Topic: Morty, help for winter tires on '05 RAV4

[froggy]

Hi,

I know it is a little early but I've been thinking about it lately and something bugs me.

My '05 RAV4 comes with 235/60 16 inch all season and the car is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. I want to get steel rims (and tires obviously) for the winter.  
I 'd like the tires to be 215 wide, so I checked the diameter difference using the standard tire size on the car (215/70/16) and it was around 3%. I feel it is a little much as the odometer is probably calibrated for the 235/60, so by using a 215/65/16, I come really close to my OEM wheels.
Am I right in my approach or should I use the 215/70/16 (or 235/60/16)?
If yes, what pressure should I use in the tires (the Manufacturer specs are for the 235. Is it the same? (most likely))
What would be your pick (brand) for a small SUV mostly driven in the city?
About the tire pressure monitoring system, how tricky is it to install steel rims on a car equipped with one? I am not familiar with this technology at all, but from what I read, it does not seem to require a specifc type of rim for it. Is that true? Do I still need to take the car to the dealer to get the wheels installed?

I do not know much about tires so any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!

(Message edited by FRoggy on August 09, 2005)

[ovr50]

Froggy - when I had the '04 RAV, I bought 4 alloys from a tire dealer and installed 4 Winter ContiContacts on them. I stayed with the 235/60-16 size so that was no problem.  

I also had the TPM system that Toyota uses (and have it also on my Highlander). All you have to do after changing wheels is reset the system (instructions are in your Manual). It's easy to do.

[froggy]

It appears Toyota uses the system based on the ABS readings (Rotation differences trigger the warning) from what I read on a RAV4 forum. So changing the rims is not different that on any other car (just reset as you said, Ovr)
Winters in Ottawa are really agressive and I'd like to go to steelies, but I am afraid not to find ones that can accomodate 235...

[morty]

Sorry to be slow to jump in on this...away for a few days.

I think going with either size will be a good option. Which one you choose will mostly be dictated by the type of tire you want. Do you want more of an SUV styled winter or a passanger car type?

The 215/70/16 comes in at about 27.9" OD and the 215/65/16 27" OD. The 235/60/16 is approx 27.1", so the best speedo match would be the 215/65/16. However, some models came with the 215/70/16, so they will be suitable and a little taller.


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[froggy]

Thanks Morty,

I guess the tires would be more passenger car type as the car is almost exclusively used in the city and on highways.
Do you guys carry steel rims for 235 on Rav4?

[morty]

We will have steel wheels available for the Rav4. They will be OE take-offs and a good economical option for winter.


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