Hi All,

I've got a set of 195/65-15 winter tires from a 2000 VW GTI I no longer own, and am wondering if I can use them on my '93 940 wagon. I realize they're 10mm wider, which means they're 13mm larger in diameter, but how much of a difference will that make, and will it affect the ABS? Speedo error I don't mind - malfunctioning ABS is another story.

Thanks for any input!

Chris

Hi,

I use 195/65R15 snow tires on my 745T for the winter. Rides nicer then the summer Hydras with 205/55R16s on them, but doesn't handle quite as good. You should have no problems.
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Chris. Halifax N.S. '91 745Ti, 261K km.

im fairly sure (i.e. need to treble check) this was an oem fit...

If you've got a full set (4) it will not affect the ABS. A pair on one axle could affect it, but not enough to set the malfunction light. You might get some ABS action when you shouldn't, though. Especially if the sensors haven't been cleaned recently.

Speedo error is a good probability, however. I have a set of 195/60-15 and 195/65-15 for winter. With the larger ones, the speedo is a couple of miles an hour conservative. By 80mph, the car is actually traveling 84mph. I use GPS in the car so I can tell the "Actual" speed. It isn't enough to really get you ticketed, though, if you drive in the general vicinity of the posted limit.

The 65 series tires have a fantastic ride. The 60s have less of a ride, but hold a little better.
--
1992 940 wagon, low miles
as well as others.

Thanks for all the input - I'll be putting them on and enjoying them!

Other than the minor speedo error, there's no reason not to. You're correct that it should be only 6.5 mm difference on the radius- probably not a lot more than the difference between different manufacturers spec on same-size tires. Certainly a 1/2 worn 195/65 can't be much different from the rolling diameter of a new 195/60. Wouldn't worry about it even a little. One of my 244's came with a set of 195/70-14s instead of 185/70's... noticably a bit large but no clearance or drivability problems. I've changed them out for a set of Virgos with 195/60s and again, no real difference other than handling improvements.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 86 244DL, 87 244DL, 88 744GLE: 625K total

My father's '95 945t came with 195/65R15 OEM rubber, and my '89 745GL came with 195/65 snows on the back (and normal 185/65s on the front). Drove it around like that for a good 9 months w/no problems. Shouldn't make too much of a difference.

jeff daigle
'89 745GL 135,000mi

By my calculations, the diameter will increase by 31.5 mm, not 13, but if you're not concerned about speedo error, go for it. I wouldn't think ABS would care at all - it just looks for pulses from the sensor inside the wheel and eases off the brake pressure if it senses lockup. I'd put the snows on if you've got to have them where you live, I can't see any reason it would cause a problem.