Pros and cons on changing rim size and tire section
 

Moderator note: thread merged with another by OP's request - some timeline posts might sound odd, but it's due to merging two threads.

I have 185/70/14 on the 05 DX. I am not sure what comes on the LX, or what other folks do to increase handling or/and what effect it will have on MPG's.

Would I put 5,16, or 17 on the DX? I know it is a vague question so I am not looking anything but overall advice. I imagine the speedo will change so just stick with a 15 inch tire with a wider profile? Its just my kids DD so not looking to get too carried away but 14 inch tires just seem ....so small.

Thank you very much,

Pros and Cons on going up from 14 inch Rims
 

My 05 civic dx has 14 inch rims. If I go 15's what size would I get to keep the speedo accurate. Could I go 16's but they would have to be low profile even more? How would it effect gas mileage? I imagine handling would improve would it cause extra wear on front end components.

Thanks

Re: Pros and Cons on going up from 14 inch Rims
 

My ride got better as I switched to a higher diameter but it could also be from better tires. Mpg did not decrease. The two things that would cause your mpg to decrease are the width of the tire (wider = more friction on pavement) and the weight of the wheel. If it's heavy, you might get better mpg on the hwy (more momentum) but it's generally thought less weight means better mpg since with heavier rims it takes more energy to accelerate. Just an fyi, your speedo will be off unless you fit the proper sidewall tire to the larger rim to match the diameter of your current wheel/tire combo. If you do upgrade, I strongly recommend going straight to 16s since I feel 16 and 17 are the best looking on these cars.

Re: Pros and Cons on going up from 14 inch Rims
 

Thanks so 16 if I want to do anything.

Re: Another tire size question
 

195/60R15s are on the EX, so you know they'll retrofit. They look much better than the usual steelies with hubcaps without breaking the bank or bending rims on potholes (aluminum rims don't handle shock force as well as steel... but in exchange for that steelies can rust in the bead area, causing slow leaks, as on my Escort).

60-series to me is a great compromise if you have to drive bumpy streets often -- my EX with hi-po ASRs (B'stone RE960AS Pole Position) handles amazingly well... plus enough sidewall to handle the battle zone secondary roads around here. Then again, it depends on what's important to your kid. ;)

Re: Pros and Cons on going up from 14 inch Rims
 

16's or 17's. Both look good.

Use this to calculate size and speedometer differences.

Re: Another tire size question
 

Tires that are good for mpg sacrifice handling and visa versa. The width of the tire improves handling, along with tread compound and design.

Re: Pros and Cons on going up from 14 inch Rims
 

It seems like the width stays at 185 even in 17's. Wheel rub with larger? I really do not want to use spacers. Thanks

Re: Another tire size question
 

14" tires are cheap!!!

Re: Another tire size question
 

If 205's work there are alot of tires versus like 7 for the 195's on tirerack. Would 205 work otherwise just having my kid keep the 14's cause they are cheap is the decision. Thanks

Re: Pros and Cons on going up from 14 inch Rims
 

No wheel rub at stock height with a high offset wheel.

Re: Pros and Cons on going up from 14 inch Rims
 

Pardon me thanks for the response though I am a newbie

Re: Pros and Cons on going up from 14 inch Rims
 

Here is a tire size calculator. Compare any new size tires to the OEM tire size and it will tell you what the difference will be.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php

Re: Another tire size question
 

You'd probably want to use a 205/55/15 to stay close to the diameter of the 195/60R15.




Specification/Sidewall / Radius / Diameter/ Circumference/ Revs/Mile / Difference
185/70-14/ 5.1in/ 12.1in/ 24.2in/ 76.0in/ 834/ 0.0%
195/60-15/ 4.6in/ 12.1in/ 24.2in/ 76.1in/ 833/ 0.1%
205/55-15/ 4.4in/ 11.9in/ 23.9in/ 75.0in/ 845/ -1.3%
205/60-15/ 4.8in/ 12.3in/ 24.7in/ 77.6in/ 817/ 2.0%


If you use a tire that is larger than original diameter, that throws the speedometer off in the wrong direction (more likely for Junior to get tickets).


Compare tire prices for that size now?

Re: Another tire size question
 

205/70/14 should be fine correct

Re: Another tire size question
 

That's going to be a lot bigger than stock. Probably too big to clear.

Specification/ Sidewall/ Radius/ Diameter/ Circumference/ Revs/Mile / Difference
185/70-14/ 5.1in/ 12.1in/ 24.2in/ 76.0in/ 834/ 0.0%
205/70-14/ 5.6in/ 12.6in/ 25.3in/ 79.5in/ 797/ 4.6%

Re: Another tire size question
 

205/55R15 is probably the way to go, if you absolutely need 205s. I'd pick from the seven 195s, if it were me -- my tires are hi-po ASRs, but they're still ASRs, not potentially as grippy as a good summer tire.

I drive quite briskly in my chosen moments -- well, that's what happens when you've owned and raced motorcycles. These Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS tires are plenty grippy for me... so are going to be plenty for Junior, methinks. ;)

Just searched for 195/60R15s on Tire Rack... and will you look at what pops up first...

Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS 195/60R15 $82

Re: Pros and Cons on going up from 14 inch Rims
 

That is a great site!! I thought the diameter, circumference, Revs per mile etc would be exact but I guess I am wrong. I am confused, not uncommon.

Re: Another tire size question
 

I have another thread on the mechanical link maybe they can be merged. I did the tire calc with the help of another fine guest on the other thread and the 205/70 14 are consideably different the the 185 14's at 70's which I did not expect. You guys are awesome.

Re: Another tire size question
 

done

Re: Pros and cons on changing rim size and tire section
 

Warminwisco,

Let's see:

I am assuming you are in Wisconsin? heavy snow?

I would keep the 14's wheels as winter tires - you can still find some good offerings for snow tires in these sizes
get some 15's for summer tires? 14' sizes for summer style tires are dwindling in offerings... albeit much cheaper tires for 14', not as many choices.
stock sizes are 185/65R15, 195/60R15.

16 - the closest in terms of price would be the 205/55R16, but they are slightly bigger in the overall diameter, so speedo will be slightly lower than actual speed - not too good for kids than still heavily relies on the speedo to understand speed. - no good for tickets. 205/50R16 have much smaller tire offerings too, so no go.

17 - going too far for a kid's car - let him choose the wheel when time comes and he can pay for it and choose by himself? (assuming he is still very young).

Re: Pros and cons on changing rim size and tire section
 

tire size - take 185/65R15 for example:
185 - widest part of the tire when mounted in a standard wheel defined by TRA (Tire & Rim Association) - a different tire maker or different model *could* be different. Check the tire seller's tire specs for accurate measurements - posted in their sites..
65 - height of the tire (beads to top of the thread) in % of the section width. In this case is 185* 0.65 = 120.25 mm height - a different tire maker or different model *could* be different. Check the tire seller's tire specs for accurate measurements - posted in their sites..
15 - diameter of the wheel to be mounted in inches.

Therefore, the 205/70R14 you were looking for will be way bigger in total diameter than the 185/70... the tire OD is what determines how much the speedo will be off. ([height of the tire x2] +rim size)
a bigger tire diameter will make it spin less than a smaller tire given same speed. Loss in torque there, too.

Re: Pros and cons on changing rim size and tire section
 

I ahve been looking for 15 or 16 inch rims, there are plenty of 14's, for summer tires. What other brand of OEM rims will fit with a 4 hole pattern? Miata, Nissan etc? Thanks

Re: Pros and Cons on going up from 14 inch Rims
 

Thx for the link! I bought my EP3 w/ 225/45/R17's and was wondering what the ratio was.

Re: Pros and cons on changing rim size and tire section
 

I am looking for a sweet set of rims for my civic coupe it's sitting on stocks right now I am also gonna put coil overs on it should I go for a 16 or 17 inch rim? Kinda new to this stuff my civic is all stock ATM

Re: Pros and cons on changing rim size and tire section
 

Get whatever you like best. There is no "perfect" size. I have had both and like both sizes for different reasons.

Re: Pros and cons on changing rim size and tire section
 

So I have a guy wanting to sell 4 Rial rims from tirerack for 150 bucks, look brand new. 195/55/16 seems a close match for speedo versus 185/70/14 what would 205/60/16 do rub, just we a drain on the front suspension?

Re: Pros and cons on changing rim size and tire section
 

Sorry overthinking this. No need to reply

Re: Pros and cons on changing rim size and tire section
 

Re: Pros and cons on changing rim size and tire section
 

Depends on the wheel offset, width, and tire size you choose