My stock 185/55-16's are almost gone (09 sport at 23K milrs) and I want something to provide more road height and rubber. I'm aware of the percentage difference and increase...will I encounter any clearance issues? No off-road driving, just regualr payment. Any other issues to consider? Any alternate sizes? I don't want to go with 205/50-16's because that's a lower profile tire. Thanks

 

205/50 isn't a lower profile tire, It's just wider. go with the 205/50/16.
185/55 has a sidewall of 101.75mm while a 205/50 has a sidewall height of 102.5mm

~SB

 

I understand...its lower in terms of its ratio, but essentially the same height as the stock tires.

Does anyone run the 205/55 size??

 

We love the 205/50-16 Continentals we put on our Fit. They're a few centimeters wider than stock, with the same-size sidewall and overall diameter. Our speedo is right on according to our GPS. The road feel and turn-in are better, and stability at highway speeds is improved.

There aren't a whole lot of choices in 205/55-16. There are many more in 205/50-16. Plus if you ever need a replacement, the 50-series tires are far more widely stocked.

 

I ran a taller tire for my snows (about 1/4 - 1/2" taller) and had no problems but I was also running a 185 in width. I'm not quite sure why you want to run a taller tire than stock. I did it due to Cost, Availability, and the fact that here in VT, a taller snow tire can be a little bit of a benefit. (everyone has their own reasons, I'm just curious)

If you do opt for a taller tire, take weight into consideration as it will be heavier than a 205/50. also a 205/50 is already a tiny bit taller than a 185/55 stock tire.

~SB

 

I would like to get these size tires as well. More OD usually equates to a smoother ride...

 

Which is the better choice for a 16x7- offset 43 Rims?

205/40/16
215/40/16
195/40/16

MPG ?
STABILITY/SMOOTHER RIDE ?
ROAD FEEL and TURNS?
LOOKS ?

(I might lower the car)

2011 Sport M/T

Thanks

 

40 is too low of a profile for the 16" wheels on the FIT. 205/50 is the right wheel to keep the speedo/odo calibrated. dropping to a 205/40, let alone a 195/40 will throw your speedometer off by quite a bit. 215/40 is still smaller than stock sidewall height. going to a 40 would give you a harsher ride and a greater chance of damaging a rim on a pothole. 205/50 is the best balance of stability/performance, economy (215 will hurt economy), and give you the option to lower at a later point.

205/40 I think would work if they were 17" wheels.

Search for the "miata.net tire calculator" and you'll see what sizes will work.

~SB

 

Several reasons...being the "sport" model, the car's grill is quite low, and its easy to scrape the road on any inclines. We didn't have the car for more than 3 minutes that as we pulled into a shopping center I heard a scrape. Also, driving on the stock tires is like driving on gravel. Besides the stock tires being total crap, the low profile nature of the tire (185/55-16) results in a rough ride. So, those two factors are driving me to find a better solution to the stock tire size. For the life of me I can't understand why anyone would want to lower a stock Fit, but to each their own.

I'm thinking of going to a 195/55-16 which is only a slight marginal increase in overall tire height. In reviewing posts I came accross a few that went with 205/55 but seem to have some rubbing instances. Overall they seemed to be pleased with the ride, but I don't want to purchase $400 worth of tires only to find out problems. Honda really screwed the public with this stock tire size...larger sizes have more options and cost less. I'm not a fan of the 205/50-16 tire size option vs the 195/55-16 size. I would rather have a slightly taller tire with a smaller width profile compared to the 205/50.

 

tirerack also recommends this tire size for 16, just wanted to know
about the other options. Will soon buy this tire size.
Thanks again.

 

40's would be way too harsh of a ride i would think. Plus is would have to be dropped to look decent. Stock ride height they need more side wall.

 

Very small differences between these two sizes. I was considering the 195/55 size also before I checked and found the weight to be identical to 205/50 (where 185/55 are 2 lbs less). Also less selection than 205/50 and prices are at least 10% higher.

_

 

Somebody here is running this size. Here is his thread.

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...hydroedge.html

 

any suggestions for the lightest 205/50/16 tire brand?

 

Continental Extreme Contact DWS are 19 lbs (best rated all season but slightly pricey)
Hankook Ventus V4 ES are 20 lbs (best bang for the buck but snow/ice rating is bad)
Many other 205/50 are 22 lbs
Stock 185/55 are 18 lbs

_

 

i do and im lowered. runs great.

 

Curious. Why would you lower your suspension and then run tires that are nearly 1" taller than stock? Kinda defeats the purpose doesn't it?

_

 

What does this mean...I do...do what? Do you run 205/55-16's? No problems, and your Fit is even lowered? No interference issue? Please tell me more...thanks

 

Thread title is: "Can I use 205/55-16"
His answer to that is: "I do and..."
clear to me

_

 

Glad it is, but not to me. Most comments are aimed at other internal comments that have been stated, rather than the subject of the thread, so I would like to be clear. Plus I'm confused as to how someone can use larger profile tires with a lowered Fit. I hope he/she responds directly.

Iamnotketo, are you out there????