205 section tyres on the 15" Rim

[Solwood]

There are a number of posts on here suggesting the use of 205 section tyres on the stock 15" pepper pots 5.5J wheels.

I have been told by two reliable performance tyre retailers that these would not be recomended on the 15" as they were too wide for the wheel. Now I made it clear that I was not in the market for a wheel and tyre combo so there was no reason to discourage especially as they had nothing better than the stock Pirelli P3000 to offer in a suitable size for the wheel (This was a surprise I thought there must be some 185/60's or 65's in decent tyres) but both Elite and Pro tyres know what they are talking about.


Instead We bought some a set of x-lites and when the tyres wear down they will be replaced with a set of Toyos.

So anyone running 205's on the 15's on the street with no problems (I thought the sidewalls would lood weird sloping in) Have we just wasted our money on the 16"'s when we could have got performance tyres for 15.

I am particularly interested in responses from the UK - we may end up selling the x-lites and keeping the pepper pots if we can get quality tyres for them!


Gary

[dukesantos]

Kumho Ecsta V700 tires on standard 15 in. seven hole wheels. They don't slope in or look funny at all, they look like normal radial tires. You could always go down to 195 if you are worried.

[thegrommit]

If you can get them, Bridgestone RE950 come in 185/65. They're an all-season tyre, so aren't exactly autocross material.

[helix13]

We've been running 205/15 Kumho v700s on 15 by 5.5 wheels at autocross with no problems. We had the same concern at first but the wheel tire package has been excellent with no unususal sloping or tread wear.

[batemano]

Solwood, have you got any pictures of your Cooper with the X-Lites fitted please? I might get these to replace the 5-Stars when I get my Cooper. Cheers.

[Andy @ The Pit Stop]

When I go back to work I will check (Tec data book not at home)
What you can fit on given rims is specified by the manufacturer, and section width and aspect ratio have specific fitment tolerences. You must stay within these specifications other wise you willcome unstuck with the insurance companies and could cause tyre failure due to undue stresses applied to the sidewall, bead area and breaker area.
Andy.H>

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Andy

I've saved you the job and been onto Avon's web site and looked at the spec sheet.

Here goes:

For Avon ZV3's:

Tyre size / Rim size

185/60R15 / 5.0-6.5"
195/60R15 / 5.5-7.0"
205/60R15 / 5.5-7.0"

So, on that basis, you're probably okay.

However, if you don't mind me asking, why do you want wider rubber? What benefit are you hoping to gain?

Tigger.

[MINIAC]

Most 205 width tires will fit on OEM 15" wheels and 205/55-15 is the most appropriate size.