Wheels & tyre upgrade on my Skoda Kushaq Active Peace variant

As per our research, the closest sizes to the OEM size were 215/55/R17 and 225/50/R17. We also briefly considered 215/60/R17, as they were significantly cheaper, but the increase in overall diameter was >5%, so we summarily rejected that spec.

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We recently upgraded the wheels on my cousin's Kushaq Peace Active in Bangalore. After much deliberation, some cost-benefit assessment and a lot of search for the 17 inch OEM alloys, we landed at Madhu's at Wilson Garden!

Choice of tyres

We were certain that we want to go with Michelins. As per our research, the closest sizes to the OEM size were 215/55/R17 and 225/50/R17. We also briefly considered 215/60/R17, as they were significantly cheaper, but the increase in overall diameter was >5%, so we summarily rejected that spec.

So, now the decision was between 215/55/R17 Primacy 4ST and 225/50/R17 Pilot Sport 4. I am sure many others will also be confused between these two sizes, so I am briefly listing down the pros and cons for each:

215/55/R17 - Primacy 4 ST

Pros:

1. Good sidewall size and hence a cushier and more comfortable ride;
2. Tyre width only 10 mm bigger than the stock size tyres, so a comfortable fit on the 6.5J Skoda OEM alloys
3. Easily available tyre size

Cons:

1. Not as attractive looking as the 225/50/R17 (because of the slightly bigger profile)
2. Slightly more expensive than the 225/50/R17

225/50/R17 - Pilot Sport 4

Pros:

1. Exact diameter as the stock size tyres
2. Wider tyres, so better grip
3. Better looking tyres with lower profile
4. PS4 is a slightly superior Michelin product in terms of ride quality, road noise and stopping distance

Cons:

1. Significantly lower profile from the stock 16 inch tyres, hence perceived risk of poor ride comfort
2. Significantly wider tyres from the stock size tyres, hence a little bulging of sidewalls on the relatively narrower 6.5J OEM Skoda alloys. 7J would be ideal, but 6.5J is also acceptable.
3. Perceived stiffness in the steering feel due to significantly wider tyres

The decision making

Once we had the above analysis clear in our head, Mohsin from Madhu's made the decision making clear by suggesting the 225/50/R17 PS4s. He allayed our apprehensions about the not so wide alloys and the potential stiffness in steering feel. We also physically saw the tyres next to each other. True to their name, the PS4s do look comparatively sportier.

Keeping all this in mind, we decided to go with the 225/50/R17 PS4s.

The Experience at Madhu's

The experience at Madhu's was brilliant, right from Mohsin's expert advice, to Islam's meticulousness in fitting the tyres - everything felt very reassuring. Also, the tyres were manufactured in Nov 2021.

While the overall outgo for the tyres and the fitment was about Rs.2-3k higher than the best rate in the market, I would happily go to Madhu's again as the cost is fully justified by the professionalism with which they operate.

While we are yet to take the car out for a proper spin on the highways, but immediately upon the installation and a short drive back home, the following became clear:

1. The wheels look slick and provide a massive improvement in the overall look of the car.
2. The steering feels great - not stiff at all
3. The ride comfort doesn't seem compromised at all, if anything, minor road bumps feel smoothened and blunted now.
4. Can't comment on the road grip yet, but theoretically it is bound to have gotten better on account of the wider tyres and better compound.

Pic 1: Islam doing his thing

Pic 2: Work in progress

Pic 3: FINAL RESULT

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