Topic: Sizing/Speed Rating for Nokian WR on Toyota Echo

[noway]

I have a 2000 Totota Echo with stock P175/65-R14.  I will be buying 4 new Nokain WR for all-season use and I'm having trouble deciding between P175/65-R14 (T-rating only avail.) or P185/60-R14 (both T-rating and H-rating are available).  I drive on southern Ontario highways 90 miles/day all 4 seasons, between Guelph and Burlington.  Would the 175s give signigicantly better snow performance?  If I got the 185s, would it be significantly better to get the H-rated tire?  What would you get?

(Message edited by noway on July 24, 2005)

[Mdxtasy]

As an all season tire, you will need to sacrifice some things to gain others.  The narrower the tire, the better it is for winter traction.  That being said, the 185 isn't exactly a wide tire.  The sacrifice of going with the 175 is the higher sidewall height and the narrower tire for summer performance/grip.  The 185 is what I would lean towards to give a better non-snow performance as well as decent winter driving capabilities.  With  that said, have you considered getting 2 sets of tires?  With your commute being quite a trek, it might be a good investment to get all season summer tires (the 185's) and invest in a set of winter only tires (in 175) so that you have the best possible traction in all environments.  You know what they say, all season tires are not really good in any season.  

Welcome to the forum.

[morty]

The 185/60R14 and 175/65R14 are actually almost the same overall diameter. Main difference is the width and product availability. As a generalization the 185 is 10mm wider than the 175. Sidewall height is very close to the same.

185 will give you a little better dry performance due to a larger contact patch. If you go with the H-Rating you will als get a little better handling and turn in with a stiffer sidewall (marginal). With the 175 you will get better deep snow performance (again marginal difference). You may also find a cost savings with going 175/65R14.


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