ET 22 and ET 17 rims with a 215/40/17 tyre. It gives a subtle stretch but nothing crazy like some of the VW boys do. So far there has been no difference in the amount of grip, in fact I must say it handles very well on them. The only thing is to keep your eye on the tyre pressure, which is of course something you would do with any tyre stretched or not.

When I get time over the weekend I will post some pictures up.

***herb*** · 05-05-2011, 03:09 PM

mine have a slight stretch cant remember if my wheels are 8j or 8.5 but with 225/40/18 tyres its quite subtle and i like them

***old-git*** · 05-05-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

Looks like I'm the only one then!!

I'm running 8J ET 22 and ET 17 rims with a 215/40/17 tyre. It gives a subtle stretch but nothing crazy like some of the VW boys do. So far there has been no difference in the amount of grip, in fact I must say it handles very well on them. The only thing is to keep your eye on the tyre pressure, which is of course something you would do with any tyre stretched or not.

When I get time over the weekend I will post some pictures up.

Just about within the recommended limits.