Alternatives to 175/65-15

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The Critic

The Critic

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My friend has a 2009 FIT, base model, with the 175/65-15 tires. Due to limited tire choices, she would like to do a "plus zero" to a different size.

I suggested to her that 185/60-15 or 195/55-15 would be alternatives. I remember from my auto class that if you decrease the width by 10, you need to decrease the aspect ratio by 5%-- is that correct?

So, she went to Costco and the rep there decided to order her a set of Michelin Hydroedges in the 195/60-15 size.

I think she's better off with a set of 185/60-15 than with the 195/60-15. We're getting the tires installed tomorrow, if at all.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!
 
Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
im amazed costco would install a non factory size.


Exactly, which is why I'm still puzzled over this. I'll figure this out when I go with her to get the tires installed tomorrow.
 
math section width * profile + wheel diamter

175/65-15
175 /25.4 (to convert to inches) = 6.78 + 4.78 + 15= 26.56" Overall Diameter 6.9" Wide

185/60-15 = 26.65" Diameter 7.28" Wide

195/60-15 = 27.27" Diameter 7.67" Wide

These numbers are theoretical. Actual manufactures specs may vary a little, but it is pretty [censored] close. You are talking about 3/4" increase in diameter with that 195, and close to the same width
 
Jdblya - I believe your math is a little off.

175/65 15

175/25.4 = 6.89 (width of tire in inches) * .65 (profile) X 2 + 15 = 24" diameter

185/60 15 = 23.75
195/60 15 = 24.21

so... the 195/60 15 would be the closest and would result in the speedo (and odometer) being off by less than 1%
 
Originally Posted By: Jdblya
math section width * profile + wheel diamter

175/65-15
175 /25.4 (to convert to inches) = 6.78 + 4.78 + 15= 26.56" Overall Diameter 6.9" Wide

185/60-15 = 26.65" Diameter 7.28" Wide

195/60-15 = 27.27" Diameter 7.67" Wide

These numbers are theoretical. Actual manufactures specs may vary a little, but it is pretty [censored] close. You are talking about 3/4" increase in diameter with that 195, and close to the same width




Actual math:((width*2*profile)/25.4)+wheel diameter

175/65-15: Diameter 24.0"
185/60-15: Diameter 23.7"
195/60-15: Diameter 24.2"

Posted few days ago and many times before, this site is good at calculate the diameter of any tire size: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Costco is corrected in recommending 195/60-15 as a plus zero option, if the wheel is wide enough for this size.
 
It may be off, trying to type in the dark without a 10 key, on ambien lol I was a manager at a tire store for 5 years, I know how to size tires, in the day while awake =)
 
How wide are the rims?

185/60R15 is a bit smaller in diameter than 175/65R15, and 195/55R15 is even smaller, so 195/60R15 will probably look better than OEM (with typical OEM wheel well gaps) and should ride and handle a little better as long as the rims aren't too narrow to benefit from the increased width. Tirerack claims that 195/60R15 is an optional size for the Fit. It sounds like the right choice to me.
 
I hate how tires aren't available in OEM size for the Fit. My fiancee has an 09 Fit Sport. There's nothing available in the OE size except the OE tires. Next tire purchase we make we're likely getting 205/50-16 tires and taking the fuel economy hit over the 185/55-16 OE tires.

We're also looking at snow tires, and finding very limited options in either OEM size. May have to check out the 195/60-15, even though I don't want to run a wider snow tire than necessary.
 
Originally Posted By: sciphi
I hate how tires aren't available in OEM size for the Fit. My fiancee has an 09 Fit Sport. There's nothing available in the OE size except the OE tires. Next tire purchase we make we're likely getting 205/50-16 tires and taking the fuel economy hit over the 185/55-16 OE tires.

We're also looking at snow tires, and finding very limited options in either OEM size. May have to check out the 195/60-15, even though I don't want to run a wider snow tire than necessary.


205/50-16 is the correct plus zero upgrade for 185/55-16, but 15" tires can not fit on 16" wheels so that 195/60-15 is not an option.
 
Costco isn't very willing to run alternate sizes, but if pushed they will mount other sizes to get your business. (or worse, lower load rating.) General rule of thumb they use is +/-3% radius, but it depends VERY MUCH on the sales guy.

So this story involves 3 cars:
Mazda 6, Mazda MPV, Mazdaspeed3

Mazda6- OE was 205/60/16. Went to Costco looking for tires and the only thing they had was the OE tire. I wanted something higher performance but they wouldn't install anything else. I went elsewhere.

Mazda MPV. OE size was 205/65/15. Costco.com showed nothing. Went to Costco and asked the sales guy. He pointed to a tire in the correct size but with a lower load rating. Asked him if it was OK and he said yes. My relationship with Mom isn't that good, but I'm not out to kill her either tho. Long story short, I went elsewhere and got a tire with proper specs.

Mazdaspeed3. OE size is 215/45/18. costco.com shows nothing available. Go to Costco and they show something available in the computer, but very slim (and expensive) pickings. Ask if they will mount 225/40/18. He checks their tire calc and says OK. Tells me +/-3% will be acceptable and Costco will mount.
 
Last edited:
I called Michelin's Tech Line this morning and they told me that either 185/60-15 or 195/60-15 would be fine, but he suggested 185/60-15 to minimize the negative impact on fuel economy.

So, Costco installed 4 Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S in 195/60-15 today. $479 out-the-door after the $70 off discount.
 
Originally Posted By: The Critic
I called Michelin's Tech Line this morning and they told me that either 185/60-15 or 195/60-15 would be fine, but he suggested 185/60-15 to minimize the negative impact on fuel economy.

So, Costco installed 4 Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S in 195/60-15 today. $479 out-the-door after the $70 off discount.

Any particular reason to get the new tires? I do see Fits around here with the 175 width tires and although they look abit funny, I think they'd help the car in the snow and aquaplaning.
 
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: The Critic
I called Michelin's Tech Line this morning and they told me that either 185/60-15 or 195/60-15 would be fine, but he suggested 185/60-15 to minimize the negative impact on fuel economy.

So, Costco installed 4 Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S in 195/60-15 today. $479 out-the-door after the $70 off discount.

Any particular reason to get the new tires? I do see Fits around here with the 175 width tires and although they look abit funny, I think they'd help the car in the snow and aquaplaning.


The original tires were never rotated. So, after 18k, the front tires were toast. The then rear tires were moved to the front and two Continental ContiProContact tires were installed onto the rear.

5k later, the old tires that are on the front are near the wear bars. So, this time we decided to replace all four with a new set.
 
Wow, only 18k out of the fronts. Is the alignment Ok? I have to think I've gone over 18k several times before rotating tires. Probably 30k a few times...
 
Oh yes, I know Buffalo! Grandpa lived in Williamsburg, had an Aunt in N. Tonawanda, and we lived in Rochester. You need to get her down here!!!!!!!!!!
 
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