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I am looking to see if anybody might have any knowledge on this: I have a 6th gen Civic ('96 CX hatch). It came with 175/70r-13's. I just bought a set of 7th gen 15 inch '02 steelies on ebay (15x6?). I am trying to decide what tire size to use on them.

I previously had a '95 EX with a set of 195/50-15's on 15X7 alloy rims. I commute throught NYC and I bent the crap out of the old alloys, so I am upgrading with steelies this time. Not as nice looking or performing, but way more durable, plus they don't scream "Steal Me!" like nice alloys do.

on the '95 with the 195/50-15's, there was only about 1/4" clearance between the tire sidewalls and the springs. The factory wheel offset on the new 15" steelies does not appear to position the tire outboard as far as it did on my old alloys. I am concerned that on my '96 with the 15" steelies, that 195/50-15's might rub the springs. 195/55's might be an option, but I am not crazy about them. They are a good bit more expensive and there is less selection. Depending on the brand and model of tire, 195/55's have a larger diameter/circumference, which will take my speedo/odo further from spec.

Anybody have any experience with this?