Hi there!
Does anybody know what tire sizes will the original wheels of a Protege 1999 ES accept (besides the standard 195/55/R15)? I was thinking of 205/50/R15, but I'm not sure they will fit; interestingly enough, I can find these cheaper than the original size
Thank you!

Added: I should mention that when I asked the dealer's mechanics, I was told that only the original size will fit on the rims. It does seem a bit strange, that's why I'm asking here...

 

yes 205/50/15 will fit fine, the tires would just be 10mm (read 1cm) wider than stock.

this is also known as 'plus 0' tire plus sizing.

 

Based on rough calculations (assuming the height of sidewalls is exactly the aspect ratio to the width), rolling diameter for the 195/55R15 is 595.5 mm (23.44"), the 205/50R15 is 586.0 mm (23.07"), so it is a bit smaller, but not appreciable.

A 215/50R15 would be a closer match to the originals at 596.0 mm (23.46").

 

for doing these types of calculations or just to help someone else with this type question in the future....check out

THE TIRE CALCULATOR

put it in your favorites....save it.

 

I've been running 205/50R15's on my '99 ES for the past 47,000 miles. They work just fine... no rubbing at all. I looked into the 215/50R15's, but I couldn't justify the price of this uncommon size.

After my Poortenza's were completely bald after 18,000 miles, I bought a set of Nitto NT450 205/50R15s. Handling was wonderful and they were so much quieter than the stock tires. After 30,000 miles of the Nitto's, I bought a set of Yokohama YK420s... Don't you wish you could "try on" a set of tires before you bought them. Although the Yoko's have a smooth ride and are really quiet, their lateral grip is mediocre at best. But, I have to say, they wear extremely well... After this, though, I think it'll be back to the Nitto's... There are a lot of really nice tires out there, but you can't beat the bang for the buck the Nitto's provide!

-Jerry

 

Im running 205/50 Zr Bridgestone Re730's on the stock 15 inch wheels.

No problems just very great handling but they are a bit noisy.

 

Thanks everybody, the information I've received was very useful. I'll go ahead and zero plus size my tires, then