Going from stock 15" to 14" for the winter. The tires are Hankook Winter iPike.

Would 185/60-14 be okay? Rubbing or any undesired effect?

from the Miata calculator:

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
195/55-15 4.2in 11.7in 23.4in 73.7in 860 0.0%
185/60-14 4.4in 11.4in 22.7in 71.4in 887 -3.0%

Please state your opinion. Thanks.

 

185/65-14 would be a closer match to the 195/55-15 you're taking off. They're only a 0.09% difference in diameter (vs. the 185/60-14 2.99%) and 0.078% difference on your speedometer (vs. 3.076% with the 185/60-14). The 185/60-14s still won't rub, most likely, but they will throw your speedometer and odometer off a little more.

 

Thank you for the reply. I can live with the speedometer being a tiny bit off and the odometer reading a bit more over a period of time (about 4-5 months a year in Canadian winter). However, I am more concerned about the difference in the tires (185/60-14) harming the performance of the car. What kind of effect will the difference of tires have on brakes, shocks, cornering abilities, etc.

 

You didn't state that you were switching wheels...I'm assuming you realize 14" tires won't fit on 15" wheels.

The 14 wheels/tires will have a larger sidewall, so they'll have more give in the corners than the 15s. They're also a bit narrower, though some folks say that's a good idea when you have to deal with snow. So the switch will affect your cornering abilities, and the ride will feel softer without affecting the shocks. Braking differences would be minimal, and would really only be changed by the rolling weight difference between the 14s and 15s. No "harm" is done in any case.

But you're going with winter tires for traction and safety, so the above things should be a moot point.

 

Thanks DagerOne. Acutally the shop I am ordering from has another brand of winter tires that would fit much better and have the size available.

I just placed a set of Yokohama IceGuard IG20 185/65R-14 with black steelies for a bargain of $242.

 

Hi there,

I'm also looking to pick up some 14" winter tires, where did score that $242 deal for the Yok's & steelies?

 

I got the tires and wheels from Discount Tire. They were running a promotion last month where you get $100 off for a set of 4 tires or wheels. I got a set of tires and a set of black steel rims so I got a discount of $200. Without the discount, it would have cost me close to $450.

 

The OEM 14" tires from Honda are actually 175/65R14 which is about a 2% difference IIRC.

 

Hey thanks saralee

Good for you, that's a sweet deal, the lowest quote I got on snows with 14" rims are $550. I can't seem to find Discount Tire's website, where abouts are they?

 

$242.00 is a smoking deal for tires and wheels. I went to Discount Tires website, and came up with a price of like $550.00. I ordered a set of Dunlops with steelies for $411.00 from Tire Rack, and there is a $50 mail-in rebate.

 

With the currency relationship between Cdn and US dollars, it was actaully less than $242. I hope Discount Tire will run this promotion again next year.

Their website is Discount Tire, Custom Wheels, Truck & Car Rims | Discount Tire Co. or Discount Tire, Custom Wheels, Truck & Car Rims | Discount Tire Co.

I still haven't put them on. The weather just won't cooperate

 

Hey thanks saralee, for a moment there I thought Discount Tire was located somewhere in Canada. I guess I'm stuck with paying ~$550