I own a 2007 Accent 3-dr hatch - GS Sport with P205/45/R16 tires. I know it says in the Owner Manual that one SHOULD stick with the original tire sizes, but as for winter tires, I want to know if I can safely downsize to P195/55/R15 size?

I've read some articles where there's some calculation used when downsizing within a 3 percent variance - and based on that calculation, I THINK I can downsize to the aforementioned size - and save a lot of money.

And if I downsize, does it affect the speedometer

thanks

 

Personally, I'd go with a 195/60-15 tire but you might have trouble finding that size. If you can't get a 195/60-15 then yes, a 195/55-15 tire will work. The 195/60-15 is closer to the original size (0.5% taller). The 195/55-15 is 2.8% shorter.

 

going down one size is fine, and from what i understand a thinner tire can help in the snow/ice as you have more weight on that smaller area that touches the road.

however, i want to point out here that your original tires are R16 - meaning 16" wheels. you CANNOT put an R15 tire (15" wheel) onto 16" wheels/rims.

so if you don't want to go down to smaller wheels see if you can find P195/55/R16 tires. and yes staying with a 3% variance is just fine.

 

zero-gravity - what about the fact that I would be buying 15 inch steel rims as well to go with the winter tires? Would I be able to downsize to the 15 in size then?

Thanks for the replies guys

 

I just assumed you knew that 15" tires wouldn't fit on 16" wheels and that you were getting different wheels. Yes, the 15" wheels and tires will fit. Go with 195/60-15 tires.