Can 185 Tires Be Replaced with 195 Tires?
3 Answers
185 tires can be replaced with 195 tires. Below is relevant knowledge about tires: Precautions for increasing tire width: The width of the tire can be increased within an appropriate range. However, it is important to note that after increasing the tire width, the outer diameter of the tire should remain consistent with or close to the original specifications. For example, if you want to change a 185/60/15 tire to a 195 width, you can replace it with a 195/55/15. Factors determining tire width: The suitable tire width for a wheel is determined by the J value (wheel width), which refers to the distance between the flanges on both sides of the wheel. For instance, a J value of 7.5J can accommodate 225 tires, and so can an 8.0J. However, the most crucial factor is whether the outer diameter error range of the tire is within 3%.
Changing tires is something that really requires caution. I tried switching from 185 to 195, which is 10mm wider, and indeed the grip improved with better stability in corners. However, the wheel rims might not be compatible. Original 185 rims are usually narrower, and forcibly installing 195 tires can cause severe wear on the tire edges, increasing the risk of a blowout at high speeds. Additionally, the tire diameter might slightly increase, making the speedometer inaccurate—what shows as 80 km/h could actually be 85 km/h, leading to potential speeding tickets. Fuel consumption may also rise slightly due to increased rolling resistance from the larger contact area. I recommend checking the vehicle's manual specifications or consulting a professional shop to assess rim width compatibility. Safety first—don't cut corners by experimenting on your own.
I'm into car modifications myself, and tire swapping is a frequent research topic. Upgrading from 185 to 195 is quite common—better grip and improved safety in wet conditions. But don't overlook the details: rim width must be compatible. A 195 tire typically requires a rim at least 6 inches wide. If the original rims aren't wide enough, the tire may bulge and age faster. Speedometer discrepancies are another issue; it's best to recalibrate after the swap to avoid potential fines. Expect a roughly 5% increase in fuel consumption, especially noticeable in city traffic. Before making changes, check local regulations and insurance policy restrictions. While daily driving performance does improve, don't sacrifice safety for aesthetics—test drive a few kilometers first to check stability.
