Hi all, planning to change set of tyres for 2014 VW Polo Hatchback 1.4 TSI which uses 215/40R17 tyres.
But this sizes are very difficult to get, so may i change to alternative sizes and I wish some sifu can help me on solving this issue. Thanks.

205/45r17

Or

185/55r16

I saw a lot selling 205/45r17 and will it bring bad effect to the car and the rim? would like some explanation on this, thanks ya

slightly higher ride height & the speedo will under read slightlt, those are the only issues i can think of

the tyre will cover the side of the rims less than a 215 sized tyre. My advise is to use the intended/designed size as received from the factory. There wont be any issues with speedo descrpancies and the like.

beside speedo discrepancies any other bad effects that really dangerous, because the original I think its very pricey and not easy to get now

If you overly worried then just use Ori size. Just few mm difference probably not exceeding 10mm. Won't die one la. If not why not just change smaller rims... You will have plenty of sizes to choose even better cheaper tires.
I suggest you read up what the numbers on the tire size means to reduce your worry

noted bro...so you think 205/45r17 is capable also right? I also will ask more details from VW.

i don't think yo really read up on what those numbers mean on you tires.

again it is totally safe to put what ever xxx/yy/ Rzz. While x = plus minus 10. y = plus minus 5. A long as you stick with the same Rim size which is 17 inch in your case.

What is not safe is, how cheap/unbranded the tire is. or how you drive. if you drive slow... any ABC branded tires will work. Happy shopping then.

ok noted...thanks.

Don't bother with the pricey orig size and opt for 205/45R17 recommended.

If cost is not an issue, then Yokohama (made in Japan) has your tyre size (RM385). Buy from Lazada or direct from shop. Pax

seems really a go since so many ppl suggested

on the standard rim u can opt for 215/45/17 which have plenty of options on the market. 215/40/17 need special order and price is ridiculously expensive. 205/45/17 is a safe bet. but i used 215/45/17 with no issue at all and my car is lowered too

Looking at the wheel sizes,

https://www.wheel-size.com/size/volkswagen/polo/2014/

I recon they want you to use 215 width is because of grip. Else getting 205 narrows the tire. The good thing about narrow tires is fuel economy. Bad is lesser grip. Can play around grip level with softer compound. But we are buying consumer tires and not racing tires where we have no say about what we want. I do not know the design of the wheel and also how the wider tires relate to protection of curbing the rims.

Any on the older Japanese wheel scale,

5.5JJ is 175
6JJ is 185
7 is 195
Anything above 7JJ is aftermarket. Then tire sizes get bigger. But malaysia aftermarket is following trend. 8JJ on 185!!!! All that lowered shit.