5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Here are my winter tires and rims on my 07 XLE V6. They are 215/55/17 Toyo Garit KX performance H rated winter tires (made in Japan) on BSA 17x7 rims with 35 offset (OEM is 45 offset). I am keeping the original 215/60/16 Michelin all-seasons for the summer. When they wear out, and if the BSA rims are still in good condition, I will use the 17" BSA rims with summer tires, and the original Toyota XLE 16" rims with winter tires.
The 35 offset gives them a wider stance. Also, the Toyo tires have a much wider tread footprint design, lower profile and rim protectors that make the tires look much wider than my original Michelins. You can see in the pictures that wheels are almost flush with the fenders. My OEM Michelin (215/60/16) has a 7" footprint (I measured it). These Toyo Garit KX (215/55/17) has an 8" footprint. That is 25.4 mm wider!
My winter options were either steel rims with hub caps , or these! Unfortunately, our selection of rims in Canada is very limited, but I am more than happy with these rims and tires for my "winter tire package". Now, I'll have to wait and see how they perform in the snow and on ice.
- The link takes me to a Chrome wheel. Were you thinking of getting Chrome or was that just the default style on the website.
- Chrome is a lot more expensive for the same wheel. Unless you really like chrome, I'd recommend a non-chrome version.
- Chrome is a lot heavier. Handling and performance will suffer.
- Chrome is harder to maintain, oxidize over time and loose its shine. However, you can professionally re-polish chrome wheels when they get old.
- I prefer a clean 5-bolt pattern (not the multi-bolts shown in your link). The multi-bolt has a cheap "universal fit" apperance, imo.
- If the spokes go all the way to the edge of the rim, the wheel will look much bigger. The lip will make your wheels look about an inch smaller (perceptually.)
- As to the design, I like it I am not sure how it will look with the Camry, but the wheel is nice.
I found the perfect combination for rim/tire combo for all seasons. It is my OEM 17" SE package. The price is right, and I don't have to change them in the fall/spring.
__________________
This is where you insert your signature
As you can see, this is my "solution" to deal with my OEM 16" all-season tires. I don't want to waste them, so I'll use them in the summer until they wear out. The new 17" rims is a good compromise because they are good for both winter tires (215/55/17) and eventually summer tires (235/50/17) - same overall diameter. That's my plan for now anyways. An 18" rim would not be ideal for winter tires, so that is why I got 17".
I really like the 35mm offset. It looks much better than stock IMO.
What are you guys doing with your OEM tires and wheels once you have upgraded to custom rims. Are you selling them on Ebay, etc.? Are you using the OEM during the winter months?
Also, my logic is that winter tires don't cost much more money in the long-run, since the wear is spread across 8 tires instead of 4. The benefit is having dedicated summer and winter tires. The rims do cost extra though.
Believe it or not, I WAXED the rims to protect them against winter salt and snow. I hope they will remain in mint conditions after 3-4 winters so that I can upgrade them with wider summer tires when they wear out.
Please, tell me what you think... good or bad comments welcomed!
Also wont you want a narrower stance in the winter to cut through the snow
I believe the center hole is 73.1 and they add a ring to reduce it. This is usually the case will all custom wheels. They almost always make the center hole bigger to accomodate any car, and then use the appropriate ring size to reduce it for your car.
No spacer were used.
My winter tires is actually same as the STOCK 17" size, which is 215/55/17. However, they do have a wider footprint by design. Reviews on them have been very positive. Also, there were not a lot of options for 17" winter tires in Canada. Most of the 17" winter tires are "performance" winters, and sizes were very limited.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Winter Tires & Rims on XLE (pics!)
, or these! Unfortunately, our selection of rims in Canada is very limited, but I am more than happy with these rims and tires for my "winter tire package". Now, I'll have to wait and see how they perform in the snow and on ice.
Linear Mode
