I need some new tires, but right now I am strapped for cash. A guy at work has 4 205/60/r16 for me, but my 04 Ford Focus is rated to use 205/50/r16. Will this size work?
Go to www.tirerack.com and after entering information regarding your vehicle, you will be able to view information such as “alternate tire sizes for this vehicle”. Your Owner’s Manual should also list alternate tire sizes that are acceptable for the vehicle.
Addendum:
If your buddy’s tires turn out to be an acceptable size, just make sure that those tires have the same load rating as your old tires, or a higher load rating. Otherwise, you risk a blowout from overloaded tires.
I would take the above recommendation to go to tirerack…buy the brand of tire that you can afford in the correct tire size…I wouldn’t trust a set of old or used tires with my life.
Firstly, your input is appreciated. I value it.
TireRack only lists the 205/50/r16 option for the 16" wheels.
The tire size were not listed in the Owners manual or the scheduled Maintanance Guide but I have already searched the internet pretty thoroughly and know the standard sizes (as listed above).
I am having trouble finding consequences for using the wrong sizes. The tires have 40,000 kms on them (much of which is highway) and are less than a year old.
They may rub and your speedometer will be well off.
I think acceptable sizes are 205/55-16 or 215/50-16’s for your current rims. The 205/55/16 size will open your choices up more, give a slightly better ride, and be slightly cheaper. I have this on my Subaru WRX and there is a huge choice in tire budget, type and kind.
The 60 series tires are “taller” than the 50 series. The width of the wheel is a factor. Your wheel may be a bit wider than a wheel designed for the 60 series tire. If you can measure the width of your wheels or find the wheel specs then you can see if the 205/60/16 can be safely mounted on your wheels. If yes, then expect the speedometer reading to be off a bit, you can see how much if you have a GPS system that shows you vehicle speed. When mounted on the car move the steering wheel to full lock left and right and see if you have sufficient clearance so the tire rubber is not contacting the frame, wheel well, or any brake and suspension parts.
The sizes are pretty close so it may work. By the time you mount the tires and test them on the car you’ll be getting into some money. Unless you are getting a super deal, like almost free tires, you may just be better off buying a set of “store brand” low priced new tires.
Hello Everyone. I once again would like to thank everyone for their input. Your comments are important. I have been searching out the internet and found almost nothing (and I am an internet programmer).