Does 185/70R14 fit on Sedan?

[bikeshox]

Has anybody put 185/70R14 tires on a stock Yaris Sedan? I'm looking at snow tires and I am reluctant to go to the 175/65R14 that TireRack recommends because of the reduced diameter (and lower ground clearance). I currently have stock 15" tires on the car. TireRack is reluctant to sell me the 185/70R14 due to the increased diameter from my current tire and fitment would become my responsibility if I don't go with their recommended tire. The rim would be 6" ET45. Any Advice? Thanks alot!

Current tire is: 23.8" Diameter
Tire Rack recommended: 23.3" Diameter
The one I'm thinking is 24.2" Diameter

[kimona]

Once again I must reserve my comments about tireack.

Yes, 185/70/14's will fit without any worries whatsoever.

[fnkngrv]

so you are getting 14" wheels then right?

[SailDesign]

so you are getting 14" wheels then right?

Better hope so! :biggrin:
Mind you, if he goes with 175/70-14s, there is only a 0.1" difference, and he gets the narrow tread width that will improve traction in the slippy stuff.

[kimona]

SailDesign makes a good point about installing narrower tyres for winter driving.

175/70/14 = 23.7" diameter
185/70/14 = 24.3" diameter

Both tyre sizes will work well. In fact, these diameters are equivalent to OEM tyre sizes:

175/65/14 = 23.0
185/60/15 = 23.7
195/50/16 = 23.7
205/45/17 = 24.3
TRD Option 215/35/18 = 23.9

With stock suspension, you may safely fit many tyres from 23.0 to 24.3, +/-3%.

[bikeshox]

I would really like the 175/70R14 but they don't have the particular tire in that size. That size really limits your selection.

Based on TireRack's actual measurements, i can go .5 inches smaller diameter with the 175/65R14 or .4 inches larger with the 185/70R14

Sooo... Smaller diameter with lower clearance and possibly more grip... or larger diameter with more clearance with less grip....

[kimona]

What tyre are you looking for?

[SailDesign]

I would really like the 175/70R14 but they don't have the particular tire in that size. That size really limits your selection.

Based on TireRack's actual measurements, i can go .5 inches smaller diameter with the 175/65R14 or .4 inches larger with the 185/70R14

Sooo... Smaller diameter with lower clearance and possibly more grip... or larger diameter with more clearance with less grip....

Don't think just "lower clearance" with the smaller size - think "more clearance in the wheel-well for snow". Smaller tires have their advantages....

[bikeshox]

The General Altimax has pretty good reviews and its cheap.

[SailDesign]

The General Altimax has pretty good reviews and its cheap.

It has a good family tree, too. Compare the tread pattern for the Altimax to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5. Notice anything? :biggrin:

[fnkngrv]

I practically ran wagon wheels on my tercel and you couldn't stop it in any type of snow

[bikeshox]

So the consensus seems to be smaller wheels, less width, of my two choices.

[SailDesign]

So the consensus seems to be smaller wheels, less width.

I wouldn't go too narrow - 175 is fine, but don't be tempted to go w-i-d-e to "float" over the snow - you need to get weight onto the tread to make contact for traction and stopping. Extremely narrow tires, like rally snow tires, are very little use on bare ploughed pavement.

[kimona]

The difference between a 175mm and 185mm tyre is really going to be negligible in the snow. I wouldn't worry about it.

Because your tyre of choice (and it's a good one) is only available in 185/70/14, I'd go with this size. You'll still have plenty of wheel-well clearance. Plus, you'll have a bit more ground clearance as an added benefit.

EDIT: BTW, I'd buy them here @ only $59 ea. INCLUDING shipping to your door, and you could also take advantage of the $50 rebate that's currently being offered to bring the price down even more!

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?pc=32526&counter=3&ar=70&rd=14&sw=false&cs=185

[SailDesign]

^^^ +1

[kimona]

Order them quickly. Apparently stock is low on this tyre in this size.

[Bluevitz-rs]

They don't come in 185/65 14? That's the tire size I run in the winter.

[SailDesign]

They don't come in 185/65 14? That's the tire size I run in the winter.

Yup, they do - just not from that source. Here they are:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Altimax+Arctic&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=865QR4AMAXA&tab=Sizes

[Bluevitz-rs]

ah, the 185/70's are cheaper anyway.

[MUSKOKA800]

175/70/14 Michelin winters are 23.7" diameter. An exact match to 185/60/15.