Tire Size Question

[Dave Remillard]

I'm not a tire expert and could use some clarification. The tires on my wifes car are a P205/60/16. I have a chance to get replacement tires that are the same except are 235's and not 205's. This number I believe represents the tire width as in road surface width. My question is will this larger tire be OK on the stock wheels? Thanks

 

[nickleinonen]

if they are 235/60/16's, they will probably be too tall to fit right, if they are 55 or 50 series, they should be ok. 235/55/16 are a little taller, and the 235/50/16 are a little shorter

 

[Dave Remillard]

Thanks nickleionen, appreciate the lesson.

 

[klenger]

You are correct that the first number of the tire size is the width. The 2nd number is the profile or ratio of width to height (rim to tread), and the 3rd number is the rim size.



For example, on my truck, I have 265/70R17 tires. They have a width of 264mm, height of . 7*265=185. 5mm (rim to tread). If you convert the 185. 5mm to inches, you get 7. 3". Double the height, add in the rim size, and you have a 31. 6" tire diameter.



As to what will fit your car, I have no idea, but it might help to know what kind of car and the complete tire spec.