Michelin Defender 175 /65-14 : could these be used

[Cobrajet]

RT43 185/60 mounted fine. They listed for 5-6.5 rims, and oem steel are 5". Rt43 measured rim width 5.5"

Defenders listed for 5-6" rims, so they will be fine too.

OEM alloys are 14 x 4 1/2. I checked it visually on my own car. The 175/65-R14 is only a half a size bigger than the stock Enasaves...am I to assume they will not fit?

[cyclopathic]

OEM alloys are 14 x 4 1/2. I checked it visually on my own car. The 175/65-R14 is only a half a size bigger than the stock Enasaves...am I to assume they will not fit?

They will be fine.

[Cobrajet]

They will be fine.

Figured as much, but thanks!

[cyclopathic]

Figured as much, but thanks!

I would be more concerned about outside diameter. Your speed will be off (watch for tickets) and if you ever get flat do not put spare on front. Having different diameter tires can mess your differential. And it also triggers ESP/ABS.

[Cobrajet]

I would be more concerned about outside diameter. Your speed will be off (watch for tickets) and if you ever get flat do not put spare on front. Having different diameter tires can mess your differential. And it also triggers ESP/ABS.

Good advice. But the difference would be around +2.7% with the 175/65, so not a huge deal.

[cyclopathic]

Good advice. But the difference would be around +2.7% with the 175/65, so not a huge deal.

Agree speedo error is only +2MPH at 70.

BUT 2.7% diff btw driving wheels is enough to trigger ESP or given enough time mess up differential.

Not sure if Mitsu ABS is 3-chanal or 4, but having one rear wheel smaller will probably trigger it too. Luckily ESP can be disabled with push button, and it is not AWD so no mechanical damage will come from using undersized spare.

[adrew]

The difference in diameter could be an issue if you just replaced two tires and ended up with different sizes on the same axle but shouldn't be an issue with a set of four.

I am a Michelin snob and just ordered a set of Defenders in 175/65-14 from Costco for $420 OTD (includes installation, road hazard, nitrogen, lifetime rotations etc). I will report back with any feedback, positive or negative, but I am expecting a slight hit to MPG but less noise and more grip. Right now the Enasaves are dangerous if the roads are wet.

Speedo error doesn't look too severe and Costco had no issues putting them on the car (they are normally pretty strict about deviating from the OEM size too much)

[adrew]

My wife went and had them put on today. I haven't driven it yet but they look a lot more substantial - look at that little bit of bulge, haha. Interesting tidbit: they are made in the UK

[Alex1a1f]

Looks good!

[inuvik]

Give us a update with your driving impressions on how it handles and rides and if you notice any fuel economy reductions.