Can 215 Tires Replaced with 225 Pass the Annual Inspection?

[StFaith]

Replacing 215 tires with 225 will not pass the annual inspection. Here are the relevant details: 1. Reason: Changing from 215 to 225 tires alters the tire specifications, which is considered illegal modification and is prohibited by traffic laws. This is because modifying tire specifications compromises the vehicle's stability, posing safety risks. 2. Tires: Tires are one of the critical components of a car, directly in contact with the road surface. Together with the car's suspension system, they help absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smoothness. They also ensure excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, improving the car's traction, braking, and off-road capability. Additionally, tires bear the weight of the car, and their importance in vehicle performance is increasingly recognized.

[VanTravis]

I changed my car's tire size from 215 to 225, which is a significant width increase. During the annual inspection, the key issue is whether the tire specifications comply with the factory settings. Going from 215 to 225 means the tires are 10mm wider, which is usually considered a minor width increase and may pass inspection. The inspection mainly focuses on tread depth, presence of cracks, and whether the size difference falls within the permitted range. Standards vary by region—urban inspections tend to be more lenient, while highway inspection stations are stricter. Wider tires improve grip but may increase fuel consumption, and ensuring sufficient wheel arch clearance is crucial. My last tire change passed inspection smoothly, but I recommend measuring the actual size change in advance and keeping it within 3% to avoid speedometer deviations, making the inspection more reliable. If the modification is too extensive, it might cause the tires to rub against the inner fender. Inspectors use gauges to measure, and running into issues could be a major hassle.

[DeCharlie]

Whether changing tire size can pass the annual inspection depends on compliance. Switching from 215 to 225 width is theoretically feasible, but you must ensure the vehicle's factory specifications approve such modification. Wider tires may affect suspension load and steering response, with inspectors focusing on safety standards like tire pressure and tread wear. Excessively large sizes violate regulations. To my knowledge, this width increase is acceptable in most regions, though some provinces enforce stricter checks. After replacement, check wheel rim compatibility to avoid imbalance or abnormal noise. It's advisable to consult local DMV or professional shops for real-world testing. From a safety perspective, increased width enhances cornering stability but worsens high-speed wind resistance—weigh the pros and cons carefully. In short, preemptive risk assessment beats post-facto fixes.

[LeEmmett]

When changing from 215 to 225 tires during annual inspection, the focus is mainly on the size variation range. A 10mm width increase is considered a minor change and usually acceptable, but overall compatibility must be ensured. The inspection will verify against registered records - mismatches may cause failure. It's recommended to perform wheel alignment after replacement to ensure proper functioning. Keep tires clean to avoid additional scrutiny.