Advice on larger size tire, 2005 LX Sedan
 

Hi all. First time poster here.
My current OEM tires are 195/60R15, and I would like to attempt to make the ride on my Civic a little smoother by increasing the side wall height.
My local tire shop suggested a 205/60R15 tire.
I realize that my results might be negligible, but do you tire guys out there think that these tires will fit ok without rubbing?
I’m old school and never really liked the “low profile thing” on tires anyway.
Thanks

Re: Advice on larger size tire, 2005 LX Sedan
 

The 205/60/15's will fit just fine. They're within a safe tolerance from factory sizing, as well (at 1.95% oversized).

Re: Advice on larger size tire, 2005 LX Sedan
 

Re: Advice on larger size tire, 2005 LX Sedan
 

Re: Advice on larger size tire, 2005 LX Sedan
 

Thank you for sharing your observations and results. When a member has posed a question like this, it is rarely followed up at some later date with any update... positive or negative.

Re: Advice on larger size tire, 2005 LX Sedan
 

Did you change rims or keep your stock ones? Just got a 2002 acura el for my nephew and the stock tire size is 185 65 15. For summer tires I was going to get him 195 60 15s. Now you have me wondering, but I think they will be fine. A 60 sidewall these days is actually a fair bit.

Re: Advice on larger size tire, 2005 LX Sedan
 

I just kept the stock rims.
The tire shop assured me that they had done this upgrade before on older Civics.
After the larger tires were installed they stayed out in the parking lot to make sure I had front tire clearance when turning the steering wheel.
It rides better with the extra sidewall (the factory sized tires where like little bicycle tires), and it did not affect the speedometer reading.

Good luck

Re: Advice on larger size tire, 2005 LX Sedan
 

Well, the sidewall difference between both sizes as compared to the original is 3mm. With the 195 you wind up with 3mm less sidewall than OE and with your 205 you gain 3mm. It's not that different, but I gather the increase of 6mm between the 195 60 15and the 205 60 15 can be felt. I think I would notice a bigger difference in handling between a T and H rated tire. It would be fun to be able to try a bunch of different sizes but reality is limiting so I will stick with the more regular zero plus sizing for the handling and braking benefit. Thanks for sharing your experience.