2011 Camry, will 15's fit?

[vinbon63]

Hi everyone, after owning a '97 Camry CE V6 for the past 13 years, my father just bought a 2011 Camry LE V6. Anyways winter is approaching and I'm looking into winter tires for him and was curious, would 15" wheels fit? Will they clear the brakes? Main reason being that 215-60-16 winter tires are kind of pricey and if 15's fit, we'll be able to save a few bucks. Also trying to decide what to do with the '97 camry...car needs some suspension work and a minor exhaust patching, otherwise the engine and transmission are still smooth as can be, even at 380,000kms. 1MZ-FE's are insane lol. I've always wanted to source one of the TRD SC's, but i doubt it. Anyways sorry for the long post, any help would be great. Thanks.

[BlackCamSe]

They won't clear the caliper.

[vinbon63]

Originally Posted by BlackCamSe

They won't clear the caliper.

Thats what my fear was...anyways I guess its really not a huge deal. Thanks for the help.

[Lauren]

I run 16'' snow tires in the winter. They're just fine.

[RickF]

Originally Posted by Lauren

I run 16'' snow tires in the winter. They're just fine.

But... the question was about 15" working. 16's are stock.

[srbakall]

I am looking to buy snows with rims for my 2011 LE camry 2.5. Is it OK to go with a smaller tire like 205-60 or 65- 16 snow? Have read that the narrower tire cuts thru snow better.

[Lauren]

Originally Posted by RickF

But... the question was about 15" working. 16's are stock.

Sorry. The answer was already given above.

No. They won't clear the caliper.

I was just saying that I run 16''s to help the OP.

[CamrySExxx]

Originally Posted by srbakall

I am looking to buy snows with rims for my 2011 LE camry 2.5. Is it OK to go with a smaller tire like 205-60 or 65- 16 snow? Have read that the narrower tire cuts thru snow better.

yes it is okay to go with a narrower tire but your side wall will be much greater. As long as you get a tire combo that has the same diameter as oem specs, your speedo will be fine. Unless you want to drive with a speedo that is not accurate.

But yes a lot of people say narrower tires will cut through the snow like skates while wider tires will have more of a snow shoe effect where it will stay above the snow.

I remember driving my fathers old corolla, had really narrow 14" wheels. It would have less power than some v6 cars but it would make it up the hill to our house without getting stuck while the other cars wtih 215+ tires would just get stuck. Yes the rolla was much lighter so maybe that has to do with it too.

[joshuaboston]

It is true that smaller tread width is better in snow. Many years ago... it was believed that a larger width tire which has more surface rubber would be able to fight the snow better… this was proven wrong. Just like… just a few years ago it was though to put your two best tires (most tread) in the front of the car… now they say you should put your two best tires in the rear of the car because it keeps the rear end from slipping, especially for a front wheel drive car… this is all about safety.

By putting on a smaller tread width taller shoulder same size rim… you risk screwing up the speedometer and you increase body roll and decrease handling on dry pavement. I would never recommend this. Many people who have phat tires from stock… like a BMW, Audi, 350Z, G37, etc… may end up putting on narrower winter tires (LIKE the same size as out car's OEM tire). I would not recommend you to put on a narrower tire.

Regarding load… narrower tires are certainly going to have a lower load rating.


Last thing....
I am curious... do you want a narrower tire because it is less expesive... cause that is what it sounds like. OR are you trying to get the best witner traction out there? In my opinion... TO winter driving is not that bad and you should just get a CHEAP witer tire that is the same size as the OEM's that came with the car.

[srbakall]

I am looking at General Altimax artic snows at Tire Rack. They quote 215/60/16 at $79 each vs 78 for 205/60/16 so price is not an issue here. Load is not a factor either. I usually swap tires serveral times in winter since I need the exercise and don't like to ride on snows in the rain. Thus the snows are on from a few days to weeks at a time. Thanks for the info.

[private_number]

wow thank god we dont get snow here! Would be a pain to put your car higher and chuck on a different set of wheels over winter!

And no, 15" wheels wont clear the caliper. If i remember correctly, the 16" wheels just made it and yes they are stock

[Lauren]

Originally Posted by srbakall

I am looking at General Altimax artic snows at Tire Rack. They quote 215/60/16 at $79 each vs 78 for 205/60/16 so price is not an issue here. Load is not a factor either. I usually swap tires serveral times in winter since I need the exercise and don't like to ride on snows in the rain. Thus the snows are on from a few days to weeks at a time. Thanks for the info.

I run those. Decent price and they're good in the snow.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

I ran 16's last year, and we're running 16's on the XLE. For my car i went up to 17's cause that's how i roll.

Actually it's because the plans i have for the car, won't let me run 16's

[joshuaboston]

General Altimax artic snows are good tires. FYI... it may be cheaper to go to NY to buy them and even pay the tax and duties. I think Sears has them for 106 each installed.