Up Sizing Tires

by John Z.
(PGH)

I am in the process of purchasing 4 all season radial tires for my 2005 Nissan Sentra. The tire which is on the car presently is a 195 55 r16. This tire is pretty expensive, I feel, for the type of driving I do plus it’s tough to get an all season radial at a descent price.

Upon reading and calling different places some places say I can “size up” With no problem but others say I shouldn’t.

The size they recommend is a 205 55 r16 which is more common and less expensive.

Is this a feasible solution or am I asking for trouble and if I buy this size will it effect anything on my car

Editorial Comment: What you're contemplating is known quite broadly as Plus Sizing and I recommend you read our article on it.

Specifically you're contemplating a Plus-Zero change, in which the diameter of the wheel does not change, but the width of the tire does.

The major precaution to take in this case is to ensure that there is no rubbing in the wheel-well produced by the wider wheel.

Generally, if you say within the bounds in the Plus-sizing system, you're not likely to find any issues which will affect the performance of your vehicle in a way that should worry you.

TG

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