Confirming Winter Tires size.

[PopeyeFAFL]

From everything I read on Winter Tires, I just want to confirm the following, since I'm about to search and buy Winter Tires.1- If I have, a Vibe 2005, with mag's with factory installed P205/55R16 all seasons tires and I don't want to use my mag's during winter, I'm better off going for 15" winter tires (this will be cheaper than 16" and give more height of rubber, better for winter condition).2- Now I read that the best replacement winter tires will be P195/65R15 (narrower = better for winter) and this one will respect the speedometer (will not change the RPM).3- I guess Toyota Steel Wheel (15") could be used as my second set of rims ?Now someone is quoting me for 4 "Champiro Radial GT" (P195/65R15) at $80 CDN each + Toyota Steel Wheel at $45 CDN each, does that sound about right ? I will also have to add 20 wheel nuts at $1.25 CDN each (I'm told that my actual nuts for my mag's will not fit adequately the steel wheel, could that be true, anyway, it is probably a good idea to have a set of wheel nuts that will see winter, and the nice chromed dome, including my mag's anti-theft nuts that will only see spring - summer & falls).My last set of winter tires (on my Honda) were also Champiro Radial GT (I must admit, that after I stomach the fact that they were not "a known brand", I spend one complete winter with them, and I was somewhat impressed, maybe after 3 or 4 winters, it will had been a different story).Thanks in advance for your comments.P.S.: I could perhaps buy these Winter Tires at my Pontiac Dealership, it is just that the small garage that used to do my Honda maintenance for years offered me to take back my winter tires of last year (at a good price) if I still do business with him (but I could also try to sell them on my own, and buy what ever I want at what ever places).

[Mavrik]

As long as the diameter of the new tire matches the stock size you won't have any problems. narrower can be better for snow but less if a bite on ice. Now myself I bought P205/55R16 winter tires from BF Goodwrench through the dealership I work at. They came in today and look very good, Also have holes for studs should I end up in a place where they are needed and legal. $150 a tire including installation.But I'm going to install them myself and save a few $$$.

[Raven]

All your information is correct. 15" is the way to go.

[AKLGT]

"I got 4 studded 15 rims w/ Hancook winter radials P205/65/15" that's the best fit for 17's and the 195/65/15 are the best for the 16" tire size. otherwise it'll mess up your OD reading pretty badly. there was a significant difference b/w the 2 wheel sizes in diameter.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by Salsa! »Actually for the 16" you should use 195/65R15oops! that's what i meant... sorry! that'd mess you up for sure!