Snow Tire Sizes

[UConnJack]

Tying to find snow tires for this winter and was wondering if 215/60/16 will be too large to clear without rubbing. I understand there will be a noticeable speedo difference, but will they rub and have a potential risk to the brakes from stopping a larger diameter wheel?

I see some good prices on 215/55/16's as well which I know will work, but I know that narrower 205/55/16 or 205/60/16 would be best for snow performance.

Opinions? Thanks!

 

[belleth]

you are right, narrow is technically better.

What rims are you putting these tires on?

I've seen 215/17s on a mazda 5, so don't think you'll have a problem.

 

[M3SGT]

You are best off using the common 16" stock size, 205/55R16. Not to mention they will be cheaper than any 215/55R16.

 

[jibwagon]

i run a 205/60 16 snow tire with no problem. i think the 215 would fit, imo.

 

[M3SGT]

i run a 205/60 16 snow tire with no problem. i think the 215 would fit, imo.

There is no reason to run anything other than the stock sizing. A 205/60R16 will cause improper speedometer readings.

 

[UConnJack]

There is no reason..... other than I have some good possible deals on used snows/rim that are sizes other than stock. It's just a 2-3 mph difference in the speedo reading we're talking about here, not a big deal. What I want to know is how much of a larger diameter will cause rubbing (or maybe brake issues.)

There is no reason to run anything other than the stock sizing. A 205/60R16 will cause improper speedometer readings.

 

[M3SGT]

There is no reason..... other than I have some good possible deals on used snows/rim that are sizes other than stock. It's just a 2-3 mph difference in the speedo reading we're talking about here, not a big deal. What I want to know is how much of a larger diameter will cause rubbing (or maybe brake issues.)

If you want something that gives you better snow performance, but is close to original wheel/tire diameter you want this: 195/60R16

Problem is that isn't very common, especially in a snow tire yet. But perhaps more importantly excessive differences in your tire and wheel height could certainly affect a newer vehicles dynamic stability control system. Just coming for over a decade of industry experience, do what you want, its your car. If your safety is worth 'the deal' than go ahead.

 

[Silentnoise713]

There is no reason to run anything other than the stock sizing. A 205/60R16 will cause improper speedometer readings.

I see stock anything as the law of averages b/c it has to fit the masses. It works for most but not the best for any.

An educated winter driver is the #1 thing for safety. Snow tires will only help. I think UConnJack knows what is needed (being a CT resident). I love driving in snow/blizzard but hate ice. Had one hell of an experience in a Subie driving through a winter storm (probably stupid but unforgettable).

Check site below. I think it should clear but you may get the occasional rubbing if you hit a large bump/hump.
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

[UConnJack]

If you want something that gives you better snow performance, but is close to original wheel/tire diameter you want this: 195/60R16

Problem is that isn't very common, especially in a snow tire yet. But perhaps more importantly excessive differences in your tire and wheel height could certainly affect a newer vehicles dynamic stability control system. Just coming for over a decade of industry experience, do what you want, its your car. If your safety is worth 'the deal' than go ahead.

Other than the snippy last couple of sentences, you actually gave me useful info this time. Your last two posts just said "stock size is best, speedo will be wrong", both things I obviously already knew and not what I was asking. I wanted to know if there are any other issues I should be concerned about with a larger tire. This post you said it could affect DSC, and offered another alternative in size - useful info, thank you.

I wasn't trying to dismiss any "industry experience" you may have, but answers without context or explanation (or things I said I already knew) don't do me any good and don't necessarily indicate that you have any industry experience you may have.

 

[UConnJack]

I see stock anything as the law of averages b/c it has to fit the masses. It works for most but not the best for any.

An educated winter driver is the #1 thing for safety. Snow tires will only help. I think UConnJack knows what is needed (being a CT resident). I love driving in snow/blizzard but hate ice. Had one hell of an experience in a Subie driving through a winter storm (probably stupid but unforgettable).

Check site below. I think it should clear but you may get the occasional rubbing if you hit a large bump/hump.
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Yeah, I played with the calculator, it shows the 215/60/16 would be about 1.1" larger in diameter than 205/50/17 stock, which intuitively does not seem to be enough to cause any rubbing considering that only equals about 1/2 inch closer to the well along the circumference of the wheel. Hard to believe the clearance would be that tight. Of course the offset and width of whatever rim I use (if not stock) could affect it too. I would be curious if other people think this difference would be enough to affect DSC as M3SGT thinks it might, or even brake performance from the additional wheel mass it needs to stop.

 

[M3SGT]

Yeah, I played with the calculator, it shows the 215/60/16 would be about 1.1" larger in diameter than 205/50/17 stock, which intuitively does not seem to be enough to cause any rubbing considering that only equals about 1/2 inch closer to the well along the circumference of the wheel. Hard to believe the clearance would be that tight. Of course the offset and width of whatever rim I use (if not stock) could affect it too. I would be curious if other people think this difference would be enough to affect DSC as M3SGT thinks it might, or even brake performance from the additional wheel mass it needs to stop.

The concern that I would have with such a large charge in rolling diameter is this. Modern brake systems, especially those with dsc systems in place are very load and ride height sensitive. My other car has aftermarket performance suspension pkg, the rear brake bias has been substantially increased due to significantly reduced ride height.

Nokian might make a tire in a 195/60R16.