tyres size, help pls

aggi

Hello,
Going to Germany in months time but have m primacy tyres size 215/55r16 fitted on my focus. Looking to buy micheline crossclimate for safety and they have that m+s sign.
The thing is that when I put reg no the size comes up as 205/55r16. Now this size cost £80.00, the size that is printed on current tyres costs £120.00 per tyre.
Would the smaler/cheaper tyres fit? And what compromise is it safety wise as we are going with children.
Ps. Anyone fancy buying my old tyres? Only half worn:)


Thank you

Mr.Generous

I'd be careful fitting anything narrower than the original fitting, if that was 215 stick to it.
Black circles fitted prices for winter tyres your size here - plus clubcard points.

http://www.blackcircles.com/order/tyres?&width=215&profile=55&rim=R16&speed=W&wintertyre=1

When I got my car I purchased an old (£50) set of alloy wheels that fitted and got a set of winter tyres put on. I use them about 3-4 months and as the car is now 7 yrs old it has paid back. They are fun in the snow, you can drive anywhere.

Iceweasel

The correct approved tyre size will be on a label/sticker - likely to either on the driver's side door-post or on the fuel-filler cap - or perhaps even in the driver's handbook.

Do not assume that your current tyres are the correct fitment unless you personally bought the car new.

aggi

Will check it first thing tomorrow. I bought the car when it was 1.5 years old and 25k on the clock:) now I have done another 6k. Guessing those are the ones fitted on the new car but only guessing. Would suit me if it is 205. I would save 160 on the set:)

molerat

Put your reg in here http://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleSelection.do and it will show the size of tyres (and everything else you never wanted to know) fitted at the factory. If it was fitted with 215s then 205s are not really suitable although they are within "acceptable" limits. http://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Tire-Size-Calculator/215-55R16/205-55R16 Ford did move the Focus & CMax over to 215s at some stage but most tyre finders still state 205.

aggi

Checked the sticker info today and both sizes are there and one more for r17. After taking all in was told by my hubby that we will go for the 215s because of the safety. But now I learned something new. Thank you for all the help.

Strider590

Why 215 for safety?

force_ten

I would say the two sizes are 215/55/16 and 205/50/16

and if the door pillar says both sizes will fit your car then there is no problem fitting either

Iceweasel

force_ten wrote: »

I would say the two sizes are 215/55/16 and 205/50/16

and if the door pillar says both sizes will fit your car then there is no problem fitting either

That can't be right surely - the two sizes would more likely be 215/50 17 or 205/55 16.

But I agree if both sizes are listed then either will be perfectly acceptable - unless you intend doing track days.

aggi

The sizes are : 215/55r16 and 205/55r16.
We think that the wider one will give a fully loaded focus more grip on wintery road in Germany.
Tried to find proof online how much safer they are but failed.
Just hope it is worth extra £160

neilmcl

aggi wrote: »

The sizes are : 215/55r16 and 205/55r16.
We think that the wider one will give a fully loaded focus more grip on wintery road in Germany.
Tried to find proof online how much safer they are but failed.
Just hope it is worth extra £160

205/55 16s are the most common size for 16" wheels and therefore will be cheaper. If they are your manufacturer's recommended size then I'd stick with those. Are far as safety is concerned, if anything I'd say the narrower tyre will be safer, although I very much doubt there's anything in it.