Tire Size difference question
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 191
Likes: 7
From: Wyoming
Tire Size difference question
I've seen a lot of posts on tire recommendations, but I couldn't quite find this topic.
According to online specs and probably the owner's manual, (Internet is usually faster at finding information), the original spec size for tires on my 2007 ES 350 is 215/55R17.
I bought this ES 350 recently from a dealer and didn't pay much attention to the tires other than they had plenty of tread on them and they were Cooper Tires. My question however, is I noticed that they are 225/50R17 instead of 215/55R17. I know the physical differences of the tires; e.g. The 215 is a little taller; the 225 is a little wider; etc.... My question is basically; is there any performance, safety, comfort, etc... differences having 225/50R17 instead of stock size 215/55R17? Thanks.
According to online specs and probably the owner's manual, (Internet is usually faster at finding information), the original spec size for tires on my 2007 ES 350 is 215/55R17.
I bought this ES 350 recently from a dealer and didn't pay much attention to the tires other than they had plenty of tread on them and they were Cooper Tires. My question however, is I noticed that they are 225/50R17 instead of 215/55R17. I know the physical differences of the tires; e.g. The 215 is a little taller; the 225 is a little wider; etc.... My question is basically; is there any performance, safety, comfort, etc... differences having 225/50R17 instead of stock size 215/55R17? Thanks.
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: PA
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
Doing the math on the tire sizes:
215/55R17 = 8.5" Wide X 26.4" Diameter
225/50R17 = 8.9" Wide X 25.9" Diameter
So the tires you have on now are about 3/8" wider and 1/2" shorter overall. I don't think the width is enough of an increase to matter but make sure the tires don't rub on anything in the wheel wells when you've got the steering wheel turned all the way to one side or the other. If that's fine and you don't mind the speedometer reading slightly high, which you'll probably never notice, then that seems just fine. The only effect might be a slightly rougher ride because of the lower profile tire with less sidewall to absorb some of the road surface variations. I saw a thread in here somewhere that people were putting 225/55R17 tires on to get a better ride and look than the stock size. There didn't seem to be any issues with that off-size either.
215/55R17 = 8.5" Wide X 26.4" Diameter
225/50R17 = 8.9" Wide X 25.9" Diameter
So the tires you have on now are about 3/8" wider and 1/2" shorter overall. I don't think the width is enough of an increase to matter but make sure the tires don't rub on anything in the wheel wells when you've got the steering wheel turned all the way to one side or the other. If that's fine and you don't mind the speedometer reading slightly high, which you'll probably never notice, then that seems just fine. The only effect might be a slightly rougher ride because of the lower profile tire with less sidewall to absorb some of the road surface variations. I saw a thread in here somewhere that people were putting 225/55R17 tires on to get a better ride and look than the stock size. There didn't seem to be any issues with that off-size either.
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: PA
Trending Topics
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: PA
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: PA
What's your point?
For an even better site, that doesn't require a calculator, click here.
Last edited by MikePA; Dec 15, 2013 at 01:41 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post