Hi, new to the forum and have recently bought a Grand Tourneo Connect (primarily for transporting dogs and occasionally camping).  I wasn't aware of mods at the time of purchase not knowing much about the vehicle, and not advised by the dealers that there were any so assumed it was all standard.  However I've subsequently noticed it's got 18" wheels which I take it aren't standard - also, the tyres are different front to back - 235/45R18 on fronts and 245/45R18 on rears.  Is there any advantage/disadvantage to this and are 18" wheels okay for this vehicle?  Would I be better off getting the same tyres all round - if so, which size would be recommended?  It seems to drive okay and is an automatic version.

Hi,

This does seem an odd choice of vehicle to modify.  Is there any chance it could be a special edition or dealership edition?  Are the wheels OE Ford or are they aftermarket?  Have you checked for any other modifications such as lowered suspension?

I'm not familiar with these but the info I have suggests they all had 16s or 17s from the factory.

On a drag car wider rear wheels help get all the power down through the driven wheels.  But on a small FWD van the only benefit of wider rear wheels is the look.  (Or stance as the youngsters call it).  

If you're keeping the 18s, I wouldn't worry about changing the tyre size.  There are many benefits to dropping a wheel size though, comfort, tyre cost, lower risk of kerb damage, etc.  Also be aware you should declare the 18s as a modification on your insurance, especially if they are aftermarket branded.

3 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

Hi,

This does seem an odd choice of vehicle to modify.  Is there any chance it could be a special edition or dealership edition?  Are the wheels OE Ford or are they aftermarket?  Have you checked for any other modifications such as lowered suspension?

I'm not familiar with these but the info I have suggests they all had 16s or 17s from the factory.

On a drag car wider rear wheels help get all the power down through the driven wheels.  But on a small FWD van the only benefit of wider rear wheels is the look.  (Or stance as the youngsters call it).  

If you're keeping the 18s, I wouldn't worry about changing the tyre size.  There are many benefits to dropping a wheel size though, comfort, tyre cost, lower risk of kerb damage, etc.  Also be aware you should declare the 18s as a modification on your insurance, especially if they are aftermarket branded.

It must just be the look then, as it doesn't look as if the vehicle has been lowered.  The wheels are Ford 'snowflake' design which I think are for a Focus.  So when it comes to eventually replacing tyres through wear, is it better to keep the two different sizes or stick to one size all round (and which one?)

235/45/18 is closest circumference to the original tyre size, so that keeps the speedo accurate when used on the front wheels.

The difference with 245s would be very small though.  And they may be a little more comfortable.  Only concern I'd have using those on the front would be the extra width catching the arch liner when steering full lock.

So overall it probably doesn't matter either way, but 235s are known to be safe on the front.

1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

235/45/18 is closest circumference to the original tyre size, so that keeps the speedo accurate when used on the front wheels.

The difference with 245s would be very small though.  And they may be a little more comfortable.  Only concern I'd have using those on the front would be the extra width catching the arch liner when steering full lock.

So overall it probably doesn't matter either way, but 235s are known to be safe on the front.

Thanks for your help!