Hi,

I have a stock 2005 TL. The orignal tire size is 235/45/17.

I want to get winter tires. Tirerack tells me that the optimal tire size for winter tires is either 215/55/16, or 205/60/16.

My friend has a set of winter tires(only one year used) that he is willing to give to me for free, but the size is 205/65/16. I know my speedometer will be off by about 4.6%, but will there be any other problems to worry about?

 

I forgot to mention, the TL is an automatic.

 

It will also look real dorky! Probably handle like a school bus as well.

 

I just run 235/45/17 winter tires on my TL-S wheels....never had an issue. No need to downsize.

 

I'm not concerned with the looks, and I'm not sure why it would "handle like a school bus", can you explain?. If you compare the skinnier winter tires, to the wider standard tires the skinnier tires will definitely outperform the wider tires in snowy conditions.

Also, I know that 235/45/17 winter tires would work, but I have the option to get a free set of 205/65/15. I'd like to use these free tires as long as there are no other negative consequences.

 

Taller sidewall on a shorter wheel will cause the tire to flex more under load....so cornering will suffer. Also winter tires typically don't have too stiff of a sidewall so the car will have that floaty vague feeling.

 

Will 16's even fit on a 3rd gen TL?

 

They'll fit on the autos...need to be careful with wheel design/offset for the 6 speed brembos.

 

Ahhhh, gotcha. Thanks.

 

Why would you believe that a skinnier tire would be better in the snow? I seem to voice my option often, but stick with the factory OE size. They say a narrower tire will cut through the snow to the pavement, yeah right. Ever see hard packed snow, you're certainly not going to cut through it and a wider tire will handle better, more traction. They also say that a skinnier tire will have more weight per sq in of tread and that would be better traction, but if that were the case, and a fact, the skinnier tire would handle better than a wide in the dry and we all know that’s not true. The wider the tire, the more cleats, and with the FWD, it will pull the car more than a narrow tire, and also with a RWD vehicle more bite.
I’ve stated this before, on the snow rescue vehicles, do you see skinny tires, certainly not as wider is better. To me these companies just like to sell tires and wheels, another money maker.

Example-On a 2008 Kia Optima, OE size 205/60-16, but the Rack recommends a 205/65-15, makes no sense as the 15” tires are actually smaller in diameter, but same width.

I could go on and on, but in my opinion, stick with the OE size, but to get maximum traction, you may need to go down in speed rating, as the V rating tires will conquer snow conditions, but most times not as easily as the lesser rated tires. More aggressive tread, more heat, lower speed rating.

Good luck

 

got 2008 base TL.

slapped on 16" steelies with General Altimax Arctics at 205/16/60. got a great deal. car handles fine. the Generals are a very quiet tire considering
it's a winter tire. We're averaging about 0 degrees celsius now in Vancouver but still no snow. Can definitely feel the better grip of the Generals. YES, your car may look like ass but only for 3-4months. Come Spring, I can take out the stock 17s and clean them inside out before I slap them back on.

so yah.. 205/16/60 or 215/16/60 will be fine.

 

First off:
It's 205/60-16 or 215/60-16

Second:

Dude was talking 205/65-16........these are taller yet!!

thanks for playin'

 

+1 for 205/60 r16

When i had all seasons in winter i had to worry about getting traction from stops and not spinning out on corners.

Now with the 205/60+blizzaks w60's the only thing i have to worry about is other peoples driving haha.

 

You're comparing apples with oranges when comparing an all season tire to a winter tire, but you should have purchased the OE size Blizzaks. Those 205's certainly have a very small tread width of only 6.4" compared to 7.7" for the OE size, too small.

 

225 60 r 17 , will these fit alright on my 05 TL, 6MT ? I have brembos

 

+1 205/60/16

it's more cost effective to go down a size then to get oem sized tires.

i got 105 cdn per tire.

OEM would have been 175-225 a tire.

 

Certainly depends on the tire as OE size snow tires can be had as low as $118.

First time I ever heard someone compromising safety and overall handling characteristics for the sake of saving money and going 3 sizes smaller. With the 205 you're actually talking about a load rating that is 220 lbs less per tire, or 880 lbs less total loaded weight.