Hi, I'm thinking about upgrading to 15x6.5 inch wheels. The reccomended tire for these are 195x55x15...However, I've read that some people put 195x50x15 on the wheels. I did a tire size calculator and got this-

<img src="http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/1011/tirevy7.jpg">

My question is, can i use 195x50x15 safely? dont really mind the 2MPH difference, or should I spend the extra $100 and get 195x55x15??

Thanks

 

Actually, i just did a tire size calculator again, and 205x50x15 will work fine without there being to much diameter difference, and still in my price range.

So you guys thing 205x50x15 will be fine??

Thanks

 

mm 205/50R15 would be a great tire.

 

i'm getting the same size wheel, but i'm going with the recommended 195/55/r15, simply b/c of more sidewall, and 205 isn't that much of a difference from 195

 

Well I'm thinking about going with the 205/50's because they are cheaper than the 195/55's...

 

The 205/50/15 is 23.07 inches in diameter vs. 23.44 inches for the 195/55/15. The 195/50/15s are 22.68 inches in diameter, so you would be effectively lowering your car by almost a half- inch with the 195/50s. The 205/50s are only .37-inch smaller, but the big question is - will the greater width hit anything? Does anyone have 205s?

I REALLY like the Goodyear GSD3 195/50s, but they are currrently on back order at the Tirerack.

 

i'm guessing you got all of those stats from tirerack? lol

first off, yes a 205 will fit easily with the correctly offsetted rim.

and those heights aren't really that acurrate, because a slight change in tire pressure can change them as much, if not more, than that, and the difference in diameter you are talking about isn't that much of a deal, i'm staying with 195/55 because that's what can on the car with factory wheels (i'm pretty sure)

 

Actually, the Tirerack provides the calculations; I just pound the keys........ The stats are accurate enough so that you can see how closely the various widths/aspect ratios relate to each other as tire diameters. This way, if you want to stay close to the factory diameter, you can play with the numbers, availability, and prices. If the GSD3s came in a 195/55/15 size, I'd get it, but the only 15 incher they make (I believe) is the 195/50/15. Believe me, you won't find better tires than the D3s. At least I haven't!