Question about all season tires.

[Habs_Fan]

I need 4 new non-winter tires and rims for my 2006 corolla. I know what size the manual recommends but the other day I saw a corolla that had some 205/60/15 rubbers and and I thought they looked great since they didn't look as narrow as the tires on most corollas on the road. Wider simply looks better IMO.
Should I go with some 195 or 205's? Will I notice any changes in performance or fuel savings? I don't really care about the price.
Also, for the sidewall, should I go with 65 or 60's (I'm going with a 15" tire)??

Thanks

[fishexpo101]

To stay within the OEM tire size (overall diameter), so that you minimize speedometer errors. Stick with a 60-series tire, if you want to run up to a 205 width.

OEM is 185/65-15 or 195/65-15 depending on the trim level. A 205/60-15 tire would be around 1% error or so - less than the resolution of the speedo. Tire weight depends on manufacturing process - some tires are significantly heavier than others for a given size. Rolling resistance will also vary, depending on tire construction. Being wider, automatically will ding overall fuel economy - but the increase in traction and slightly shorter sidewall (less sidewall flex), IMO, more than makes up for the loss in fuel economy.

[The7]

I am also thinking to install 205/60 R15 tires when the stock 195/65 R15 tires are worn out.

[Habs_Fan]

Originally Posted by fishexpo101

To stay within the OEM tire size (overall diameter), so that you minimize speedometer errors. Stick with a 60-series tire, if you want to run up to a 205 width.

OEM is 185/65-15 or 195/65-15 depending on the trim level. A 205/60-15 tire would be around 1% error or so - less than the resolution of the speedo.

How would a 205/60-15 tire affect the speedo if the diameter of the tire remains the same?? I'm probably gonna stick with the factory tires, to save money and also save a bit on weight.

[The7]

Originally Posted by Habs_Fan

How would a 205/60-15 tire affect the speedo if the diameter of the tire remains the same?? I'm probably gonna stick with the factory tires, to save money and also save a bit on weight.

Compared 205/60 R15 with stock 195/65 R15:
The speedometer will read about 1% higher than the "true" speed.
IMO. It will look better and improve the handling of the car.

[msajna]

I've got 205/60 R15's on my car and I don't really notice it affecting the speedo. I've used a GPS while driving and its still pretty much dead on. Plus the wider tires definatley improve the car's stance. I also haven't noticed any change with gas mileage either.

[The7]

Thanks. It will give me more assurance to install 205/60 R15 when the stock ones are worn out.

[NMGeorge]

215/60 looks to be very close as well in regards to OEM tires and diameter

[The7]

Originally Posted by NMGeorge

215/60 looks to be very close as well in regards to OEM tires and diameter

Yes, according to the calculations:
(1) 195/65 R15 => 24.98 in (stock tire diameter as 100%)
(2) 205/60 R15 => 24.68 in (- 1.2% )
(3) 215/60 R15 => 25.16 in (+1.9% )

So it OK for (2) and (3) to replace the stock (1) because they are within 2%.

However (2) is available in most brands but not (3).

[impulseRED]

triple tred assurance tires from good year....... best rated tire on tire rack for all season... ti what i use and its about 115 per tire..... wet tracktion you can trust your life on and dry thats absolutley amazing....... i need to replace my shocks soon though... lol i take corners a little more aggresivly cince ive moved away from the oem tires that came with it..... they are great for those once or twice a year snow/ice ins if they happen...... we got a foot of snow in feb (which is very unsuall for texas) and my tires climbed my driveway with no problem and its sitting at a 30% grade lol..... which is about 16 degrees above hporizon.......

[msajna]

I've got the Goodyear Triple tread Assurance tires on my car and I swear by them. I even use them all through the winter and haven't had any problems. I don't know about Ottawa but I paid around $200 per tire in Calgary.

[YodaFan1]

Good years are nice, I have used them before too