Winter tyre and wheel sets: thinking about inch-down
When choosing studless tyres as a set with wheels, a smaller rim diameter (inch-down) is one option. The general benefits makers mention, and what to check: outer diameter, load index and whether the wheel fits.
Before going down a rim size, check your vehicle's specification or ask a specialist whether it clears the brakes.
Watch for brake clearanceWhat inch-down means
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Inch-down means a smaller rim with the same outer diameter.
Inch-down means a smaller rim diameter while keeping the tyre's outer diameter the same. With a smaller rim, the aspect ratio goes up. The same idea applies when choosing a winter set.
- Same outer diameter
- Sidewall height
Inch-down: a smaller rim with the same outer diameter means a taller sidewall
General benefits makers mention
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These are general benefits listed by a manufacturer, not specific to studless tyres.
Dunlop lists the benefits of inch-down as lower tyre prices, a milder ride and lighter handling.
Lower tyre prices
A milder ride
Lighter handling
This is a general description, not specific to studless tyres.
Three conditions to check
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Check three things: outer diameter, whether the wheel fits, and load index.
Makers list the conditions for inch-down: the outer diameter stays the same, the wheel can be fitted, and the load index does not drop. For studless tyres too, the load index should not fall below that of the tyres fitted when the car was new.
Three conditions
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Hub Garage store guide
Check three things: outer diameter, whether the wheel fits, and load index.
Watch for brake clearance
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With a smaller rim, the rim may touch the brake components.
With a higher aspect ratio and a smaller rim, the rim may touch the vehicle's brake components. Check whether it fits against your vehicle's specifications or with a specialist.
- Brake components
With the same brake components, a smaller rim leaves less clearance
Outer diameter and the speedometer
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With inch-down too, the outer diameter normally stays the same.
With inch-down too, the outer diameter is normally kept the same. If it changes, the speedometer can read wrong and the wheel may touch the body. We cover the speedometer rule in the article "Wheel size and aspect ratio".
Wheel size and aspect ratio: outer diameter, comfort and what to check
Match the winter wheel specs too
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Check that the winter wheels match your car's bolt holes, PCD, offset and centre bore.
Winter wheels also need the right bolt holes, PCD, offset and centre bore for your car, and each tyre has an approved rim-width range.
If your vehicle has different front and rear sizes, check both.
Choosing used studless tyres
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Check the production date and whether at least 50% of the new tread remains.
For used tyres, also check the production week and year and the remaining tread.
The production date is the last four digits of the serial on the sidewall.
A winter tyre needs at least 50% of its new tread depth.
Our tread values are as of listing and do not show how long the tyre will last.
Production week and yearWear bars and winter platforms
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Check the production date and whether at least 50% of the new tread remains.
Winter items at Hub Garage
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Check each item's model and description to see whether it is studless.
We list winter tyres and winter tyre-and-wheel sets separately.
Read more
The season category is a search aid only — check each item's model and description to see whether it is a studless tyre. A matching size does not guarantee fitment.
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Purchase terms
Report defects in regular items within 7 days of receipt. C/D items have separate terms.
Winter tyres and choosing by season
Hub Garage store guide
Check each item's model and description to see whether it is studless.