Tire Questions from a n00b

saved2live · 09-18-2009, 07:55 PM

I'm currently dropped on S-Techs. Will I rub with a 195/60/15? Will a 195 only work with 15x8's or can I use them with 15x7's? It seems all the wheels I like are 15x7's. Haven't found a whole lot of 15x8's. I currently have 18", but soon will be going back to the stock size of 15". I know the stock tire size is 185, but I want something that will make the wheels/tires kind of stick out a little bit from the car. Know what I mean?
Anyway, I really appreciate all the help and suggestions. Thank you.

ToyBox_02 · 09-18-2009, 08:06 PM

How about a 165/45/50 or 165/50/15

xPartyx · 09-18-2009, 08:46 PM

if you're looking to make them "stick out" and get more flush with the fender. you need to look into the backspacing / offset of the actual rim and maybe some spacers. there are tons of threads about it.

also, im not very helpful. . haha. someone will know wayyy more than me. . wait until they get in here for some real answers

awinter · 09-18-2009, 09:48 PM

You can use 195/50/15 tires on 7" rims. Most people use them on 15x8 rims for the 'stretched' tire look, otherwise the tire would poke severely. As you stated that you want some 'poke', you will definitely need some spacers or find a wheel with the correct offset. Use the search button and review the many tire threads available. Hope this helps!

saved2live · 09-18-2009, 11:11 PM

Thanx for the suggestions. And to be honest, I don't really understand what offset is. So would you suggest I go with a 15x8 rather than a 15x7? These are the wheels I was looking at:

awinter · 09-18-2009, 11:17 PM

OFFSET

The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The offset can be one of three types (measured in millimeters).*

Zero Offset

The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.

Positive

The hub mounting surface is toward the front or wheel side of the wheel. Positive offset wheels are generally found on front wheel drive cars and newer rear drive cars.

Negative

The hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheels centerline. "Deep dish" wheels are typically a negative offset.

If the offset of the wheel is not correct for the car, the handling can be adversely affected. When the width of the wheel changes, the offset also changes numerically. If the offset were to stay the same while you added width, the additional width would be split evenly between the inside and outside. For most cars, this won't work correctly. We have test fitted thousands of different vehicles for proper fitment. Our extensive database allows our sales staff to offer you the perfect fit for your vehicle.

*Backspacing, similar to offset, is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the inside lip of the wheel (measured in inches).

Wheel Offset Calculator - Wheel Offset Calculator