Can I use 205 width tyres to replace my 215s?

wesley · 21 Aug 2013 at 12:26

Howard said:
Because the profile of a tyre (in this case the '55' in 215/55/16) is a percentage of the width. 55 per cent of 215 is a higher number than 55 per cent of 205 so the sidewall is slightly thicker.

wow i never knew that.i always thought 55 is thickness of profile in mm

smr · 21 Aug 2013 at 17:39

The only problem I have with swapping the wheels over is that the dealership (they have a bodyshop) did a great job painting the wheels on my new car so they're nice and shiny black whereas on my old car the wheels look no where near as good. I know I'd have trims on but to the keen eye as you'll all know you can see wheel behind even if you're not really focusing on it.

smr · 21 Aug 2013 at 17:40

Howard said:
A mk4 Mondeo might just look a bit funny with mk3 wheels.

This is why I'd be better off putting the Conti's on my mk4 rims then I guess, that, and as said above the wheels have been painted to look much better.

dessimpson · 21 Aug 2013 at 21:24

Dogbreath said:
Correct, the speedometer will read higher for a given vehicle speed when you have tyres with a smaller rolling radius. I'm guessing the table shows actual speed at an indicated 70mph.

You're right. I stand corrected

Conscript · 21 Aug 2013 at 21:39

The table threw me a little. That column could be better labelled. I thought I was right

DB_SamX · 28 Aug 2013 at 10:47

DO tyre fitting places not care/worry about fitting tyres which are not what the manufacturer recommends i.e. 205 instead of 215 or vice versa? Also, is not an MOT failure?

Just wondering as I might have to do the same as can't get my preferred tyre in the specified size.