Changing tires from 195/55/16 to 205/50/16

If I were to change sizes from the OEM 195/55/16, I think I would change to the 205/55/16 size rather than the 205/50/16 size.

Using the Miata Tire Size Calculator -- Tire size calculator -- the 205/55/16 size would result in an over-read on the speedometer of 1.8% and the 205/50/16 size would result in an under-read on the speedometer of 1.5%.

I'd rather go with the 205/55/16's 1.8% over-read to compensate for what I think is the OEM's under-read of approximately the same amount.

If you go with the 205/50/16 size, the 1.5% under-read would be added to the OEM's under-read, making the speedometer even more inaccurate.

There are also LOTS of tires available in the 205/55/16 size. I believe that when U.S. Touring owners change tire sizes, they most frequently go with the 205/55/16 size.

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Hope my calculations and assumptions were correct.

Good luck.

 

I know that several or many of the US Touring owners here on PriusChat have said that they've switched to 205/55/16 size tires (mainly because of the greater variety of tires available in that size as compared to the OEM size), and I haven't heard anyone say they didn't fit. And it's hard for me to imagine that a tire with 1.8% greater diameter and 10mm more tread width wouldn't fit.

 

I agree with Boo,when the stock Turanza 195/55/16 came to their end i too had the same problem with the availability of tyres in that size,if i remember rightly it was either the Turanza's again or another brand and here in Ireland they were expensive so the guy recommended the 205/55/16 which i've used now for 2yrs.Driving the car as much as i do for a living,the improved handling of the car was very noticable especially going around corners fully laden,I'd recommend trying them.

 

Romeo,

Note that several Touring owners/PriusChatters with the 16" wheels have stayed with the OEM size of 195/55/16 and gotten the Falken Ziex ZE-912 because of (1) its low price and (2) its predecessor, the ZE-512, was highly rated and regarded. Lowest price is at OnlineTires.com -- only $77 USD + shipping (but I don't know if they ship to Canada).

 

I know this thread is old.. but for people seachin' tire sizes.. 205/55 16 rides great on my 07.. no rubbing etc...

 

LOL ... OK ... another good resurrection.


I love Falken tires. I don't have them on my car now because I haven't had it long enough to need to replace them. The only issue I've ever had with Falken tires is lack of availability. They're always out of stock at the places by me.