09 Non-factory wheels and tires + VSC

[TRDTURD]

The owners manual stated that the wheels and tires had to be the exact dimensions if being replaced or the VSC and TC may malfunction. My car has 17's on it and I was wanting to buy some 16's w/ snow tires for these WV winters. Has anyone had any problems when changing tires and or wheel sizes?

Thanks.

[thrawnis]

I would imagine that if the overall diameter of the new set of wheels/tires is the same as the original, everything should work just fine. But I could be wrong...

[2GR]

That's correct. If swapping to a 16" rim. You must compensate with a larger sidewall.
For example. Your current tires (I'm assuming) are 215/55R17. For a 16" rim, you will need 215/60R16. Those are the closest match. However they are a harder tire to find. A more common tire would be 215/65R16. Although this is about 2.5% larger in overall diameter, it is still within the allowable 3%.

[TRDTURD]

Thanks, your right on the 16" tire size (215/60R16). I looked at the package deals on Tirerack and that is the exact tire they recommended. Do you know if the factory TPM sensors can be used on different wheels?

[2GR]

Toyota sensors come in two different angles. The sensor must be flush with the inside of the rim or it could cause damage to the sensor during mounting (it's quite easy to damage these things, I know first hand). Unfortunatly the alloy wheel sensor has a different angle from the steel wheel sensor. They are not (theoretically) interchangeable, however; I have been able to carefully (VERY carefully) mount tires on rims with a different angled sensor. But here's the catch. If the sensor is angled to far towards the rim, you cannot mount the sensor as the valve stem will not go through the hole. If the sensor is angled away, it can be installed, but may be damaged during tire installation.

I have a question for you though? If you are buying seperate rims and tires for your vehicle, why would you switch the sensors back and forth? You might as well swap the tires back and forth from the alloys. Your best bet is to
A) Get a new set of sensors that will fit ~ and just have it reinitialized twice a year (1/2 labour at your local dealer)
OR
B) Just get valve stems put in ($1-2 each), and just deal with your TPM light being on whenever you have your winter tires on.

[TRDTURD]

I did not know how complicated or delicate the procedure would be to switch the sensors, I don't think I'll try it. I had the tires changed twice per year for 7 years on my old car and I grew quite tired of it. I have two sets for my truck and just switch them in the garage at home in less than an hour. I don't think I'll fool with the sensors and just put up with the light. Plus I don't want to take a chance on damaging the sensors on the stock wheels. I'll just leave them mounted up until they need replacing. Just a side note, so far the cars goes extremely well with the factory tires in the snow. It's going just as well as the old car that had snow tires on all fours. I might not need to fool with the snow rubber.???

Thanks for your info, you know your Toyotas.

Jason.

[Yazovets]

Unfortunately, you guys in the US have to deal with this silly TPMS "feature" but even so I would recommend investing in winter tires all the same. Maybe get some steel wheels with winter tires?

The Camry isn't a very capable car when it comes to accelerating in the winter (with or without snow tires) but the proper rubber makes a tremendous difference in stopping distance and general traction when turning.

[scamry]

Just noticed that you're from WV, and I think you're the first one besides me that I've seen...

I'm from the Charleston/Huntington area, we will have to do a photoshoot sometime when the weather gets nicer.