2005 Camry SE tires

[Miranthis]

I have a set of stock alloy wheels (16's)that i need to put tires on(probably the same stock 215/60/16). The current tires (on the factory steelies w/ hub caps) are some pep boy's only brand called Furtura and they are slick as butter from a stop, even on dry pavement. The Dealer put them on when he got it ready for sale. I used to use Hankook tires on my 98 LE (usually the Mileage plus or Mileage plus II) and those worked well. I could get those again, but is there a better choice for some performance. I drive 35 - 40 K a year on the 2005 SE and was getting about 80K +/- out of the 98 camry per set of Mileage plus. Is there anything in the Hankook line that will be ok for my 05, even though i know i will give up treadwear for "performance"? Any other tirews recommended (keep seeing the AVID's out there and I used to run what are now dunlop Sport A2's or something like that)

Jeff

[kyle@tirerack]

Jeff,

It is true that you'll have to trade some tread life for performance. Most are using H or V rated tires which will be closer to original and provide better handling than the 80K tires you've used on other cars. You may consider Yokohama Avid V4S, Michelin Pilot Exalto AS, or Bridgestone Potenza G009. The G009 is in the process of being replaced by the G019 Grid and may not be available much longer. You can search by size or vehicle here. Feel free to send me a message if I can help.

[Miranthis]

Kyle,
If I understand correctly from using the tire size calculator the 215/60/16 is virtually the same as the 235/55/16 in diameter, sidewall height etc with the only change really being the tread width from 8.46 to 9.25 inches. Is there any reason not to use the wider tire so long as the tire does not rub? Is there any way to tell aside from putting a set on, if they will rub?

Jeff

[kyle@tirerack]

Overall diameter is pretty much the same as you mentioned. The wider tire will improve dry traction and steering response. Trade offs will be worse performance in snow/winter conditions and possibly slight drop in gas mileage. You'll have to confirm measurements and test fit....main concern would be contact with rear strut.