Change in stock tire size
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 59
Change in stock tire size
I was wondering how much difference I would experience with handling and ride on my 2000 Maxima SE switching from stock 215/55/16 to either 205/60/16 or 215/60/16? I know the speed would be 1-3 miles off, but nothing drastic. It just seems to me that the cost of these size tires (or at least the occurrence of deals) is better than the 55's.
I inherited this car, so I didn't get it with the intention of having a tight handling vehicle (I have always been a pick-up truck driver), although the handling can admittedly be fun. That said, I would be more than willing to sacrifice a little handling for cost and ride. I know most here are Maxima enthusiasts, so what I am asking is probably sacrilege. I would like to get some objective info as to what effect these different tires would have, although any opinions are welcome and appreciated, even the you're "effing nuts" responses.
Thanks!
I inherited this car, so I didn't get it with the intention of having a tight handling vehicle (I have always been a pick-up truck driver), although the handling can admittedly be fun. That said, I would be more than willing to sacrifice a little handling for cost and ride. I know most here are Maxima enthusiasts, so what I am asking is probably sacrilege. I would like to get some objective info as to what effect these different tires would have, although any opinions are welcome and appreciated, even the you're "effing nuts" responses.
Thanks!
Go with the 205s to keep your spedometer more in spec. Remember, it's not just the spedometer thats affected; your odometer is also affected and your mileage will be different, accordingly. My tire size is too large and when I took a 1400 mile road trip to Phoenix, my nav unit showed almost 150 miles more on the tripometer than my car's did. That adds up after a while.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,341
From: state of confusion
The 205/60 is a couple of load ranges smaller than the OE size for the car, so I can't really recommend it for long-term use. Short-term emergency use, you'd probably get away with it OK.
I'd guess that the 215/60 would give a better ride anyway, partly because you retain about the same tire section width (a 205 is slightly narrower and has a little less sidewall "shape" on the same width wheel to flex with). And partly because the 215/60 is a little bit bigger tire than a 215/55 (one or two load ranges), so you may be able to safely drop your inflation pressure a psi or two below what the 215/55-16 calls for.
On edit - the 215/60 is about 2.5% taller than a 215/55, so speedometer accuracy is going to be within 2.5%. The 215/60 will have you going a mph or two faster than indicated, the 205/60 less than a mph faster - if this matters at all.
Not everybody who asks questions on internet automotive forums is a hardcore performance enthusiast, and your explanation represents the sort of description that's useful to those who would provide help appropriate to the situation.
Norm
I'd guess that the 215/60 would give a better ride anyway, partly because you retain about the same tire section width (a 205 is slightly narrower and has a little less sidewall "shape" on the same width wheel to flex with). And partly because the 215/60 is a little bit bigger tire than a 215/55 (one or two load ranges), so you may be able to safely drop your inflation pressure a psi or two below what the 215/55-16 calls for.
On edit - the 215/60 is about 2.5% taller than a 215/55, so speedometer accuracy is going to be within 2.5%. The 215/60 will have you going a mph or two faster than indicated, the 205/60 less than a mph faster - if this matters at all.
Not everybody who asks questions on internet automotive forums is a hardcore performance enthusiast, and your explanation represents the sort of description that's useful to those who would provide help appropriate to the situation.
Norm
Last edited by Norm Peterson; Aug 17, 2009 at 08:21 AM. Reason: second edit fixed math
The 205/60 is a couple of load ranges smaller than the OE size for the car, so I can't really recommend it for long-term use. Short-term emergency use, you'd probably get away with it OK.
I'd guess that the 215/60 would give a better ride anyway, partly because you retain about the same tire section width (a 205 is slightly narrower and has a little less sidewall "shape" on the same width wheel to flex with). And partly because the 215/60 is a little bit bigger tire than a 215/55 (one or two load ranges), so you may be able to safely drop your inflation pressure a psi or two below what the 215/55-16 calls for.
On edit - the 215/60 is about 2.5% taller than a 215/55, so speedometer accuracy is going to be within 2.5%. The 215/60 will have you going a mph or two faster than indicated, the 205/60 less than a mph faster - if this matters at all.
Not everybody who asks questions on internet automotive forums is a hardcore performance enthusiast, and your explanation represents the sort of description that's useful to those who would provide help appropriate to the situation.
Norm
I'd guess that the 215/60 would give a better ride anyway, partly because you retain about the same tire section width (a 205 is slightly narrower and has a little less sidewall "shape" on the same width wheel to flex with). And partly because the 215/60 is a little bit bigger tire than a 215/55 (one or two load ranges), so you may be able to safely drop your inflation pressure a psi or two below what the 215/55-16 calls for.
On edit - the 215/60 is about 2.5% taller than a 215/55, so speedometer accuracy is going to be within 2.5%. The 215/60 will have you going a mph or two faster than indicated, the 205/60 less than a mph faster - if this matters at all.
Not everybody who asks questions on internet automotive forums is a hardcore performance enthusiast, and your explanation represents the sort of description that's useful to those who would provide help appropriate to the situation.
Norm
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 279
You might want to try an inexpensive H rated tire:
Nexen N 5000 215/55 R16 91H BSW UTQG: 420-A-A $67.00
Hankook VENTUS H405 HR II 215/55 R16 93H UTQG: 340-A-A $68.70
Or a cheap V rated:
Triangle TR918 215/55 R16 93V UTQG: 400-A-A $47.80
Never used any of the above, so no recommendations.
Nexen N 5000 215/55 R16 91H BSW UTQG: 420-A-A $67.00
Hankook VENTUS H405 HR II 215/55 R16 93H UTQG: 340-A-A $68.70
Or a cheap V rated:
Triangle TR918 215/55 R16 93V UTQG: 400-A-A $47.80
Never used any of the above, so no recommendations.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 471
From: Philadelphia, PA
How much are you looking to spend per tire? Tires.com usually has nice deals...
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...w=false&cs=215 Falken
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...w=false&cs=215 Hankook
Good Luck!
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...w=false&cs=215 Falken
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...w=false&cs=215 Hankook
Good Luck!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,341
From: state of confusion
Norm
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 59
As an update, I went with a 215/60/16 (vs. stock size 215/55/16). I bought Yokohama's standard touring tire (AVID TOURING-S), and they ride great, and for the money have a better treadwear rating. I do surprisingly notice a smoother and quieter ride than with 55 performance tires. Maybe there is some sacrifice in cornering and handling, but I honestly haven't noticed yet. I'll just have to keep in mind that I will be going a couple mph faster than what the speedo says. Thanks for the input.
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