Car Parts Faqs - Can I use slightly smaller tires for my car?

Can I use slightly smaller tires for my car?

Hi, The tire size for my car (SUV) is 215/70/16. Can I use 215/65/16 instead? I plan to replace only 2 tires in the car though, not all 4. thanks in advance, raj.

Public Comments

depends on how much your car weighs
Yes you can. But a 65 is wider than a 70
65 denotes the "profile" or height of the tire, so the difference will be minimal, no more that a 1/2 inch really. Just remember what you put on now, you'll want to "match" them up again sometime...
If it's within 2-1/2% of the original size you should be OK, but be careful as the wheel sensors may pick up the fact that the wheels are spinning at different speeds and cause the ABS to come on pre-maturely.
it is ok to do so, it is also ok to only change only two tyres, as long as both rear tyres are the same size, and both front tyres are the same size - otherwise you wont pass an mot
It might not matter if it is two wheel drive and doesn't have antilock brakes. An SUV with four wheel drive, all wheel drive, or antilock brakes really should have four wheels the same size. Additionally, a vehicle with antilock brakes should have the same size tires that it was originally equipped with.
yeah
Stick with what the book calls for. It will cause control problems if you have two different size tires. (roll over) It will also screw up automatic 4wd. You could get away with it on a car, but not a SUV. Don't put your life in danger to save a few $.
Should be okay as long as all the tires on any one axle are the same size. Which will turn out to be a problem if you need to mount the spare (unless it is a pony spare, which is always something of a problem).
NO! You should ALWAYS USE THE RECOMMENDED SIZE OF TIRE. If you think that you'll get 'better gas mileage' by putting to 'smaller tires' onto your car, you'll be making a HUGE MISTAKE ... and since you are only replacing two of your tires, you should know that they MUST BE of the same size as the two you are 'leaving on' for your car to 'run properly' and well.