For an '06 xB I just bought. Currently on steelies with snows so no rush [winter won't end here for 4+ months].

I don't want to lower the car. Need all the clearance I can get for winter driving. I don't want to go to a lower profile tire.

I want a better looking set of alloys and somewhat bigger tires which I will get from Tire Rack [50% of price for rims and tires VS Canada]. I need to get it right the first time since returns won't work and I don't want ANY rubbing.

TO ME, the stock wheels and tires look too small, leaving too much space in the wheel well and look like they are from another car

Considering 15" first. Most are 37-40 mm offset which I assume means the tires will sit slightly farther out than stock. They recommend staying with 185/60 on the 6.5 " rim but can I go to 195/60 or 205/60 to fill out the well a little better ?

Most of the 16" wheels are 16 by 7 and recommend a 205/50. Can I go up to a 205/60 safely ?

I realize the 205/60 16 will throw the speedo off 8 % but it's 2-3 % high now and I use a gps for speed.

TIA for any help
Bobb

 

I've happily been on 195/60s for 2.5 years. With the stock wheels (38mm offset/5" backspace), clearance is not an issue, but your odo will read 2% low.

....but my rears rub like hell with 0 offset 15x8s.

....and I'm on TRD springs.

.....and this is everybody's friend: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

Im with stupids

 

and this is everybody's friend: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
.............
Yes, I have been using it but still have no idea how the tires will fit on the inside.

 

http://www.1010tires.com/wheeloffsetcalculator.asp

that will help with the offset

 

17's fill the gap pretty well.

I drove last winter in the blizzard on DF210s and I successfully made it!

 

But if I go to 17" wheels won't I HAVE to use lower profile tires ?

 

(At the risk of sounding stupid)

Unless you lower the car you won't fill in the wheel wells without increasing your overall tire diameter significantly...and then the car will actually be lifted up higher and change the center of gravity.

 

......................
With 16" wheels and 205/60 16s it would be 2 inches taller. This increased ground clearance would actually be good for me in the winter.

2" increase in height would make a significant change in handling ?

TIA
Bobb

 

Yes! But you might not go around corners as fast as me...And I think it would actually be only one inch higher off the ground. But it will still make a difference. Lowering isn't just for looks