Explain tire sizing

[cruisergeo]

Can anyone explain the size differences in the following two sizes?

205/60r15 and 215/70r15.

What does each section of the size mean?
IE... 205 means what?
60?
R = Radial
15= wheel size.
Can anyone help with this?

Thanks
[:I]

[Dalite]

I'll take a shot; although it has been years since i had anything to do with tire sales....

205 VS 215 An indication of how "tall" the tire is; from rim to tread. 215 is taller

60 VS 70 An indication of the width of the tread. 60 is wider than 70

205 is a lower porfile than 215. If the overall height of the tire changes, the dealership may have to use the code scantool to change the ratio in the PCM for the speedometer to work accurately. Hope this info isn't in error...
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Here is a link for the Tire Rack's section for PT Cruiser GT, and part of the info from that page.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/SelectTireSize.jsp?
autoMake=Chrysler&autoModel=PT+Cruiser+GT&autoYear =2003

Description Size

Original Equipment 205/50-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Optional Tire Sizes available in these diameters: 17 18 19

Select "View Best Sellers" to see the most popular tires in this size for your 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT (based on The Tire Rack's recent sales). What are Best Sellers?

Select "View All" to see The Tire Rack's complete selection of tires in this size.

Original equipment sizes are based on the best information currently available to us. Variations based on options or changes by the manufacturer may change the original equipment size on your vehicle. Please verify the size listed matches the tire size listed on your vehicle (usually found in the door jam or gas cap) or in the Owner's Manual.

[CREWZIN]

quote:Originally posted by Dalite
205 VS 215 An indication of how "tall" the tire is; from rim to tread. 215 is taller

60 VS 70 An indication of the width of the tread. 60 is wider than 70

Actually, it's just the opposite. 205 or 215 is the width of the tread in milileters, whereas the profile 50/55/60/70 is the aspect ratio (height) of the sidewall from the edge of the rim to the outside edge of the tire.

Here's a link for you:

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...ngSidewall.jsp

[cruisergeo]

Maybe I should have bee more specific with what my desires are.
I want to put the Larger of the two on the back and the smaller of the two sizes on the front. The smaller ones are the regular size for the 15" wheels I want to buy. The larger ones for on the back will give it the old Hot Rod look I want. Although I know the front wheel drive being the same size as original tires will not hurt the odometer or the speedometer Im wondering about the control and handling with the slightly larger tires on the back.

[8)]

[CREWZIN]

[:I] Your out of my area of expertize (if I had any to begin with

The PT already has a rake (forward tilting) so your choice of tires will definitely enhance that look. I wouldn't think that the small difference in aspect ration that you looking at would do much harm but it will put more strain on the front components in the long run. I believe your speedo gear is driven by the front wheels so no problem there. Just a guess at the handling, but as I said, your not putting on monster tires on the rear so you probably won't notice the difference except for having the A$$ end of the car sticking up.

[Cal Cruzer]

Here is the difference in numbers

205/60/15

section width = 8.07 in
section height = 4.84
tire diameter = 24.69
tire circumfrence = 77.51

215/70/15

section width = 8.46 in
section height = 5.93
tire diameter = 26.85
tire circumfrence = 84.31


the latter is large by:
section width = +.39"
section height = +1.08"
tire diameter = +2.17"
tire circumfrence = +6.80"


With that large a difference in the tire circumfrence, your speedo will be off by quite a bit, your off-the-line grunt will be considerably reduced (it's like going to a higher gear ratio) not to mention that your speed sensor will be off an could effect the performance of an auto trans.

[cruisergeo]

Cal
My plan is to use the larger tires only on the back, Arent the speedo and sensors in the front? This should not effect them, correct?
I want the front to have the smaller tires and the back to have the larger ones.

[8)]

[Cal Cruzer]

Speed sensor should be on the tranny. It should not be effected by changing the rear tires. I should have read your whole post.

[CREWZIN]

Cruisergeo,

Is this the "look" your trying to achieve?

[cruisergeo]

[^]God yes, but not to such extreme. I love the wheels, where from and how did you get the deep dish on the rear?
can you give me the sizes of the tires and the wheels. including the width of the wheels.

Thanks Crewzin, this is the statement I want.

ps. will I have to take out a loan for this setup?

[8)]