Tire size Question

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Mide

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Mar 27, 2008
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So if my car has freakish tires of 185/55-16, would I be able to go to 195 or 205/55-16 with no real issues?
 

iGas

Diamond Member
Feb 7, 2009
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195/55R16 = Diameter Difference: 1.76% (Okay if fit the wheel well, and likely that it is)

205/55R16 = Diameter Difference: 3.46% (breaks may not be able to handle greater than 3%)
 

Pariah

Elite Member
Apr 16, 2000
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Remember that any change in wheel rolling circumference will also affect your speedometer and odometer. If you go with a 205, make sure you have enough wheel well clearance. Also you should drop to a 50 to keep the circumference roughly the same.

if that size is freakish, was it the proper size to start with?

I don't know, but tirerack has only 2 tires in that size, so it appears to be highy unusual.
 

iGas

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Feb 7, 2009
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Remember that any change in wheel rolling circumference will also affect your speedometer and odometer. If you go with a 205, make sure you have enough wheel well clearance. Also you should drop to a 50 to keep the circumference roughly the same.



I don't know, but tirerack has only 2 tires in that size, so it appears to be highy unusual.
205/50R16 -- Diameter Difference: 0.25%
225/45/R16 -- Diameter Difference: 0.17%

Going to wider tires that may give you a bit more traction, but it will also add weight and fuel consumption. And, if only it fits your wheel well.
 

Pariah

Elite Member
Apr 16, 2000
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Tires are designed to optimally fit a certain rim width and be safe on a rim +/- .5". A 185 tire would fit roughly a 6" rim optimally. A 225 would be optimal on a 7.5" rim which is considerably larger. You would not want to put a 225 on a 6" rim. Even if you don't drive like a maniac, you would end up with premature uneven tire wear in the middle of the tire due to the pinching of the sides to get it squeezed on too small a rim.
 

ecom

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Feb 25, 2009
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Don't forget about clearing suspension components also. On my car when I went from 205 to 215mm wide, it only left me with about 7mm between the tire and the rear strut.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
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yea maybe a 195/55 or 205/50 might work well.

But as said check clerance first. If its good then see if one of those 2 sizes is more common.
On my CTS I went to a 225/50 as the factory 225/55 was not as common. More options for tires and better prices.
 
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