Jump to content
Ultimate Subaru Message Board

Recommended Posts

This question comes up fairly often, and the answer isn't quite as cut-and-dried as many make it seem. ;)

 

Tire size measurements always have a bit of variability, due to the different tire and tread designs. Even with the exact same size markings, some tires may fit while others do not. For example, a tire with a rounded shoulder on the tread may clear spring perches which a tire with a more square shoulder would not. You also have to remember that the section width (205) is based on an assumed rim size - so if your wheel is a different width, the tire section width will change as well.

 

Here's a few quick examples from TireRack to illustrate the point. Below are the tire names and their measured section width on a 6" wide wheel. All of these tires are the "same size" - 205/70/15.

Pirelli P4 Four Seasons: 8.0 inches

Sumitomo HTR T4: 8.1 inches

Firestone FR710: 8.2 inches

BFGoodrich Premier Touring: 8.3 inches

Michelin HydroEdge with Green X: 8.4 inches

 

So as you can see, there is a fair amount of variance among tire brands and models.

 

 

 

I'm not just speaking theoretically either... My '94 GT is currently sporting 15" Outback wheels with tires in the "they won't fit, it's impossible!" 205/70/15 size... without any rubbing. ;)

 

picture.php?albumid=314&pictureid=3442

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...