My stock tires are 205/65 15 and I need to replace my 2 front tires. My friend offered me 2 almost new 195/65 15's which I'm considering. What's the pros and cons of doing this and should I do it? Thanks!

BTW its for a 1999 I30

 

Scratch that, they are actually 185/65 15. Any one?

 

They're just thinner. Should be fine.

 

would they cause a drop in MPG? a significant one anyway.

anyone else want to weigh in with their opinion?

 

Why would they?

 

more revolutions per mile.

 

put the correct size tires on front, and throw those tiers in the back to keep your speedo in check

 

They are both 65 profile (tire thickness), the difference is in width...which should have no affect on speed reading or MPG

 

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
205/65-15 5.2in 12.7in 25.5in 80.1in 791 0.0%
185/65-15 4.7in 12.2in 24.5in 76.9in 824 -4.0%

nope they are different, common mistake tho
(Kinda hard to read)

sidewall is a percentage of the tire width
65% of 205 isnt the same as 65% of 185

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

thanks but I don't need them on the rear, I need them on the front. wouldn't I want the smaller tires on the front anyway so that the car doesn't look like the trunk is full?

basically, is it safe to put them on the front and/or would you do it for free?

 

If it was for a month or so, sure but remember since you've got 15s they already look small in relation. Throw em on the back...not that much of a visual change.

Personally I would stick with correct tires for your wheel.

 

just rotate the front tires to the rear, wouldnt you rather have beefier tires where you are steering and putting down power?

either way its safe, do with it what you will

 

they're thinner and significantly narrower. over 4% difference in overall diameter. anything over 3% is considered dangerous by market standards. I would stay away, especially since these sizes are dirt cheap brand new.