Tyres 215 vs 205

[Deleted User]

I ordered 2 x Avon ZV7 in size 215/55/R16 97W online from ATS. Went this morning for fitting and they claimed I had ordered the wrong size tyres even though every tyre checker out there recommends 215/55, they said it happens sometimes and that I should have 205/55. Luckily he said, we have the 205/55's in stock and he fitted those.

Could I have still had the 215/55's which I originally ordered and wanted? What I don't like what's happened is the tyre label rating on the 205's is only an E for fuel economy where as the 215's was a C. Also the speed rating is only 91V.

He did refund the price difference but that was only because I paid for wheel alignment too so it was just deducted off that.

oldagetraveller1

What tyre size is in your car's handbook? e.g. car manufacturers recommendation. What was on there previously, 205 or 215?

That would have guided me.

[Deleted User]

205 already on but that's not proof as they were fitted by previous owner who might have ran into same problem.

Sea_Shell

Wouldn't the size of the wheel dictate what width tyre can be fitted?

Distance between wheel rims?

fred246

I would be more worried about the load rating. 97 is a reinforced tyre for heavier cars. 91 is lower.

AdrianC

91 load rating is 615kg/tyre, 1230kg/end
97 load rating is 730kg/tyre, 1460kg/end
Look at your VIN plate, and see whether either the 1 or 2 figure exceeds 1230kg. If so, then those 91 tyres are not suitable for your vehicle.

V is speed rated for 149mph, W is 168mph. Is this an issue...?

I really wouldn't get excited about the fuel economy rating on the tyre - that'll make a minimal difference in practice, far smaller than simply improving your driving patterns or style.

Does the tyre pressure label on your car give tyre sizes? Are 205/55 or 215/55 on there, or both?

Sea_Shell said:

Wouldn't the size of the wheel dictate what width tyre can be fitted?

It's only 10mm. I doubt the tyre is so borderline for the rim that that makes a difference.
205/55 16 is suitable for 5.5" to 7.5" rims, 215 for 6" to 7.5". The rim width will be cast into the wheel somewhere.

There's 5.5mm in sidewall height difference between them, less than the difference between full tread and worn out, and probably less than the difference between different brands of the same nominal size.

Sea_Shell

Thanks Adrian, that makes sense that there is some overlap.

Everyday's a school day. 😁

AdrianC

Sea_Shell said:

Thanks Adrian, that makes sense that there is some overlap.

Everyday's a school day. 😁

Have a play with this, to see what'll fit on what.
https://www.tyresizecalculator.com/tyre-wheel-calculators/wheel-rim-size-calculator

Scrapit

What does the manufacturer say you should have and therefore the insurers expect you to have?

molerat

What car ?  Ford, as they seem to switch around between the two ?  My last car showed 205s on most of the checkers but it came with 215s from the factory.

Grabs39

The issue would be with changing two.  215s and 205s could normally be swapped but you’d want all four to be the same size.

Has someone in the past put on 205s (they’re often cheaper) instead of 215s which could cause the issue with online checkers?