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Tyre sizing question


Sfchung
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Neutral Newbie

I am currently using 215/55/16 tyres. I was using a "tire size calculator" to compare different sizes in case tyres don't comes in the size I want. When I compare 215/55/16 with 225/55/16 ,the calculation shows that the diameter difference shows 1.68%. According to the calculator, it is safe to use the alternative size. In addition, the calculator also says as it is safe as logn as it stays within 3% of the original.

 

Question is, is this true?

 

If the 3% rule is true, I would be able to use 205/55/16, 205/60/16, 225/50/16 tyres. It opens up many possibilities.

 

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

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Neutral Newbie

Hope this helps.......

 

Point to note: 1 inch = 25.4mm. You need to know that because tyre/wheel manufacturers insist on mixing mm and inches in their ratings.

Also note that a certain amount of artistic licence is required when calculating these values. The tyre's rolling radius will change the instant you put load on it, and calculating values to fractions of a millimetre just isn't worth it - tyre tread wear will more than see off that sort of accuracy.

 

Lets take an average example: a car with factory fitted 6x14 wheels and 185/65 R14's on them.

  • Radius of wheel = 7 inches (half the diameter) = 177.8mm
  • Section height = 65% of 185mm = 120.25mm
  • So the rolling radius for this car to maintain is 177.8+120.25=298.05mm

 

With me so far? Good. Now lets assume I want 15 inch rims which are slightly wider to give me that nice fat look. I'm after a set of 7x15's

First we need to determine the ideal width of tyre for my new wider wheels. 7 inches = 177.8mm. The closest standard tyre width to that is actually 205mm so that's what we'll use. (remember the tyre width is larger than the width of the bead fitting.)

  • Radius of wheel = 7.5 inches (half of 15) = 190.5mm
  • We know that the overall rolling radius must be as close to 298.05mm as possible
  • So the section height must be 298.05mm-190.5mm = 107.55mm
  • Figure out what percentage of 205mm is 107.55mm. In this case it's 52.5%
  • So combine the figures - the new tyre must be 205/50 R15
  • ....giving a new rolling radius of 293mm - more than close enough.

 

Check out this website for more indepth bro.

 

http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbibles/i...tyre_bible.html

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Neutral Newbie

yep, it is true, but best is to stay with the original size so that the speedo calibration stay true....unless you do a +1 or +2 change....

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Supersonic

3% deviation is still considered acceptable but that's usually applicable for +1 or +2 upgrades. juz remember; larger rolling circumfrance deviation = more 'drag' (esp if u start increasing tyre width)

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Supersonic

+1 means upsizing your rims by 1 inch compared to stock size, i.e 205/50/16 to 215/40/17, while still maintaining the 3% rolling circumfrance deviation. [;)]

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Neutral Newbie
(edited)

If i want to get 225/45/17 I must get 17x8 wheels?

 

25.4mm x 8 = 203.2, which is quite abit less than 225. Or I should search for 17 x 8.5.

 

 

I am considering 225 40 17 by forcing it abit to -2.5%. Is the performance increase worth it? Going from 45 to 40 profile.

 

Searching for lightweight rims, can anyone recommend? So far, cheap and light is Konig Helium, and Racing Hart CP-035 http://www.wheelspecs.com/specs/wheelmodels/312

 

My nissan used to be 225/16/50, now my toyota is 205/16/55 and 1 foot taller, cannot stand the handling.

Edited by Zrun
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I'm using 17x7.5 rims for 225/45/17 tires. thumbsup.gif

 

Frankly speaking, I still confuse on this rims width. Why different rim width can support same tires width?? confused.gif Or reverse way, why same rim width can support different tire width??

 

Anyone like to enlighten me ?? tongue.gif

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Supercharged
(edited)

coz rubber can stretch.

 

when rim width ~= tire width --> side wall of tire will be straighter |__|

when rim width < tire width ---> side wall of tire will be slanted __/

Edited by Eyke
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OIC ! Thanks !! thumbsup.gif But in this case won't it affect the tire construction, thus affect safety/performance??

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Neutral Newbie

Saw from the site, it stated the +1 concept. Ok, now my current tire run at 175/65R14. I am upgrading to 15", so it should be 195/55R15, am I right? And based on the caculator, the diff is -1.22% if I use 195/50R15, as the mechanic said its better, and wont feel the drag and pinch in wallet. But again, based on the concept, it should be 195/55R15, and it is +2.22%. So which is more suitable?? [dizzy]

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