I need new tires and would appreciate advice on what to buy. My 98 i30 still has its stock 15” wheels and I do try to keep it mostly stock overall BUT I like the looks and the feels of a wider tire.

I am currently running 205/65-15 (TireRack “stock size”). TireRack lists 215/60-15 as an “optional size“ and that sounds nice (10 mm wider, 5% less aspect ratio to compensate, the 215/60 has a delta of -0.34'' overall height compared to the 205/65) BUT what I really want is “no tire problems” on this daily driver.

Questions:

- was 215/60 in truth an Infiniti/Nissan factory option, and on what model ?

- does “upgrading” to 215/60 seem like a safe choice (no rubbing on the sway bar at full lock, no other undesireable fitment issues) for this daily driver ?

- the wider 215/60 is a slightly shorter tire overall…there is already a lot of empty wheel well on the car with the (slightly taller) 205/65 stockers I have now, and 215/60 would show even more empty wheel well. HOWEVER:

- an even-wider 225/60-15 is a delta of 0.12”overall height compared to 205/65 and that seems like only nominally bigger to me…will a 225/60-15 fit correctly on my 98 i30 and mount properly on my stock rims ?

- have you any recommendations for a tire brand/model/size? There are a _lot_ of choices…

Thanks !

BrianA
Planet Houston

 

Looking again: the Touring model came with
215/55R16, that is a 16” wheel.

Tirerack does show 215/60R15 as an option, but I cant confirm that 215/60R15 was ever a factory size - although that doesnt mean they wouldnt work. They would still be slightly shorter tire than 205/65R15 and I guess thats my main Question:

- is 215/60R15 going to look small on the car?

some threads that maxima.org showed me after I made this post indicate that the yet-larger 225mm is too wide for the stock wheel

 

The "sporty" trims got the 215/60r15 (215/55r16 in later years). My dad had a 96 SE, the tire shop installed 205/65r15 because of price and availability. That size has plenty to choose from. The car doesn't care either way. I've seen other alternate sizes used. A taller tire looks better. 225 width will be fine but very limited selection. Might not be worth the limited options.

As for brands, Tire Rack sells good stuff. Maybe a couple iffy brands. What is most important, price, treadwear, something else?

 

Thanks JSutter, I always apprecite your replies

Yes, there is not very much selection at 225/60R15. It really does seem like that would be the ideal size to me _as long as_ it would mount to the stock rim OK. TR has a:

General Altimax RT45, 96H and 600AA for $120.99…that seems like _a_ choice.

In that price range for 215/60R15 there is:

Hankook Kinergy PT, 860AA and 94H
Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring, 700AA and 94H
also less expensive choices

Re “whats most important” -

A 600 treadwear doesnt make me want to buy it

I guess those Hankook 215/60R15 are probably what I would pick, those seem like the most tire for the money. I am put off by them being slightly smaller than 205/65 but I guess its “only” 1.3%:

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
205/65-15 5.2in 12.7in 25.5in 80.1in 791 0.0%
215/60-15 5.1in 12.6in 25.2in 79.0in 802 -1.3%
225/60-15 5.3in 12.8in 25.6in 80.5in 787 0.5%

 

I’ve had good luck sticking with a factory‑size all-season touring tire, since it keeps the ride smooth and the speedo honest. Something with comfy sidewalls and decent wet grip tends to make the I30 feel a lot newer than it is. I once paired a fresh set with a moving day using https://pneusquebec.net/location-de-camion-montreal/ and the combo handled Montreal’s rough streets without any drama.