Need Quick Advice!

Does anyone know of any reason to not use 205/60/15 tires on a first-gen 3.2TL (comes standard with 205/65/15). I can't imagine there would be anything but handling benefits going with a lower aspect tire.

 

The specs distinction between a P205/60R15 to that of a P205/65R15 is the 205/60 has less load capacity and the 205/65 has more load capacity.
More volume means more weight allowed.
Also,it means the 205/60 is more likely to blow out more often than the 205/65 assuming the load is the same or constant.
My advice, stick around the load index of the original tire size as lots of engineering aspects have already been considered by the manufacturer to come up with this final tire specs.
But , after all is said and done, it's still your car......
juniel

 

Thanks Juniel,

Very informative.

I am thinking of trading up from my 2.5tl to a 3.2tl (both first-gen), and want to use the almost new tires from my 2.5 on the 3.2. I think the 3.2 is about 800 lbs heavier. Do you think this weight difference is sufficient to cause a serious safety problem (i.e. blowout risk)?

 

800 lbs........you may still install the 205/60R15 with the least load which means the driver and a passenger only plus w 100 lbs max of trunk cargo.
Take note..... no rear passengers. Be sure your max tire pressure is 30-32 psi.
Going beyond this payload I would say is unsafe.
juniel

 

I just found out that my speedometer/odometer readings may be higher than normal if I go with the lower aspect tire on the same size rim and no increase in width. Apparently, this can happen if you reduce the overall diameter of the wheel/tire combo.

Oh well, I guess I may as well get rid of the tires with the 2.5, as I probably shouldn't use them on the 3.2.

Thanks for all your help, people.

 

Puch,
Sorry for long delay as the site I believe had some tech discrepancies.
Regarding the odometer ,yes, the 205/60 will be spinning faster than the 205/65 given a certain engine rpm and the speedometer becomes inaccurate . You also had a good point there if I may poit out....