2011 Corolla - larger tires on factory 15" rims

Hi,
Family member has a 2011 Corolla with standard 195/65 R15 (BCT s6000) tires on factory steel rims. Previously had a 1990 Honda Accord, I think with 185/70-14 tires. Independent tire dealer suggested I could go a larger size on the factory rims. I forget what I went with, but difference was amazing.

I need to replace the Corolla tires, and was wondering if there's any incremental change (195->200/205; 65->60/55) that would fit on the factory rims, and not cause any interference problems. I'm not looking to make any bodywork or suspension changes to support this.

Also, looking to get Goodyear TripleTred tires. I've had them on 2 other cars, think they are phenomenal. Any comments pro/con about these? Thanks.

Jeff

You could use a 205/60R15 or a 215/60R15 as they are slightly smaller & larger than the stock 195/65R15. You could also use a 225/55R15.

195/65R15 25.0" diameter
205/60R15 24.7"
215/60R15 25.2"
225/55R15 24.7"

An even better choice would be to get a nice looking alloy wheel & ditch the ugly steel wheels. You will get better looks, handling, steering response and braking performance. Here are some choices in larger wheel sizes while keeping your over all tire diameter the same.

205/55R16 24.9"
205/50R17 25.0"
225/45R17 25.0"
225/40R18 25.0"

I have some 17x8 +35mm wheels with 225/45R17 tires and I love the combination.

Thanks for the info. 195/65R15 -> 225/55R15 wow, wouldn't have thought that big a change would fit. No problems on clearance (particularly on turning the front wheels) with wider tires? I assume wider (195->225) is better, then just get a profile (65->55) that balances out the overall diameter?

I know alloy rims would really look nice. I don't see the car owner wanting wanting to spend that type of money though. I had thought about 17" steel rims, as a way to get to 17" tires. But even a set of them, plus the TPMS switchover, adds a decent amount of money. I figured the slightly larger tires gives provides some improvement in handling with practically little additional cost.

I wonder now if a mainstream seller (Sears, maybe NTB) will have a problem putting a non-standard size on the car.

Jeff

The 225/55R15 should fit just fine without rubbing issues, the idea is to keep the diameter the same. The only thing would be to check the wheel width and see what the max tire width will fit with it. I'm not sure about Sears since I've never used them but as long as the tire is the correct diameter I don't see why they would care. Do you have a Discount Tire in your area? You could also look for a decent set of used alloy wheels on CL. There are decent new wheels available for around $100 each too from Discount Tire. To switch the TPMS sensors over to different wheels is only a few bucks.

Hey Jeff, I work for America's Tire in California and we get questions like this all the time. If you don't wanna spend a lot of money going with aftermarket wheels, you can always go with a bigger 15" tire. In regards to the post above me, there is not a tire on the market that will safely support the weight of the Corolla in a 225/55/15. My recommendation is to go with a 215/60/15. It gives you multiple options to choose from, plus it will safely fit on your stock rim safely without crowning, or stretching the tire. If you have any questions, feel free to call me in person at my store (650) 763-5190 and ask for Zac. I'll be more than happy to give you pricing and tire options. Or, look for any local America's Tire/Discount Tire in your area, they will get you the lowest price!

Hope this helps.

Hey Jeff, I work for America's Tire in California and we get questions like this all the time. If you don't wanna spend a lot of money going with aftermarket wheels, you can always go with a bigger 15" tire. In regards to the post above me, there is not a tire on the market that will safely support the weight of the Corolla in a 225/55/15. My recommendation is to go with a 215/60/15. It gives you multiple options to choose from, plus it will safely fit on your stock rim safely without crowning, or stretching the tire. If you have any questions, feel free to call me in person at my store (650) 763-5190 and ask for Zac. I'll be more than happy to give you pricing and tire options. Or, look for any local America's Tire/Discount Tire in your area, they will get you the lowest price!
Hope this helps.

I agree with this size choice too since the OEM 195/65R15 tire has a 25.0" diameter & the 215/60R15 has a slightly larger 25.2" diameter. This will help correct the speedometer error too. I am surprised though that a 225/55R15 tire can't support the weight of the Corolla which isn't a heavy car.

Thanks for the posts.

My preference is for Goodyear TripleTred's. I looked at tirerack and goodyear. For TripleTred's , it looks like they are only available in: (measurements from tirerack)

195/65R15 (current size) 25.2" 836 rev/min

195/60R15 24.2" 864 rev
205/65R15 25.5" 820 rev

If I shift to ComfortTred's instead, then I can get:

195/65R15 (current size)

195/60R15 (same as T/T)
205/65R15 (same as T/T)

205/60R15 24.7" 846
215/70R15 26.9" 777

It seems to come between:
- TripleTred 205/65R15 25.5" 820 rev
OR [orig 195/65R15 25.2" 836 rev/min]
- ComfortTred's 205/60R15 24.7" 846 rev

I'm leaning towards the Triple Tred's in the above size. How do they seem? Not as large as maybe the car can take, but a larger size on a lesser tire doesn't seem like a good tradeoff.

Jeff