[TRobinson6]

I'm finally getting close to getting the rims and tires (going to match my rims to the white paint).
Sometime ago when I was thinking about this I remember someone telling me the fronts rub sometime but do not have an idea what/when the said it happens......anyone have any input on this?

 

[jimvw57]

mine don't rub....

 

[Miss Mercedes]

If you're going 195/50/15 you won't rub. If you're going 195/55/15 you may rub on highway ramps and maybe exiting parking lots that have slopes.

 

[misfitsailor]

I run 195/50s all around on 5.5" stock rears. No rubbing.

 

[magilly00]

I'm finally getting close to getting the rims and tires (going to match my rims to the white paint).
Sometime ago when I was thinking about this I remember someone telling me the fronts rub sometime but do not have an idea what/when the said it happens......anyone have any input on this?

185/60 R15 could rub a small amount on rare ocassions, but not bad at all.

 

[albertlastsmart]

15x6 wheels and 195-50-15 tires............

On my 2008 Passion I ran 4 Rial 15x6 wheels and 195-50-15 tires for 4 years. No problems with rubbing under any sort of
situation.No problems with ESP,ABS or any of the many electronic"nannies"on our cars. Many advantages to larger/same size
wheels. Actual front-to-back cross rotation.better ride,better braking,better turning,better traction. The smart should have
come with 15x6 wheels as O.E.M............................

 

[Shoehorn]

Try 195/45-15 toyo T1R is a good tire, and they’re $60 ea at tire rack.

My car is very low, and I clear on those with Rial LeMans 15x6 rears wheels all around, Panamax flares and spacers 33mm front/ 55mm rear.

Obviously, running such a small tire will effect your speedometer.

 

[TRobinson6]

well, I have had the tires on for two weeks now and have given them a good work out doing Ubereats. And I must say I am disappointed in the size of tires. I haven't rubbed yet but what I have noticed is that the car handles mushy. By that I mean for instance in cross winds the car DOES NOT correct as quickly as the stock tires did, it's like driving with very under inflated tires even tho all of them have 36 psi now. The tires are Kumoho.

Anyone have any input or ideas.

 

[misfitsailor]

No matter how it feels, your tires are overinflated. They will handle, ride and wear badly at those pressures. When you go to wider tires you have to reduce the pressures. Try 26 front and 28 or 29 rear. Really. This assumes you are running 195/50-R15 on at least 5.5 rims all around.

 

[TRobinson6]

the rims are 451 rears 5.5 inches wide so the tires fit fine. someone referred to the car feeling like it is on rails. Strange, mine does not handle like that, in fact I think the stock tires handled better. The best way I can describe how it handles (at 36psi) is a hard cross wind or riding on a road that has had the rain grooves cut in the pavement. I constantly have to correct more so than with the stock tires. I like the ride better if it wasn't for the quirkness of the tires. Could it be the Kumoho tires?

 

[jwight]

See post #9 .....

 

[Shoehorn]

I run 195/45-15 on 6” Rial Lemans 4x rears @ 40psi. It works well for me, but that pressure won’t handle well on stock springs. I can’t fit anything bigger than that diameter. Lowered too much.

 

[Shoehorn]

Just realized I already commented on this one. About the same info. Didn’t realize it was an old post.