Wider tyres for alloys (Better Grip?)

[Afterburn]

Hi All,

This question could have been asked several times, but cant seem to find it.

Anyway, I'm driving around with the standard 15" alloys with 195/65/15 tyres all round. I was wondering if it is ok to change it to 205/60/15 tyres?

Will the speedo readings be affected? Will the driving or performance be affected?

Please advice.

Cheers!

 

[cupracooper]

205/60/15 would give you a -1.1% overall diameter.
215/60/15 would give you a +0.8% overall diameter.

both are well within the usual max of +or- 2.5%

Wider tyres give more grip, but also more friction so slow you down at higher speeds.

 

[Afterburn]

Isnt is true- for every 10mm increase in tyre width i.e. 165 to 175, a reduction of 5mm in the sidewall height is required i.e. 70 to 65?

And what do you mean about the overall diameter? I'm getting a bit confused.

I'm sure I wouldnt notice a great difference at high speeds, will i?

 

[Leigh15]

The second part of the tyre code is not sidewall height in millimetres, it's sidewall height as a percentage of the tyre width.

ie. 195/65 R15

195mm wide - 65% of 195mm Tall = 126.75mm and then of course 15" diameter.

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

 

[james_tiger_woo]

Not to mention that wider tyres can lead to less wet grip (kindof important at this time of year)

 

[Leigh15]

There's also a tyre size calculator on page two of the tyre bible

 

[MDS]

Your main diference will probably be in price.

I had that a few years ago with a Golf Gti. 205 where much more expensive.


In some cases some tires are more mainstream and sell much more, thus a better price.

I doubt you will notice a HUGE difference in anything with 10mm rubber.

If its cheaper than the 195 by much more, id say go for 205.... other than that... no big deal.

Regarding other factors (Speedo Readings etc... ) you can use this calculator : http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

[Afterburn]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Cheers!