Larger 15" Tires for Stock Wheels

[Top_Fuel]

I was going to get the 60 series, but was afraid of rubbing.

I've had no clearance issues with the 185-60-15s. They seem to be a more common size (and a little cheaper) than 185-55-15.

Metro has 185-65-15s on one of his cars. Check out his pictures here. He said maybe he could even go a little taller?!?

The next time I need tires, I may go with 185-65-15 like he is doing. I prefer the taller tire to help reduce freeway RPMs.

[Eggman]

I have said this numerous times on the forum - The Mirage in the States should come with 175/65r14 (23") tires or 185/55r15 (23") tires

But aren't skinnier tires better for fuel economy? Those numbers are important when a manufacturer advertises their stuff. No doubt an owner can change sizes, and many do.

[Mark]

But aren't skinnier tires better for fuel economy? Those numbers are important when a manufacturer advertises their stuff. No doubt an owner can change sizes, and many do.

My statement is based on the fact most tire manufacturers for the States start at 175 tire widths. 165 in particular limits tire choices. Choices today are better than they were 5 years ago, however.

For example - It was just shared that Advanta may be a good affordable tire choice. I downloaded the tire specs for their ER-700 & ER-800 tires. Both start at 175 widths. I liked Cooper tires in the past. I've never seen a 165 Cooper tire offered in the States.

I'm thinking of trying Falken tires for Subaru Forester. My Cooper CS4 tires are almost 10 years old. You will not find a 165 Falken tire for my Mirage. Search Falken tire sizes & widths start at 175 & up. My statement was based on what is offered in the States by most tire companies.

I think forum members (Top Fuel) have shown that you don't have to take a hit in fuel economy by switching to wider tires.

Personally, I like skinny tires, especially during the winter months. I will buy 165/65r14 tires as long as affordable options exist. I don't care about looks. I think the skinny tires are part of the car's charm. Having said that, I think the car should come with tire sizes that are more common.

[Mark]

I've had no clearance issues with the 185-60-15s. They seem to be a more common size (and a little cheaper) than 185-55-15.

Metro has 185-65-15s on one of his cars. Check out his pictures here. He said maybe he could even go a little taller?!?

The next time I need tires, I may go with 185-65-15 like he is doing. I prefer the taller tire to help reduce freeway RPMs.

Johnny's new car is a CVT. Adding a lot of extra rubber/weight (185/65r15) may be more taxing on it. Just speculation on my part, however.

[Wallythacker]

Once I figure out what happened to drop my 2014 so much in the rear from sitting, I'll look at the tallest cheapest tires I can find. I'm really debating ordering the Euro 3.55 parts but they would be so much better on my 17, which I still may sell. No point at this point doing anything major with my 17. My 14 needs the heater core, badly but that's it for major stuff. Oh, the rust on the rear wells. I think with proper planning that will be a semi minor issue.

[Johnny Mullet]

I used the phone when driving today to see how far the speedometer was off. It wasn't off at all even up to 70 mph.

[Mark]

I used the phone when driving today to see how far the speedometer was off. It wasn't off at all even up to 70 mph.

I'm guessing factory 165/65r14 (22.4") & 175/55r15 (22.6") are a bit slower than actual speed for everyone, & alternative 175/65r14 (23") & 185/55r15 (23") size tires are close to right on for most.

Thanks for sharing that!

[7milesout]

I'm guessing factory 165/65r14 (22.4") & 175/55r15 (22.6") are a bit slower than actual speed for everyone...

I think you mean a bit faster than actual speed. My speedometer has to be set at about 71.5~72 mph to achieve a GPS speed of 70 mph. I trust the GPS speed is more accurate. I'm running the original Enasaves.

[Mark]

I think you mean a bit faster than actual speed. My speedometer has to be set at about 71.5~72 mph to achieve a GPS speed of 70 mph. I trust the GPS speed is more accurate. I'm running the original Enasaves.

If Google Maps says I am going 65 mph, my speedometer reads about 64 mph. It's about how closely your tires match up to your speedometer.

If the actual speed (using Google Maps) is 55 mph & my car is showing 54 mph on the speedometer, I would say my tires are running slower than my speedometer reading.

I've not seen a case where anyone has shared their factory size tires are running faster than what's shown on their speedometer. In most cases, it seems like most are running a little slower than what the speedometer is indicating. You could say the speedometer is off or the tires are off I guess.

From what you just shared, I would say your factory Enasaves tires are running slower than your speedometer reading. Thus, you need to go 71.5+ to achieve an actual 70 mph speed.

If you ran slightly larger 175/65r14 tires, your tires may match your speedometer more closely.