<< How well does that fit? Does it end up the same outer circumference? Or do newer Contour SVTs (assuming yours is 1999 or 2000) use that size? My owners manual says that I can't even use chains because the tire is already wide enough that there wouldn't be clearance for the suspension components. >>
I have a 1998 SVT Contour, originally with 205/55/16's. My Eagle F1's went at 40,000 miles and were too expensive to replace with OEM. I looked at the tires that came on the 99/00 SVT and they are the BFG KDW's @ 215/50/16 on the Same rim as mine. They are Much cheaper and perform as well as my older F1's...fit was not a problem. I got them for $103/each but they are as low as $90 lately.
Later
Broadway Blue: Heres a brief explanation,,say your size is 195/60/15 (which you said yours are)
This means the wheel diameter is 15"
the tread width is 195mm
the "aspect ratio" of the sidewall is 60 (Im not sure if thats % but possibly) i think 60% of the width...this ones a little tricky
the lower the aspect ratio (ie 50, 40) the narrower the sidewall of the tire (looks more like a rubber band around the wheel) "low profile" is what this is also known as...
You can get much better performance (if thats what you are looking for) by going to a wider tire with lower aspect ratio (ex from 195/60 to 215/50)lower profile tire...increasing rim diameter also helps (aka plus 1 and plus2 - going up to 16 or 17 inch wheels)
the tire is wider, the sidewall narrower, putting more tread on the road , GENERALLY resulting in better cornering and braking..some combinations can hurt performance though. Also, going to a lower profile tire increases stiffness and causes a stiff (possibly harsh) ride dpeending on how stiff the ride already is...
From my personal experience, i ALWAYS like to get a tire that is somewhat more performance oriented than the stock size...example: in my first beat-up car, i went from a narrow, tall 185/80/13 to 195/70/13's , which were significantly wider and handled MUCH better..however, 195/60 is fairly low profile to begin with, and 50 and 40 series tires are high performance tires not ususally suited to your type of car...
if you are looking for the same ride youve always had, long life and low cost, stick with the size youve got...if you are looking for better performanace without getting larger wheels, try a 205/55, 215/55 or 225/50 tire...you will get a stiffer ride but better cornering...
This means the wheel diameter is 15"
the tread width is 195mm
the "aspect ratio" of the sidewall is 60 (Im not sure if thats % but possibly) i think 60% of the width...this ones a little tricky
the lower the aspect ratio (ie 50, 40) the narrower the sidewall of the tire (looks more like a rubber band around the wheel) "low profile" is what this is also known as...
You can get much better performance (if thats what you are looking for) by going to a wider tire with lower aspect ratio (ex from 195/60 to 215/50)lower profile tire...increasing rim diameter also helps (aka plus 1 and plus2 - going up to 16 or 17 inch wheels)
the tire is wider, the sidewall narrower, putting more tread on the road , GENERALLY resulting in better cornering and braking..some combinations can hurt performance though. Also, going to a lower profile tire increases stiffness and causes a stiff (possibly harsh) ride dpeending on how stiff the ride already is...
From my personal experience, i ALWAYS like to get a tire that is somewhat more performance oriented than the stock size...example: in my first beat-up car, i went from a narrow, tall 185/80/13 to 195/70/13's , which were significantly wider and handled MUCH better..however, 195/60 is fairly low profile to begin with, and 50 and 40 series tires are high performance tires not ususally suited to your type of car...
if you are looking for the same ride youve always had, long life and low cost, stick with the size youve got...if you are looking for better performanace without getting larger wheels, try a 205/55, 215/55 or 225/50 tire...you will get a stiffer ride but better cornering...
WRONG
The treadware rating IS a goverment standard test. The standards are done by the goverment, and are mandated to the tire companies. Just like the Traction rating on a tire i.e. AA , A , B , or C is done by the goverment and only tests traction in wet weather, not how well it will hook up your tires on the dry road.
Hope this helps, and don't ask a sales man any where if there product is the best or will last longer, they are there to sale the item that will make THEM the most money, period.
If you still don't think this is true then go ask a Goverment agency and they will tell you the same.
Thanks
The treadware rating IS a goverment standard test. The standards are done by the goverment, and are mandated to the tire companies. Just like the Traction rating on a tire i.e. AA , A , B , or C is done by the goverment and only tests traction in wet weather, not how well it will hook up your tires on the dry road.
Hope this helps, and don't ask a sales man any where if there product is the best or will last longer, they are there to sale the item that will make THEM the most money, period.
If you still don't think this is true then go ask a Goverment agency and they will tell you the same.
Thanks
- Oct 13, 1999
- 22,377
- 7
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mamisano, thanks for the info. After 25-35k miles from now, I'll look into that.
<< Broadway Blue: Heres a brief explanation,,say your size is 195/60/15 (which you said yours are)
This means the wheel diameter is 15"
the tread width is 195mm
the "aspect ratio" of the sidewall is 60 (Im not sure if thats % but possibly) i think 60% of the width...this ones a little tricky >>
Just to expand a bit on what spec411 said... yes, the "aspect ratio" is the percent of width.
As for wider tires (on the same rim) yes, generally better cornering and braking. Drawbacks are harsher ride (as spec411 said), worse wet-weather safety (wider=more prone to hydroplane), louder road noise, less fuel efficient due to friction against road and more wind resistance increasing drag coefficient. Generally speaking, if you are going just a bit wider and lower, you may or may not notice a difference.
Oh yeah, a few last thoughts on this (wider, lower profile tires)... Make sure the tire doesn't rub against any fenders or suspension components, especially when hitting bumps or turning sharp turns. And check the circumference of the new tire versus old one. If it is much different, then you may want to have your speedometer calibrated.
<< Broadway Blue: Heres a brief explanation,,say your size is 195/60/15 (which you said yours are)
This means the wheel diameter is 15"
the tread width is 195mm
the "aspect ratio" of the sidewall is 60 (Im not sure if thats % but possibly) i think 60% of the width...this ones a little tricky >>
Just to expand a bit on what spec411 said... yes, the "aspect ratio" is the percent of width.
As for wider tires (on the same rim) yes, generally better cornering and braking. Drawbacks are harsher ride (as spec411 said), worse wet-weather safety (wider=more prone to hydroplane), louder road noise, less fuel efficient due to friction against road and more wind resistance increasing drag coefficient. Generally speaking, if you are going just a bit wider and lower, you may or may not notice a difference.
Oh yeah, a few last thoughts on this (wider, lower profile tires)... Make sure the tire doesn't rub against any fenders or suspension components, especially when hitting bumps or turning sharp turns. And check the circumference of the new tire versus old one. If it is much different, then you may want to have your speedometer calibrated.
Zap, Also look at the BFG Comp T/A VR4 in 215/50-16 size, $62 each. I have them on my Contour now, no troubles. The KDW is at $90 right now. A darn good deal!
Hi Mike, fancy seeing you here.
Hi Mike, fancy seeing you here.
Here's the skinny on the numbers for treadwear, traction, etc
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/utqg.htm
That said though, its commonly accepted that the numbers mean nothing when comparing different brands, as Ronstang said.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/utqg.htm
That said though, its commonly accepted that the numbers mean nothing when comparing different brands, as Ronstang said.
Most tests are done by the same independent lab so most american made tires can be comapred to american just like Jap. tires to Jap tires.
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