Wheel sizing differenecs 185 -vs- 195 - a query

[stockhausen]

My car currently has four 195 65 R 14 tyres fitted on steel rims. I have been offered four steel wheels currently fitted with 185 65 R 14 bald tyres.

I would like to fit winter tyres. If I were to buy the four "undersize" steel wheels, would I have a problem if I were to fit them with winter:

• 185 65 R 14 tyres
• 195 65 R 14 tyres

and use them on my car?


If so, what would be the nature of the problem(s)?

Thanks

 

[jellybeard999]

http://www.etyres.co.uk/tyre-size-calculator.htm

2.18% difference in diameter; the speedo will slightly over read, that's about it.

If the tyres are bald and you're replacing them, why not buy the correct size? I can't imagine 14" tyres cost much - they're coming out at £55-£75ish in a variety of brands in 195 and about £5 cheaper in 185, though if you want to buy tyres with brands like Star Performer, Sailun, Goodride, Kormaran, Interstate etc, 185 seems a better choice.

mytyres seem to have a wide selection, thought I've never used them http://www.mytyres.co.uk/cgi-bin/rs...sco=110&sowigan=Wi&Ang_pro_Seite=10&weiter=10 - I'd look at the Kuhmo, Hankook, Uniroyal, Toyo, Vredestein and Continentals

 

[ste_bla]

The tyres on the steels dont matter only that they are 14" surely?

 

[mattyprice4004]

The tyres on the steels dont matter only that they are 14" surely?

14" is the rim size, the other tyre measurements all affect rolling radius, and are as such important.

 

[kaiowas]

Ideally you need to find the width (usually measured in inches) of both your standard wheels and the wheels you are getting and compare them.

I'd image both will be in the region of 6/6.5" in which case fitting either a 195 or 185 tyre to either wheel will be fine in terms of fitment. After that your only concern is that a 185 tyre will result in a slightly narrower contact patch and therefore less grip so you would probably be better sticking with the 195 stock size. This is slightly complicated by the fact that in standing water or snow a narrower tyre can actually be slightly advantageous as it will cut through the snow/water better than a wider tyre although in this case I'd say that the difference is so negligible that you may as well just stick with the stock size.

 

[stockhausen]

Ideally you need to find the width (usually measured in inches) of both your standard wheels and the wheels you are getting and compare them.

I'd image both will be in the region of 6/6.5" in which case fitting either a 195 or 185 tyre to either wheel will be fine in terms of fitment. After that your only concern is that a 185 tyre will result in a slightly narrower contact patch and therefore less grip so you would probably be better sticking with the 195 stock size. This is slightly complicated by the fact that in standing water or snow a narrower tyre can actually be slightly advantageous as it will cut through the snow/water better than a wider tyre although in this case I'd say that the difference is so negligible that you may as well just stick with the stock size.

Helpful answer, thanks.

So far as I can understand it, the 195 / 185 figures relate to the tread width - and therefore the area in contact with the road. Presumably also, how securely they sit on the rims and this is my concern.

I don't plan to drive particularly fast - a maximum of 130kph. I will almost certainly spend time driving on snow and definitely in wintry conditions - I already have snow chains for the driven wheels. I have heard suggestions that wide tyres offer no advantage in snow and may actually be a disadvantage, although I doubt that a 2.18% difference will make a blind bit of difference one way or the other.

@ jellybeard999, as to replacing the bald tyres, the point here is that I want to fit winter tyres but don't want to have to get them swapped back and forth with summer tyres. The tyres I have been advised to fit are Bridgestone Blizzaks.

 

[red eye]

My car currently has four 195 65 R 14 tyres fitted on steel rims. I have been offered four steel wheels currently fitted with 185 65 R 14 bald tyres.

I would like to fit winter tyres. If I were to buy the four "undersize" steel wheels, would I have a problem if I were to fit them with winter:

• 185 65 R 14 tyres
• 195 65 R 14 tyres

and use them on my car?


If so, what would be the nature of the problem(s)?

Thanks

185 would be better in snow but you will need 70 profiles to get near enough the same rolling radius as your original wheels.

both 185 and 195 will fit both sets of wheels, just make sure the offsets are the same or you might have clerence and or bearing wear issues

 

[Dogbreath]

Are the wheels you have been offered from the same car as your own? Diameter is only one measurment that needs to be correct; width, offset and PCD (bolt spacing) also need to be suitable.