Owners of any cars, like the happy owners of a Ford Focus 3, are always interested in various issues related to the operation of their cars, including the issue of installing tires.
Usually the euphoria from buying a car ends after a few months, and the happy car owner begins to realize that something is not working for him.
Some drivers want a stronger engine, others are not satisfied with the quality of the music, and still others want to change tires for a more comfortable ride. And even with complete idyll, the time will still come to change the tires due to inevitable wear.
What tires are suitable for Ford Focus
There will be no definite answer, since everything depends on several factors:
- Design features of the car - is it a sedan, hatchback or station wagon, diesel engine or gasoline
- Wheel rim type – stamped iron or cast light alloy
- Wheel installation location - front or rear wheel
- Wheel load - normal vehicle load or maximum weight with cargo and passengers
- Using standard sizes recommended by the manufacturer, or tuning, which includes replacing standard disks, and possibly making changes to the suspension design.
These technical features will contribute to the correct choice of tire and wheel sizes, but the work on selecting tires will not end there, since the choice of the manufacturer remains. Here you will have to rely on reviews, brand popularity and the financial capabilities of the buyer.
Standard sizes of wheels of the third Focus
When purchasing a car at a dealership, a potential car owner will be faced with a minimum of options for installing wheels. This is due to the fact that car dealers do not specialize in selling tires, and the main task facing them is selling a car!
Most often, the salon will offer only two options:
- 205/55R16, if the wheels are stamped steel
- 215/55R16, if the buyer agreed to fork out for light alloy wheels
At the same time, the manufacturer allows the installation of alloy wheels with 215/50/17 tires. However, for each type of model there are specific dimensions, a table with which is usually glued to the driver’s door pillar.
But drivers may get different tires depending on the time of purchase. Apparently car factories buy large quantities of tires, and therefore cars roll off the assembly line for a long time on the same tires. Then, for some reason, for example, due to an increase in the cost of the usual rubber, the plant switches to another! So you can buy a Ford Focus 3 with both Continental tires and Bridgestone tires.
How to determine bolt pattern
Each make and model of car has individual bolt pattern parameters. There are special tables for this, based on which you can select disks.
If it is not possible to use tables, or if your car is not included in them, you can determine the bolt pattern yourself. To do this, we count the number of holes for mounting the disk. The first parameter is there. Determining the diameter of the circle on which the holes are located is a little more difficult.
For disks with 3 holes, measure the distance between the walls of adjacent holes and multiply it by 1.155. The result obtained will be the desired diameter.
For disks with four-point mounting, measure the gap between the walls of opposite holes and multiply it by 1.414.
For five-bolt wheels, measure the distance between the two farthest holes through one, and multiply by 1.701.
Allowable wheel width: Offset is marked ET Bolt pattern 5x, where 5 is the number of holes for bolts for fastening the wheels, and is the diameter of their location. The size of the centering holes for the hub is 63.3.
Bolt pattern for Ford Focus 3 Wheel pattern for Ford Focus 2 The second generation of Focuses, just like the first, has already been discontinued. But also a decrease in tread height. Sizes of standard rims Regardless of the year of manufacture, other nuances, all rims must comply with the following parameters: Basic rim diameters, in inches - R16, R The optimal solution is precisely the size on Using rims of this size allows you to make the car more stable on the road due to the width of the wheel.
At the same time, it slightly increases fuel consumption
It is very important to carefully monitor this point. Another disadvantage of size 16 is comparatively Ford Focus 3 wheel bolt pattern choice of tires
The remaining parameters for each rim diameter differ significantly: The vehicle manufacturer sets a number of restrictions on the use of rims. At the same time, stamped steel wheels of the following batches: Installation is carried out on studs.
It is important to use standard nuts. Purchasing analogues is not recommended
Even with a suitable thread pitch and similar design.
Loose nuts can cause serious problems.
Wheel bolt pattern for Ford Focus cars
Parameters of standard nuts The car in question is equipped with special stainless steel nuts - they firmly hold the wheel on a special hub.
All nuts have a special metal cover.
And over time, it simply falls off. The plant produced several modifications and configurations, so the wheels were of different sizes.
Over the entire production period, Ford Focus wheels were offered in 3 bolt pattern sizes: Based on this data, different tires are used and only certain wheels are suitable for them.
To be fair, it is worth noting that if you decide to replace the standard wheels to improve the appearance of your third-generation Ford Focus, then there is a solution to the problem. For large-diameter discs, you can use special centering rings, sometimes called adapters.
I cannot help but note that most car manufacturers have a negative attitude towards this method and this device. To make it easier for you to navigate, we tell you about the Ford Focus 3 wheel bolt pattern and what sizes and what wheel bolt pattern are used on the third generation Ford Focus.
From the factory, the Focus is equipped with inch wheels.
Moreover, both light-alloy and stamped wheels have the same size. The exception is the sports version of the ST, which can be equipped with large Ford Focus 3 bolt pattern discs. 16-inch wheels can have the following tire sizes: As for other parameters of wheels on the third generation Ford Focus, they are presented below: Bolt pattern - 5. Width - 7.
Ford Focus III wheel sizes
Centering hole - Selecting the correct wheels is extremely important, otherwise the Ford Focus 3's behavior on the road may be unpredictable. If you choose non-standard tires without taking into account the characteristics of a particular model, this can negatively affect the performance of the suspension, handling and grip on the road. In general, failure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations can lead to emergency situations, and this is fraught with consequences.
Selection of wheels As a rule, alloy wheels are installed on Ford Focus.
This is justified by the following: Light weight compared to steel wheels.
Custom Ford Focus 3 tire sizes
The possibility of installing non-standard tires and wheels depends entirely on technical conditions. The discs should not touch the brake discs and calipers, the bolt pattern should remain standard 5x108, the central hole with a diameter of 63.3 mm. And the holes for the studs should be 14.5 mm in diameter. The rubber should not touch the car body even when the strut is fully rotated or fully compressed.
What non-standard tire size do Focus owners usually choose?
If size 16, then it is 205/60/16, so that due to the higher profile there is no breakdown in the pits.
If the diameter is 17, put 215/55/17
On 18 wheels you can put 235/40/18, although on most bad roads with such tires it is easy to break a cast wheel!
Marking
In order to choose the right size wheels for a Ford Focus 3, you need to clearly understand what stands behind each number and letter of the designation. Wheel markings are the same for both stamped and cast wheels. In order to understand this issue, let's look at an example of marking - 6.5Jx17H2 ET40 PCD: 5/116 d 66.6. At first glance, this may seem like just a set of numbers and letters, but behind them there is an important designation, namely:
- 6.5 is the width of the wheel, measured in inches.
- (B)17 – disc diameter, also indicated in inches.
- 5/116 - this indicator is called bolt pattern, that is, it shows the number of bolts securing the wheel to the hub - in our example, 5, respectively - and the diameter of the area and placement (in English Pitchcirclediameter, or PCD), which in our case has an indicator of 116 mm.
- ET 40 is the wheel offset, which is measured in millimeters. As you can see, our example has this indicator at 40 mm.
I would especially like to dwell on the last indicator. In other words, wheel offset is the gap between the circle around which the disc contacts the hub and the middle of its width. If the planes coincide, then they say that the offset is zero. If the first plane extends beyond the second, then there is a positive overhang. Negative offset, as you might have guessed, occurs when the hub intersects the boundaries of the plane of the middle of the wheel width.
Procedure and recommendations for replacing the timing belt on a Ford Focus 1
The ET designation is used by manufacturers from Germany. At the same time, factories in France use the word Deport to indicate departure, and in England - Offset. By the way, it is the last option that is the most popular, and it is used by manufacturers from many countries.
It should be noted that if you ignore these indicators (offset, width, bolt pattern) when choosing wheels for the third generation Ford Focus, then you will not be able to install it in its original place, since the suspension will interfere. We'll have to widen the arches, modify the chassis, etc. It is much easier to initially pay attention to all the nuances and not have any problems in the future. Moreover, incorrect selection of discs leads to increased load on the suspension and steering mechanism of the FordFocus 3. The least dangerous thing that can happen is that these parts will quickly become unusable, and in the worst case scenario, the wheels may become loose while driving. This, as you understand, can cause serious trouble.
Tire pressure Ford Focus 3
On the door pillar, in the same place as the wheel sizes, the manufacturer indicates the nominal pressure that should be in the front and rear wheels. These values may differ depending on the model type, as well as the wheel size recommended for use on this vehicle.
But often car enthusiasts deviate from these standards more when fully loaded or less for a softer ride.
For those who don’t like to bother, we can recommend setting the tire pressure to around 2.2 atmospheres, and this will be fine.
For particularly scrupulous drivers, there is more accurate data, such as in this table:
Although it is best to use the data that is pasted on the car itself.
The characteristics of the rims and wheel sizes are set by the factory, taking into account the technical features of the car, while the choice of tires based on the manufacturer will still have to be made by the car owner himself! And this can be influenced by price, reviews from car enthusiasts, your experience or someone else’s recommendations! And you also have to use different tires in winter and summer!
Summer tires for Ford Focus 3
- Continental Conti Premium Contact Run Flat 205/55 R16 belongs to the premium class and is distinguished by a special rubber composition and design features of the frame, which allow you to get to a car service station even with a flat tire without destroying the cord and maintaining the tread. Its pattern is also special, which increases the contact area with the road surface and prevents hydroplaning.
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 205/55 R16 - this premium tire is distinguished not only by an improved tread pattern and the quality of the rubber compound, but also by the presence of an additional nylon layer that strengthens the working part of the tire against breaking. That is why such tires are suitable for sports cars with strong engines and good dynamics. At the level of an ordinary car owner, this is a reliable tire with strong position fixation on the track. An excellent option for those who value safety.
- Bridgestone Potenza S001 205/55 R16 are a symbiosis of a special rubber compound and asymmetrical projector design, providing amazing braking performance, giving confidence in safety even in the most extreme situations, where the Bridgestone Potenza tread copes well with critical loads.
- Goodyear Eagle Sport 205/55 R16, also presented on the market as a sports tire option, is actually a budget analogue of the premium models discussed above. Excellent tires with an excellent tread pattern that provides reliable grip on the road and at the same time is 2-3 thousand rubles cheaper than Michelin, Bridgestone or Continental.
- Tunga Zodiak 2 205/55 R16 is the most budget option produced at the Omsk Tire Plant. In its new condition it does a pretty good job of keeping the car on the road. It makes relatively little noise, but with prolonged use, hernias and loss of balance may occur. This is due to the poor quality of rubber. And this is expected, since the price reduction does not happen just like that, because this tire costs three times less than a similar Michelin tire.
Winter tires for Ford Focus 3
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 Run Flat 205/55 R16 is one of the most expensive tires in its segment. The high-quality rubber compound is called Special Clinch and actually ensures perfect contact with the road. The V-shaped tread and well-designed studs allow you to keep the car in a given direction even under the most unfavorable conditions of ice and wet asphalt.
- The Nokian Nordman 7 205/55 R16 is positioned as a budget analogue of the Hakkapeliitta, and this is actually true, because the cost of this tire is 2.5 times lower than that of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta, which allows us to call this model truly the tire of the people's choice, combining excellent qualities with a relatively low price.
- Yokohama IG55 205/55 R16 is truly a Siberian tire, if you believe the description from the manufacturer, since it is positioned as rubber for severe frosts. The cost is comparable to the Nordman price, so the choice is not made by price, but only by reviews and experience of use. There is a soft ride and low noise on open asphalt.
- Michelin X-Ice North 4 205/55 R16 Like all other Michelin representatives, this tire can be called a reference product in the tire industry. The increased number of studs, which has reached 250, along with a well-designed tread and soft adaptive rubber, make this product one of the most popular on the market.
- Cordiant Snow Cross 205/55 R16 is the most budget option for winter tires, its characteristics are suitable for the Ford Focus 3. When creating the tread, SNOW-COR technology was used, which allows the pattern to independently clear itself of snow when driving. When studding, a double-flange stud of a special design was used, which provides good grip on icy roads.
Selection of disks
As a rule, alloy wheels are installed on Ford Focus. This is justified by the following:
- Light weight (compared to steel wheels).
- Variety of designs (light metals allow you to create products of different styles and shapes).
- Low price.
- Comfort of movement (due to reduced load on the suspension).
- Strength (due to the high level of ductility of light metal alloys).
Quite often questions arise about which disk manufacturers are the best, which companies should be preferred and why. We decided to analyze the most popular options on the domestic market, the bolt pattern of which is suitable for the Focus. So, wheels from the following companies are perfect for the third generation Ford Focus:
- SCAD.
- ALUTEC.
- LS Wheels.
- K&K.
- Rotiform.
- I Wheels.
What is the tire size on Ford Focus 2
SCAD is a domestic company founded more than 10 years ago. For the production of discs, equipment from the world's best brands is used. Moreover, the company is a supplier to Volkswagen and Ford, and therefore installing them on your Focus is the right decision. Its popularity is justified by its unusual design and high strength.
ALUTEC probably offers the highest quality discs, which is confirmed by the assessments of both consumers and experts. Due to the use of unique production technology, the wheels of this brand have better performance compared to competitors. The main problem of alloy wheels is their low ability to resist corrosion. But there will be no problems with disks from this company.
LSWheels is a manufacturer from Taiwan that offers a huge selection of wheels suitable for the third generation Ford Focus.
I would especially like to mention K&K, since this is the only company that offers a lifetime warranty on its products. And this is not surprising, the quality of the discs is very high, so you can put them on Focus without a doubt.
As for the Rotiform company, their products appeared on the market only a few years ago. However, despite their age, the popularity of discs is constantly growing. The secret of success lies in the unusual, futuristic design.
