B7 Passat TDi - looking for more grip

[ClassicAU]

So I had a search around, but couldn't find anything definitive for what I am after. I love my Passat, but find on the odd occasion it lacks front wheel grip. I never turn off the traction control, but it still seems to slip more than I feel it should. It is unmodified, with factory delivered Continental 235/45/17 tyres and has done 22,000kms.
Can anyone advise what the width of the standard wheels are? It is a Special Model with different design wheel, not sure if they are any wider? I am considering going up to a 245 tyre, will this cause any issue, or will I need to go up to an 18" wheel?

[kamold]

You can get an anti-lift kit.

I installed a Whiteline kit in my Octy and it made a big difference.
Steering feel is slightly heavier (but not enough that my wife complains at all about it) but axel tramp is significantly reduced and overall I'm much happier with the ability to put power down.

[rjt86]

I agree the whiteline anti lift kit is good, but I occasionally get some noise from the bushes. Maybe it's one of the other bushes installed as I put in the activate grip package from them

[ClassicAU]

Thanks heaps for the replies! Any idea if installing said kit will affect my warranty at all?

[rjt86]

I've heard of others having a hard time with warranty claims just because they changed their wheels. I guess it depends on the dealer or service adviser at the time.

[ClassicAU]

That is a shame. Oh well, I guess I'll just get some better tires once these are worn. Thanks anyway!

[Amalgam]

That is a shame. Oh well, I guess I'll just get some better tires once these are worn. Thanks anyway!

Dealers will ALWAYS threaten that ANY mod or non genuine service will void your warranty, regardless of brand. This is to scare you into being complaint and keep the service department ringing the tills. FYI at most dealers, the service department makes more profit than new sales!!

Your warranty claim can only be declined if the action taken (modification or non genuine service) can be proven to be the direct causal link to the warranty claim. Therefore changing the exhaust cannot void your warranty claim for the air conditioner. Of course they will try to tell you otherwise.

[drjekl]

Dealers will ALWAYS threaten that ANY mod or non genuine service will void your warranty, regardless of brand. This is to scare you into being complaint and keep the service department ringing the tills. FYI at most dealers, the service department makes more profit than new sales!!

Your warranty claim can only be declined if the action taken (modification or non genuine service) can be proven to be the direct causal link to the warranty claim. Therefore changing the exhaust cannot void your warranty claim for the air conditioner. Of course they will try to tell you otherwise.

I'm running michelin pilot sport 3's 235/45's on the regular 17' passat wheels and I dont get an axle tramp. A little bit of wheel spin and it takes off (2011 125TDI)

[ClassicAU]

The factory fitted Conti's are still going, done just over 25k now, so they will be due for changing soon enough. I personally like Toyo tyres myself, but do hear a lot of praise for the Michelin's these days.

On a related note, the car felt a little weird the other day, so I checked the pressures and discovered the front right was down to 22psi (I fill mine to 38psi), but the tyre pressure warning system did not go off! I even set it last time I filled the tyres!