peterb wrote:
Are the W&P's the same width as std aussie mini flares? If so I might have to invest in some 6 x 10's. I think the law is the 'tread area' has to be covered, but I'm sure someone here might be able to clarify that.
I have a rover mini mayfair that's still in the process of compliencing and is 1,000 klms away from me. That makes it a bit hard to try the 5 x 10 mamba's I've bought for it.
Where is "here"? State laws do vary.
However,
Wheels up to 26mm wider than the largest optional wheel recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for the vehicle can be fitted without the need to notify the RTA.
The outside diameter of the wheel and tyre combination must be no more than 15mm over the largest diameter wheel and tyre combination specified for the vehicle and not more than 15mm below the smallest diameter wheel and tyre combination specified for the vehicle.
Wheels that exceed the diameter and width limits for minor wheel changes must be assessed by a signatory. If the signatory finds that the wheels are safe for your vehicle, you will be issued with an engineering certificate.
Vehicles that were not built to comply with ADR 24 (prior to 1973 for passenger cars) - Unladen weight Up to 800kg Maximum rim width = 153mm (6 inches)
When wheels and tyres outside the manufacturers recommended range are fitted to a vehicle the following
requirements must be met:
• The wheel rim width must not be less than the minimum width fitted by the vehicle manufacturer for the particular model.
• The wheel and tyre must be contained within the body work or mudguards (including any flares) when the wheels are in the straight ahead position.
• The wheel and tyre must not foul any part of the body or suspension under all operating conditions.
• All wheels and tyres fitted to an axle must be of the same carcass construction, diameter, offset, width and mounting configuration (except for spare wheels used in an emergency situation).
• The wheel must not prevent the wheel nuts from fully engaging their studs.
• The wheel rim must not have a circumferential weld other than that which attaches the rim to the wheel centre.
• The wheel must be one designed for the particular hub/axle in respect to bolt pitch circle diameter and wheel nut tapers. Wheels with slotted stud holes are not permitted.
• Speedometer accuracy must be maintained for the selected tyre and rim combination.
• The fitment of wheel spacers (or adaptors for dual wheel conversions) between the wheel mounting face and the road wheel is not permitted unless fitted as original equipment by the vehicle manufacturer
I highlighted the relevant bits that answer your question
for NSW only. I would recommend that you look at the website for the state authority where your car will be registered. Don't be afraid to look for this stuff in the right place - our forum is a goldmine of experience and advice, but when you get pulled over or have an insurance claim, you can't use "the forum guys said" as a defence
. But if you quote line and verse from the authority's own document, they won't know where to look.
Key point is that 6x10" wheels can be fitted as long as the wheel and tyre must be contained within the body work or mudguards (including any flares) when the wheels are in the straight ahead position. There is no mention of "tread area". This would be interpreted as the whole of the wheel and tyre.
I doubt this will be a problem since the 6x10" fitted with a 165/70 tyre will tend to have less bulge in the sidewall compared to a similar tyre fitted to a 5x10" wheel.
You have to ask whether it will make that much difference in looks and performance (which may actually be worse, depending on what you want) to be bothered if you already have the 5x10". That is something only you know the answer for as it applies only to you driving your car.
cheers
michael
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