need input, confusion over proper tire size 07

[lemmy]

Hello,

I have a 3 Hatch (2007) on which my stock tires are pretty much gone. I'm looking to replace them in the next few weeks.

here is the confusion: according to pretty much every tire website, my car should have 205/50/17 on them, but, my car came stock with 205/55/17.

so what gives, should I just replace with 205/55/17 or with what seems to be recommended and go with 205/50/17?

 

[njaremka]

stock tire size will be on the sticker in the door frame - should be 205/50-17.

a decent alternative to the stock size would be 215/50-17. that size will give you a good compromise between cost, ride, and handling.

 

[lemmy]

will a 215-50 17 affect the speedometer or tire wear?

 

[njaremka]

if anything, it will make the speedometer more accurate as they tend to be slightly optimistic.

tire wear should also be uneffected, but will depend on what tires you choose. pick one with a higher tread wear rating if you want longer life.

 

[lemmy]

would a 215/60R17 be too much?

 

[njaremka]

would a 215/60R17 be too much?

yeah, thats a HUGE tire

 

[CCAT Racing]

215/50/17 is too tall imo for a manual trans at least... Clutch chatter, and much more effort to keep it smooth taking off with the 215/50's. I went with 215/45/17 and they are GREAT! Book calls for 1/2" wider rim, but they fit, drive, handle GREAT!

 

[bbrich57]

I ran 215/50's for a second set of tires and wished later that I had also gone to 45's instead. But that will rack up the miles slightly faster too and throw off any mileage calculations you may do.

A 225/45 is a perfect replacement for 205/50's, but you do need at least a 7" wide wheel.