Which rim size for snow tires - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

matrix_luver · 10-26-2009, 08:56 AM

Hi guys,

I need snow tires for my 2010 Matrix 1.8L Base model.
I still have a set of 15" steel wheels from my previous Celica GT and I am planning on using those rims. I researched the forum and some ppl say that 15" are ok on an 1.8L model, others say that the lowest I can go is 16". I haven't asked the dealership yet but I am pretty sure that they have no clue either.
Any suggestions anyone? Thanks for your help!

jdhog · 10-26-2009, 11:00 AM

IIRC according to jeff lange, 15" will fit on the base trix.

Best suggestion I can think is why not just take a wheel off and try your 15" see if they clear the brakes and stuff....If they fit on with no rubbing or anything you're laughing!?

gabe74gt · 10-26-2009, 11:36 AM

they should know about it! but 16" one is ok for it according to me

matrix_luver · 10-26-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gabe74gt

they should know about it! but 16" one is ok for it according to me

Yeah, I know that 16" will be ok, but the thing is that I have 15" rims from my old car which i would like to use. I don't wanna buy new rims if I don't have to.

jdhog · 10-26-2009, 06:46 PM

Did you read my post, why not take a wheel off and try the 15"s? or just swing by your favorite tire shop and see if they will check it for you. According to Jeff, the 15 WILL fit on the base 1.8L matrix (but not the 2.4)

Jeff Lange · 10-27-2009, 01:08 AM

15" can fit on the 1.8L Matrix, I have done it. You just need to make sure you have good caliper clearance. The calipers are slightly larger on the newer Matrix than the old one, just by a bit.

You'll need to test fit them to confirm correct offset and brake caliper clearance.

Jeff

matrix_luver · 10-27-2009, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Lange

15" can fit on the 1.8L Matrix, I have done it. You just need to make sure you have good caliper clearance. The calipers are slightly larger on the newer Matrix than the old one, just by a bit.

You'll need to test fit them to confirm correct offset and brake caliper clearance.

Jeff

Thanks for confirming it, Jeff. Will need to try it to see how they fit.

matrix_luver · 10-27-2009, 11:12 AM

Now another question: Anybody an idea what tire size I will need to buy for when using the 15" rims? I looked into the user's manual and of course they are only referring to tire size that would fit on a 16" rim.
Thanks!

Jeff Lange · 10-27-2009, 09:13 PM

195/65R15 would be what I'd recommend.

Jeff

matrix_luver · 10-27-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Lange

195/65R15 would be what I'd recommend.

Jeff

What about 195/60R15? Will those fit too?

Is there a chance that I might get some squeaky noise while driving with 15" rims/tires? I read that I might get that issue with 15"....

matrix_luver · 10-27-2009, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdhog

Did you read my post, why not take a wheel off and try the 15"s? or just swing by your favorite tire shop and see if they will check it for you. According to Jeff, the 15 WILL fit on the base 1.8L matrix (but not the 2.4)

Yeah. Thanks jdhog. I called the dealership today and they told me exactly what I had anticipated to hear: I have to go with 16"... that's what the Toyota owner's manual says... Then called a tire store. They are as clueless as the dealership. They said they would just recommend whatever is in their computer: 16".

Guess I will have to try them out and see how the car drives with these 15"...

Sundance_XR · 10-28-2009, 10:44 AM

15's would be cutting it close to the caliper, if it clears it. That would be cool if they fit though, let us know how it goes!

Jeff Lange · 11-07-2009, 12:37 PM

The Matrix 1.8L uses the same knuckle, caliper, rotor, and hub as the Corolla, which comes with 15" from the factory. Using Corolla 15" wheels wouldn't be cutting it any closer than Toyota thought was enough clearance. It's over 1cm of clearance to the caliper on 1.8L models.

The rear brakes on the Matrix 1.8L are the same ones as the Corolla XRS, which are smaller than the front.

15" fit fine.

Jeff

matrix_luver · 11-11-2009, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Lange

The Matrix 1.8L uses the same knuckle, caliper, rotor, and hub as the Corolla, which comes with 15" from the factory. Using Corolla 15" wheels wouldn't be cutting it any closer than Toyota thought was enough clearance. It's over 1cm of clearance to the caliper on 1.8L models.

The rear brakes on the Matrix 1.8L are the same ones as the Corolla XRS, which are smaller than the front.

15" fit fine.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,
Yesterday, I tried to put on my snowtire which is on the 15" rim and I noticed that the 5 screws on which I would put the rim on is probably too short for my rims. Cuz once I screw the nut on those screws after I put the rims on, you can't see the end of the screw anymore. I'm concerned that those screw nuts could become loose when driving, which could possibly result in losing the tire.

When I put the original rims that came with my Matrix back on, the screws are still long enough, meaning you can still see the end of the screws after screwing on the nuts.
Not sure if the issue is clear and I would post some pics if I knew how...
Would it be safe to drive with those rims?

Jeff Lange · 11-14-2009, 06:26 PM

Post a picture of it when it's installed. If you can't, PM me for my email address and you can send it to that.

If there are enough threads holding it on, it should be fine, but without seeing it, it's hard to know.

Jeff