Question on winter tires - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Seby00 · 10-17-2005, 09:47 AM

Hello, i'am relatively new to this forum. I was wondering if it's possible to put 15 inch steelies (corolla rims) for winter on a 2004 Matrix XR!! Most company like Tire Rack, Tire Trends & Discount Tire Direct don't offer any 15ich package!!!!

The tire size that i was thinking is 195-55-15.

Thanks for the HELP!!

Salsa03 · 10-17-2005, 11:45 AM

Yes you can Seby00

I have 15" rims on my 03 Vibe.... and they fit nicely.... bought the rims at Costco (the best prices in town).

And I put 195/65R15 tires on them

Seby00 · 10-17-2005, 11:59 AM

Thanks

Tundraboy · 10-17-2005, 05:15 PM

I have run Michelin X-ice 205/55/16 with steel wheels on my wifes car. They work really well on snow/ice including deep snow and even perform quite well on dry pavement (low noise).Cheers!

Seby00 · 10-17-2005, 07:00 PM

I think i will go for 15 inch!!!

It's cheeaper and probably better un snow since they are less wider than 205/55/16

***Silver Streak*** · 10-17-2005, 10:42 PM

^ you're exactly right on both accounts. My buddy put on some Toyo GO2 195/65/15 for ~$750 including hubcentric steelies.

ksbrace · 10-18-2005, 07:40 AM

Note that if you search for "tire size calculator" on google you will find many hits for, well, tire size calculators that let you compare the diameters of different tire/wheel size combinations. You want a size that has close to the same diameter as the original so your speedometer remains accurate. The 195/65/15 is less the 1/2 percent larger than the 205/55/16 stock tire, so when your speedo says 70, you will be going about 70.3.

A narrower tire should be better in the snow. Narrow tires can more easily dig down into the snow and reach the pavement. My wife and I used to have Saturns but hers had 195 width, mine 175 width (different trim lines, but nearly identical weight), and with all-season tires mine was MUCH better in the snow. We put snow tires on hers and it was fine again - Snow tires make all the difference.

For my Matrix (04 XR) I got 205/55/16 snow tires (Dunlop SP Winter Sport M2) on steel for winter and I've been satisfied with them in the snow these past two winters, but if I had it to do again I would have done 195/65/15.

Seby00 · 10-18-2005, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksbrace

Note that if you search for "tire size calculator" on google you will find many hits for, well, tire size calculators that let you compare the diameters of different tire/wheel size combinations. You want a size that has close to the same diameter as the original so your speedometer remains accurate. The 195/65/15 is less the 1/2 percent larger than the 205/55/16 stock tire, so when your speedo says 70, you will be going about 70.3.

A narrower tire should be better in the snow. Narrow tires can more easily dig down into the snow and reach the pavement. My wife and I used to have Saturns but hers had 195 width, mine 175 width (different trim lines, but nearly identical weight), and with all-season tires mine was MUCH better in the snow. We put snow tires on hers and it was fine again - Snow tires make all the difference.

For my Matrix (04 XR) I got 205/55/16 snow tires (Dunlop SP Winter Sport M2) on steel for winter and I've been satisfied with them in the snow these past two winters, but if I had it to do again I would have done 195/65/15.

Thanks for the info!!!!!

My choice is made, i'll go for 195-65-15!!! Just have to find a good tire!!!!

Pioneer · 10-18-2005, 04:40 PM

Go with the 195/65/15
Michelin X-ice - worked well last year.

Regards

Byrde · 10-22-2005, 05:25 PM

Our dealer is recommending Goodyear snows for our Matrix - Toyota rims as well. The parts manager told me today they are as good as the Michelin-X ice tires.

Hope he is right!

TRXR4KDS · 10-23-2005, 09:52 AM

I went with the OEM 16" size steelies and tires (old model Michelin Artic Alpin) and if I were doing it again, I'd go with 15" steelies. Mine are OK, not fantastic, but then again I'm coming from driving a CR-V with snows in the winter.

Seby00 · 10-24-2005, 02:25 PM

I found old Pontiac Sunbird rims for very cheap and i was wondering if they will fit well.

The Bolt Pattern is the same and probably the Offset will be OK!!!

Can you guys help me on this one?

Thanks

trdbryan · 10-30-2005, 03:39 PM

I have a 05 TRD Matrix with 215/50/17 i purchased 195/65/15 winter tires called Gislaved NordFrost3 for $110 each, they are a Scandinavian tire supposed to be some of the best winter tires on the market. It's a slightly smaller diameter than the 17's but the same as the base and XR matrix that come with 16's. Thought about going up to a 205/65/15 to keep the same tire size, but the difference is 1km/h at 100km/h.

If u want to compare tire sizes go to www.1010tires.com then click on "tire size calculator"

acrylucs · 10-31-2005, 08:07 AM

I am in the midst of choosing winter options at the moment aswell. I have 05 XRS and i thought that low profile tires would be hideous in the snow, and looked for a higher profile winter tire. All in all, i'm looking at an $800+ bill for new tires and wheels. Phwooaaar i thought. So here's my logic:

Firstly, i live in montreal, and i love to ski, so i'm pretty sure to end up in snow. However, i dont randomly drive around town when it snows, i only use my car to go places out of town, ie Jay Peak or Tremblant. So how much use am i really going to get out of Winter tires?

Performance on slush compared to normal tires is not a huge difference. properly inflated tires will hold quite well. so i did reserarch: APA (i trust them a lot). They outline the best tires, and are not wrong from all the other forums.

So if i'm using the winter tires about 10% at most, of the the time, is it worth my money? My dad (living in the middle of nowhere new hampshire) said: get chains.

Chains?! yes. they are, bar none, the most effective thing in deep snow and ice. they are the only reliable form of traction on ice. so i did some research, the best being a 4x4comparison, From much of the experience i've asked, they say save your money and buy a real high end chain system. Yes its a royal pain to install when its a blizzard out (towel needed, gloves...) but you will thank me when you are able to climb the jay peak access road that is steep, has sharp turns, and is two ways.

any comments, or suggestions?

TRXR4KDS · 11-05-2005, 10:37 PM

WEll as long as you plan on keeping the car for 5 years or so, the cost is very minimal. You'll save mileage on your all seasons when the winter tires are on. You won't throw out the all seasons when they are 65% worn because winter is coming, you'll be able to run the all seasons into the ground. The you can vuy nice summer performance tires because you'll have dedicated winter tires. Not to mention the piece of mind and soooooo much better traction a nd control. What cost do you put on your safety? Have I sold you yet? Think about it! The only real cost is a cash flow problem laying down that much $$$ now.