[Aitch]

RSkyline

If I understand you correctly you have been advised by a so called expert (I hope that wasn't kwikfit as that would be a contradiction in terms) that the tyre(s) you purchased would not fit a wheel which conformed to the range of acceptable wheel widths for that size tyre, as proposed by other manufacturers and reliable expert sources?

I would at least want an explanation from the manufacturer as to why their tyre is so different from others that it so requires a different size wheel. We must focus on the facts here, and the primary fact is that tyres are considered as off the shelf consumables, products suitable and safe for sale to "Non Expert" owners across the counter or online etc..for goodness sake they sell them in supermarkets in many countries!

I am a great believer in the right tools for the job, indeed I can be quite pedantic in that respect, but the notion of extending that to accommodate this scenario is just not on. As you will see from the carbibles tyre section (and other sourses are available) the rules, regulations and visible markings on tyres are international, allowing for conformity and compatibility across the globe, there are not different rules for different manufacturers or even countries. These regulations are in place precisely to reduce the risk of this situation, as it poses a severe safety risk issue.

I know that some vehicle makers will specify a certain tyre where suspension geometry etc has been optimised for that tyre, but to accept this scenario would be descending into farce.

So, to avoid any ambiguity I've just spoken to a local independant tyre and wheel only specialists, they have two depots which have operated locally for over 30 years. They sell only quality tyres and wheels and a lowering service with full suspension geometry adjustment service, they fully understand the core subject. They are highly thought of and considered to be "the people" for tyre knowledge in this area. I put the question to them, "is it the case that tyres of the same size parameters but from different manufacturers might require different wheel sizes, specifically different wheel widths"?

They gave that notion a categoric definitely not! To even begin to consider the possibility of that scenario, at least for normal road tyres, would create thousands of additional fitting permutations. It would push up the cost of both tyres and fitting to extraordinary levels, most drivers would have to run on the rims! It would in fact have the potential to create dangerous conditions for thousands of drivers, even common sense logic dictates it's a silly notion.

Tyres are made to a series of patterns, the parameters for which were set and accepted by ALL manufactuers for road tyres worldwide, same in India as in America or Japan or New Zealand. A tyre produced by any manufacturer for sale to the public MUST abide by those principle rules of fitment, quality and performance are the only permitted variables.

I suspect there's been some misunderstanding here, I would go back to square one and examine the events to seek the answer.

Aitch