jgrooms

I'm replacing my 97 ES300 factory 15" rims with a set of 2001 Platinum Edition 16" rims. I'm trying to determine what tire size should I get to keep the speedometer accurate. I've been told this is a concern when upgrading to larger rims.

The Lexus Parts Dept. says 205/60r16. This is also the size I saw on another set of Platinum Edition rims. However, most Tire companies like Discount Tire, Tire Rack & Costco recommend a 215/55r16 tire for "plus sizing".

Any experts out there willing to set the record straight, or at least shed more light on the subject?

Thanks,

John

flipside909

You shouldn't have a problem with plus sizing. You are usually within a small margin error which really won't make much of a difference. If you insist on the exact size, I would suggest that you request the exact size. Most tire shops will be able to order that size from their tire supplier. A benefit of 215 vs 205 is a wider tire (i.e. better handling).

VZV21

Quick correction:

Here are the units:

P205mm/65% r 15in

ml is milliliter, a unit of volume (also interchangeable with mg, a unique feature of the metric system).

Quick translation of the tire size code:

P205/65 r15 87H

P: passenger car (LT for Light Truck)
205 is tire width in millimeters
65 is the"aspect ratio or profile". This means the tire wall height is 65% of the width
15 is course rim diameter in inches.
87H is load rating with an "H" speed rating (up to 130 mph), V (up to 149 mph), Z (149+ mph), S (up to 112 mph), T (up to about 100 mph), & Q (up to about 85 mph; usually seen on snow tires)

jgrooms

Thanks to all for the helpful responses. It appears that either size tire will not affect my spedometer which was my main concern. I believe I will go with the 215's because of the wider foot print.

- John

CPerez100

Thank you all for your responses. This is one question I had and I even post it but nobody replied. That was when I was new here @ CL.

Thanks again.

flipside909

Yeah, i'm sure we all would have helped you, but because of some of the nonsense post of these forums in late summer-early fall, I quit coming here. I'm glad it's moderated better than it first was when I started in April of last year.