Tire Sizes

[InsightfulBob]

I searched but couldn't quite find what I was looking for. How much variation in tire size can there be on stock rims? In essence, how narrow-wide can the width be and how low-high can the aspect ratio be? Also, What is the outside diameter of the stock tires and what combinations of width and aspect ratio can I use to achieve the same diameter.

Also any recomendations for good tires out there would be appreciated?

[Armin]

Look at the datasheet for the tire you are interested in. It will specify the nominal rim width (sometimes called "measuring"), along with allowable range.

e.g. Nokian Nre 145/80R13: measuring: 4, approved: 3.5 - 5

[Armin]

Originally Posted by InsightfulBob

Also any recomendations for good tires out there would be appreciated?

Forgot this part:
Summer: stick with OEM. Nothing else available in US
Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 2 (if you want studdable) or RSi if you don't want studs. Get the 145/80R13 size with 13" civic steel rims. Better snow traction than 165 tires and less of a mileage hit.

[Guillermo]

OEM Insight tires are 165/65R14 Bridgestone RE92 and they have a diameter of 22.5 inches (of the top of my head because i'm a tire nerd).
These tires actually cause the speedometer to read 2% faster then reality.

185/60R14 tires actually increases the accuracy of your speedometer and odometer etc..

195/60R14 are a little bigger again but they fit without any problems.
195/55R14 tires have the same diameter as the OEM tires and fit great.

These are the best sizes for summer performance tires that fit well on an Insight.

[rone]

I just put 4 of these on. Mileage is down, but too early to tell how much - but seems that its 5% to 10%. I've heard that can improve with time.

Also, there is a noticable hit on acceleration. The car used to have some snap between about 15mph & 50mph. Now, no snap. But there is still plenty of acceleration.

However, IMO, the up side more than makes up for these issues. I selected the tires seeking a quieter and more stable ride. The reduced noise level is striking! Previously very noisy freeway rides are now quite acceptable.

And the handling is so much better! No more tracking - none! And the car drives great now! Its a road hugging sports car now. Much more fun and stable and safe.

The original tires were not a safe or friendly (noise) compromise in this car. I appreciate the milage boost and how they made the car clearly better for mileage than the Prius (or anything else!). But I think Honda missed the mark by making the car a poor ride with the RE-92s.

Still, too much body lean. Maybe try to fix that next.

[HafNHaf]

4 of what? did i miss something?

[Willie Williford]

Yes you did. Looks like ypu were "scanning" or speed reading and not just "reading". Look right next to his posting time (Posting Subject.)

Willie

[HafNHaf]

oops! forgot about the subject line. i never put one in for a reply. silly me...