Tire Size Question
- Thread starter DaveC
- Start date
A P195/65R-15 has an overall diameter of 25" and a section width of 7.2".
A P205/70R-15 has an overall diameter of 26.3" and a section width of 8.2".
A tire 1.3" taller could very well hit the vehicle, will increase its ride height, increase its center of gravity and reduce its handling, (the car will lean more in turns). At highway speeds, increasing the ride height of the vehicle can also cause the car to start floating as more air is being allowed under the vehicle which can lift it and reduce down-force. This can cause the vehicle to wander on the highway and not track well. Also, raising the ride height of the vehicle will make it more susceptible to being pushed around by cross-winds and air turbulence from large trucks. In slippery, wet weather conditions, this effect can be magnified. Another problem that arises by using over-sized tires is that the speedometer/odometer will no longer be reading correctly. This can also adversely affect the proper function of the vehicles ABS brakes, as the ABS system functions off of wheel speed or RPM, (as does the speedometer/odometer). A P195/65R-15 spins at 833 revolutions per mile where'as a P205/70R-15 spins at 792 revolutions per mile.
Considering all the negatives, I recommend sticking with the correct size tire for your vehicle. http://www.TireRack.com has some very nice tires at very good prices.
I hope this has been of help. Good luck with it.
-- B.F.Goodrich T/A Certified Tire Specialist
A P205/70R-15 has an overall diameter of 26.3" and a section width of 8.2".
A tire 1.3" taller could very well hit the vehicle, will increase its ride height, increase its center of gravity and reduce its handling, (the car will lean more in turns). At highway speeds, increasing the ride height of the vehicle can also cause the car to start floating as more air is being allowed under the vehicle which can lift it and reduce down-force. This can cause the vehicle to wander on the highway and not track well. Also, raising the ride height of the vehicle will make it more susceptible to being pushed around by cross-winds and air turbulence from large trucks. In slippery, wet weather conditions, this effect can be magnified. Another problem that arises by using over-sized tires is that the speedometer/odometer will no longer be reading correctly. This can also adversely affect the proper function of the vehicles ABS brakes, as the ABS system functions off of wheel speed or RPM, (as does the speedometer/odometer). A P195/65R-15 spins at 833 revolutions per mile where'as a P205/70R-15 spins at 792 revolutions per mile.
Considering all the negatives, I recommend sticking with the correct size tire for your vehicle. http://www.TireRack.com has some very nice tires at very good prices.
I hope this has been of help. Good luck with it.
-- B.F.Goodrich T/A Certified Tire Specialist
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