New ‘04 owner with a tire size question. Many here recommend replacing the factory 205/55/R16s with 205/60/R16s. I know this 3.2% increase slightly exceeds the 3% max typically recommended, will throw off the speedometer reading, may reduce mpg, and may increase brake/suspension wear. I can live with all that. But I’d absolutely LOVE the smoother ride and increased ground clearance (scant 0.4 inches that it would add).
I’ll be driving a lot of mountain roads and steeply graded interstates in the west. My question for those who’ve made this change in tire size is, how much did it affect power? Did you notice a difference in hill climbing performance? More downshifting of your AT? Any other performance changes such as reduced a/c output from lower rpm’s in slow city driving? Anything else I haven’t considered? Also, does anyone know if Discount Tire will install these “oversized” tires, or will I have to go somewhere else?
Thanks in advance for any input.