235/60/16 tires as a replacement for 215/65/16

[01VolvoXC70]

Has anyone used the wider 235/60/16 on the factory rims instead of the 215/65/16. I know it would cause .364% difference on the speedometer, which I don't think would be much of a problem, but I would like to know if handling becomes jeopardized or if there is a problem mounting on stock rims.

Here is the link to the size difference.

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp?action=submit

[JRL]

225/60 is the matching tire in a 60 series

[billr99]

225/60 is the matching tire in a 60 series

Not withstanding design and manufacturing differences between sizes and brands, a 225/60 is 1.41% too fast (60.8mph versus 60) compared to a 215/65 and a 235/60 is .37% too slow (59.7 versus 60). Since most Volvo speedos read a hair high anyway, the 235 would not only be a closer match to a 215's rolling diameter but it would make the speedo a bit more accurate.

Of course with the variations between designs and manufacturers, this is all somewhat mathematical anyway since the theoretical diameter differences are fairly insignificant. I'd bet that you would find a bigger variation between tires of the same size but made by two manufacturers. My suggestion would be to not worry about it too much between the two sizes but buy a tire that matches your preferences in price, availability and tread design. If a particular tire is available in both sizes and at a similar price, pick the wider.

Cheers,

Bill

[TiredGeek]

Yeh, running Hankook Optimo 235 60 16 (http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?details=Ordern&cart_id=20208197.110.28378&typ=R-137494&ranzahl=4&Breite=235&Quer=60&Felge=16&Speed=V&weiter=0&kategorie=6&Ang_pro_Seite=50&sort_by=preis&Transport=P&F_F=1&dsco=110&sowigan=So). I've used them all last winter with great results, normally it's rainy but winter in Britain last year was a lot worse than normal, we had record snow. The TyreTest.com results put them better than a lot of the other makes in snow and rain even though they say they're a summer tyre.
I found them much better in all conditions than the STRs they replaced. Haven't had any rubbing at all. It grips a whole lot more and the ride is a bit more forgiving on bad roads. I will go for the same tyre again without a second thought.

Only thing I would say is they have increased rolling resistance a touch, the engine labours a bit when before it didn't, and it drinks a fraction more fuel than before.

235 60 16 is a very popular size to go for, I checked here before I went that way and there's plenty of threads about them.

[gibbons]

I got a giant thread about this started about 6 years ago. It had to do with Nokian WR tires, I originally had 215/65 and jumped t 235/60. No problems with will well clearances or any issues I ever found.

[Ocean Racer]

Great news! We can use 235/60/16 as direct exchanges to the 215/65/16 :)

[RockitShip]

THIS JUST IN... we can use 235/60/16 tires!!!!

[TiredGeek]

Great news! We can use 235/60/16 as direct exchanges to the 215/65/16 :)


THIS JUST IN... we can use 235/60/16 tires!!!!

Oooooh, are you sure guys? Won't they rub? :p

[FrostyV70XC]

No, they wont rub, but some brands (yokohama) will make the car "track", that is to say tend to stay in the most worn part of the road, and the wider tire will hurt fuel econ.

[lexefx]

I been on these myself for over 2 years! On to my 2nd set new for this season!

235/60/16 Sumitomo HTR ZII (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Sumitomo&tireModel=HTR+Z+II&partnum=36WR6HTRZ2V2&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes)

Alex

[Forkster]

I'm using these... um... slicks.. I mean, truck tires... :D

General UHP Grabbers (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Grabber+UHP&partnum=36HR6GRUHP).

[dpaton]

^ Me too, and I really like them!

[TiredGeek]

Round and round we go.... :D :D :D

[tolgatt]

I also have switched to 235/60/16 Nokian WR tires before the beginning of last winter..they have performed absolutely wonderful throughout the winter..
Now that the weather started warming up , all i hear is the squeaking tires on every turn,,,doesnt matter if im slow or fast...i take it these Nokian's are pretty soft tires...That could only mean much better handling on curves but less lifetime...

but back to the subject,,,yes they fit perfectly on our XC's :)

[Ocean Racer]

What are you guys using with 18" Pegs ?