07 Camry - buying winter tires - 15" steelies ok?

[chrono807]

I'm shopping on TireRack for some winter tires for the '07 Camry, and I want to buy a tire/wheel package.

I started out my search looking for the factory-sized wheels and tires for the Camry SE, but the 17" snow tires are prohibitively expensive.

Next, I started looking for the CE-sized tires and wheels, which are 215/60R16. Better prices, but they're out of the Blizzak WS-50's in that size (wanted to get them while they're on closeout).

I started playing with tire sizes on the Miata.net tire size calculator, and I wanted to check my logic. First of all, I wanted to see if any 15" combos would fit, so I plugged in 15 for the last value. Then, I wanted to make sure I didn't exceed the factory width, so I plugged in 215. With those two numbers fixed, it looks like the best match in a 15" size would be 215/65R15. Works out great too - plenty of WS-50's in stock, and the 15" steelies are only $43 each.

BUT... I know the SE has 4-wheel disc brakes. I'm concerned that a 15" rim would be too small. Any problems there?

I already know I'll lose the TPMS for the winter with steelies, and I'm ok with that. I always check my tires if they look a little low anyway.

[BlackCamSe]

the calipers might not clear. I have 16 inch alloys and they look like there just barley clearing.

[chrono807]

Originally Posted by Camralon2343

the calipers might not clear. I have 16 inch alloys and they look like there just barley clearing.

Yeah, that was my main concern... it's been a while since I owned a car with steel wheels, so refresh my memory. Is the inside wall flat like my stock alloys? If so, then theoretically figuring out if it would fit would simply be a matter of measuring the space between the stock wheel and caliper?

Each inch if diameter lost would equate to 1/2" lost on the radius, so in theory I should be fine as long as the current clearance is comfortably over 1", right?

[Asteroid]

Can you borrow a 15" wheel to see if it fits? Offset may also become a factor.

[chrono807]

Originally Posted by Asteroid

Can you borrow a 15" wheel to see if it fits? Offset may also become a factor.

I don't know anyone who has a Gen 5, sadly. Any chance a dealer might try a Gen 5 steel wheel for me?

[Asteroid]

Well you could always try. You would only need to borrow the spare for a few minutes. Or maybe a local forum member could help out.

[Redline_Me]

You can just go to a junk yard and get some 16" steelies.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

15's won't fit...16's will..since winter is almost over, i'd wait until spring/summer to get winter tires..will probably get a better deal

EDIT: ha..i didn't even check the date

[MrObvious]

Originally Posted by Punks_Not_Dead5

EDIT: ha..i didn't even check the date

Failsauce.

[Redline_Me]

Originally Posted by Majarvis

Yeah, that's what I figured, I was just curious. Yep, quite an old thread, lol. I did a search and it was the best-suited thread to ask my question in.

Hey look at that, the search engine actually works. Wish everyone did what you did.