Can I fit smaller wheels to my Hyundai i30?
Bearing in mind your comments in road tests of the Hyundai i30 regarding the ride on 17-inch wheels, I contacted Hyundai customer services to enquire if there was any reason to prevent me fitting 15 or 16 inch wheels to an i30 Premium 1.6 petrol to try to improve the ride.
First reply said that this would invalidate the warranty. I then asked for clarification if there was any technical reason why I could not change the wheels and the reply was:
“vehicles fitted with standard 15 or 16-inch wheels cannot be fitted with the 17-inch wheels as this could possibly cause a clearance issue. This is due to the premium model having a slight difference in the steering system, limiting the maximum angle each wheel turns through when on full lock. If you as the vehicle owner wishes to fit the smaller wheels to your premium model Hyundai i30, as we have not tried and tested this option we are unable to confirm for definite if you would experience any issues.“
I am unable to understand how it could be a problem if the premium model has a limit to the full lock, presumably to prevent any issues of 17-inch wheels fouling the wheel arch, downsizing surely is not an issue? How do you suggest I proceed?
First reply said that this would invalidate the warranty. I then asked for clarification if there was any technical reason why I could not change the wheels and the reply was:
“vehicles fitted with standard 15 or 16-inch wheels cannot be fitted with the 17-inch wheels as this could possibly cause a clearance issue. This is due to the premium model having a slight difference in the steering system, limiting the maximum angle each wheel turns through when on full lock. If you as the vehicle owner wishes to fit the smaller wheels to your premium model Hyundai i30, as we have not tried and tested this option we are unable to confirm for definite if you would experience any issues.“
I am unable to understand how it could be a problem if the premium model has a limit to the full lock, presumably to prevent any issues of 17-inch wheels fouling the wheel arch, downsizing surely is not an issue? How do you suggest I proceed?
Asked on 21 October 2013 by Heron
Answered by
Honest John
The technical reason you have been given is correct. If you fitted 15 or 16-inch wheels with deeper profile tyres you would be advised to have a full realignment and have the steering angle sensor re-set if it does not re-set automatically.
Korean manufacturers get heavy about changes for Type Approval reasons. A car originally fitted with 17-inch wheels is Type Approved with 17-inch wheels so neither the manufacturer not its dealers can officially condone the fitting of different wheels.
Korean manufacturers get heavy about changes for Type Approval reasons. A car originally fitted with 17-inch wheels is Type Approved with 17-inch wheels so neither the manufacturer not its dealers can officially condone the fitting of different wheels.
Tags:
ride comfort
wheels and tyres
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