Taller Tires INSTALLED

I just changed the tires on my xB from the OEM ones…
185/60/15 Goodyear Eagle LS
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Model=Eagle+LS

and switched them to…

195/60/15 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....=Blizzak+WS-50


Even though the new tires are only about ˝” taller and ˝” wider, I noticed a immediate improvement. Since the tire size is not that different from the OEM size, the speedometer reads very close with about a 2 MPH difference: http://pw1.netcom.com/~sgalaba/tiresize.htm


The Bridgestone tires offer better traction, comfort and are quieter than the Goodyear’s. The increased sidewall height and tire width help to soften the xB’s firm ride and make it drive a little smoother. The box seems much more sporty now, takes corners better, and is a lot more fun to drive.

I can't wait to play in the snow!

I think that my next tires will be to even larger, size such as 205/60/15.

 

Well, you certainly will have lots of that in Rochester.

I grew up in the snow in North Dakota, and I promise you that narrow tires work WAY better in the snow than wider ones.

Not an opinion, tire school. Try them both out next week when your under 2 feet of the good stuff :D

 

did you need new tires or just wanted something different?

 

This is very true.. you want to drive on the ground, not on the snow. BUT, that tread pattern looks MUCH better than the goodyears. I'd def get winter tires for winter if I had the $$. I'm thinking of finding out if I can get the 'years studded.

 

Agreed.

I got that size because they were the closest ones I could find "used" (only 1 season) and because they were off my co-workers Toyota and were a total bargain!
Also, I figured the slightly wider size 1/2" wouldn't make a big difference.
Add an extra set of new steel wheels from TireRack.com and I now I have a 2 complete sets of tires. 1 set for the summer and 1 set for the winter.

I think I'll save the 205/60/15 idea for summer tires only.

 

actually if you go with a 205/55-15 you'll get the added width, but your speedo will only be off by 0.6% instead of 4.0%

http://www.eunos.com/tirecalc/ check it out for yourself

 

laymans terms please :oops:

 

However, the xB's speedo already reads 4% high (65MPH indicated equals 62.5MPH actual), so larger tires will actually correct the existing error!

I'm pondering 205/65R15s myself. Two inches larger in diameter, and a bit more sidewall to keep the hubcaps away from the curb.

George

 

I though about this larger size to, but won't the tires rub when you turn?
Will they clear the wheel well openings?
:?:

 

Well, they are smaller than the dimensions of the tires that a lot of people are running on 18s. The best way to test this is to get one mounted and cycle the suspesion and steering through all possible angles. The springs have to come out to do this.

George

 

hmmm... i've never noticed my speedo being off at all.
hafta look into it. might be for the 04's

 

Borrow a GPS unit and compare it to your speedo.

I really doubt that they changed it for the '05. My feeling is that they make the speedo a bit optomistic in anticipation of the larger wheels that they would be putting on as accessories. They don't want the customers blaming them for their speeding tickets!

George

 

actually GPS unit is not as accurate as u think it is...because the satellite updates every 2 seconds some of them 5 seconds...even though they all claimed to be real time GPS

 

my gps and speedo normally display approx the same.
maybe somewhere around .5 to .9 mph off.
that i'd blame on slow update time.

 

I was thinking about getting a little more width and sidewall too. How did it change the look and feel?

 

At constant speed, update time is not a factor.

George

 

The slightly taller and wider tires look nice & aggressive (hey their snows, right?) so it gives it more of that Rally-Car type look I wanted. Traction is great and the car handles much better. Steering is very responsive and the ride comfort has improved slightly. I think taller and wider tires would offer more comfort.

I want to save up and get the "Goodyear Assurance TripleTreds"
They get the highest ratings for traction in all weather conditions and have amazing comfort.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....nce+TripleTred
:D

 

So how do you like the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50's on you xB rallyxb? Im contimplating purchacing them for the winter.

How is the ride quality on dry pavment compared to stock?

And how do they handle on ice/snow? ho much better is the traction?

 

I like the tires a lot, but because they are used I think the traction suffers a little.
However they are much better than stock. I have not had the opportunity on test them on ice & snow yet, but I'll keep you posted.
Here's the review on Tire Rack
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....=Blizzak+WS-50