Topic: Echo Tire Upgrade 175/65-14 > 185/65-15?

[JohnM]

I'm going to be putting summer rubber on the Echo and would like to go with a very good tire for ride, NHV and efficiency.  Plus some good stick!

The Michelin MXV is an old favourite - great for 3 seasons but the absolute worst tire I've ever had in snow.  Since snow is not an issue this time, I'd like to consider the MXV4 Energy but they don't make it in 175/65/14.

In fact, very few higher grade tires are available in that size.  Will I have to get the 15" rims and go to a 185 to get decent tires?

Suggestions please!

Cheers,
John M.

[Mike]

If you do go to a 15", you'll need to shrink the sidewall down a bit too.  Probably a 185/60R15 or maybe even a 185/55R15.

Your stock rim may take a 185/60R14 if that even exists.

[wing]

I just upgraded our Yaris from 175/65/14 to 185/65/14  Tire is slightly larger but only 2% more.  Much more grip and actually you can feel the difference in the width the car wanders a little bit now on the road.

As Mike pointed out if you go 15" you're speedo would be way off at 185/65/15, you would have to go 185/55/15

[rrocket]

I just upgraded our Yaris from 175/65/14 to 185/65/14  Tire is slightly larger but only 2% more.  Much more grip and actually you can feel the difference in the width the car wanders a little bit now on the road.

+1.  Did the same on the Echo.

[auto_enthusiast]

How wide are the stock wheels? There are quite a few choices in the 195/60/14 range. If you go to a 15" wheel, a 195/55/15 or 205/55/15 would work well.

[tpl]

Our Mk1 Fit will have the same problem when the current tires ( WS60 winter and Dunlop summers)  wear out.   Not many summer tires although there are still Pirellis and Michelins according to the Tire Rack.