What are they if i am running 195/60/15? Handling, tread life, performance? And how do they compare to 195/50 or 195/55? TIA

 

What type of car???

 

The proper size for your car will keep your speedometer and odometer accurate, won't rub, and will keep your suspension geometry as designed.

If you're looking for better handling, tread life, or performance, do it by choosing the make/model of tire that will provide that.

 

Eg sedan. Stock everything. Nsxtasy i already have them on my car. What i was wondering was am i gaining or losing anything as opposed to using 195/50 or 55?

 

If you have 195/60-15 on your car, you are losing acceleration within each gear (like getting a taller final drive gear). They are almost 7 percent larger in diameter, so that is the speedometer and odometer error you are introducing. You are also losing some handling crispness, with their taller sidewalls. You are gaining nothing.

The proper 15" size for your car is 195/50-15.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> They are almost 7 percent larger in diameter, so that is the speedometer and odometer error you are introducing. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Just to add on, it is UNDERreading by 7%, which means you are acutally going 7% faster. Becareful about this and the speed limit.

Slight plus side is your odometer is also undereading so it will aid in the resale value....but not by much.

In my opinion; ya you are losing acceleration and handling but you are not hurting the car really. And it's an old car at that which is not worth too much. Just roll with them and when they die out get the proper ones. NSXTASY may disagree with me on this.

 

Alright. I'll try to get some better ones. Thanks everyone!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by old man neri &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just roll with them and when they die out get the proper ones. NSXTASY may disagree with me on this.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Don't bet on it; I don't believe in throwing out tires that still have tread on them, as long as they're not unsafe in some way. If you've already got the tires, go ahead and use them until they wear out (when the treadwear indicator bars are flat across). Then when you replace them, get the proper size. (As neri mentions, don't get caught speeding in the meantime!)