Tire size with metro wheels

[Eaglefreek]

Before some of you jump down my throat ,I have spent too much time searching with not a whole lot of info found. If I put in tires sizes such as 155/80/13 nothing comes up. So go punch a wall before you decide to post and tell me to search. :tongue: I was having a hard time finding 155/80/12 locally. I found some for $348 installed, but to me that is insane for little 12" tires. I went and bought some 13" Metro wheels. The junkyards around here are horrible and I paid way too much for them but thought 13's would be easier to find, was I wrong. 165/70/13 seem to be about the same size as the stock ones but are impossible to find around here. I just want some affordable tires that if I have a problem while traveling in another state and have a tire problem I don't want to have to wait a couple days to get a replacement. Anybody use 155/80/13 without problems? They seem to be about an inch taller but available at Walmart.

[bhazard]

155/80 is more like two inches taller than stock and will make your car noticeably sluggish. 175/70's are a bit shorter and handle better. 165/65 is ideal but hard to find. Same for 175/60. 175/50 is easier to fi d but shorter than stock. Go for those if you want a boost in acceleration and handling.

[Eaglefreek]

Just want new tires that don't bounce down the road like the old ones I have now. After doing some more searching I just found out 145/80/12 is stock and not the 155/80/12 I have on there now. MPG is my major concern. It handles just fine with what's on there. I'm worried going with a wider tire will sacrifice MPGs.

[Darlo]

Yes, going with a wider tire will reduce your MPG!

My mpg with 145's = 48mpg

My mpg with 155's = 44mpg

[bhazard]

That's your experience.

I averaged 47mpg and hit 53 once with 175/70s.

[Eaglefreek]

Just ordered some 145/70/13 from tireeasy.com. Really wanted to find something local since I may be on the road again in a couple days. But can't always get what you want.

[TominMO]

On 155/80x13s, I've gotten hwy MPGs of 52.5 @ 60 MPH, and 58 @ 55 MPH. Taller tires will let your motor spin more slowly. Get 13" rims for better avilability, whatever tires size you end up with. I can often find Metro 13s with good tires at the JY for $16.

[lessersivad]

Just ordered some 145/70/13 from tireeasy.com. Really wanted to find something local since I may be on the road again in a couple days. But can't always get what you want.

I'm a bit late to the party but if you were to check with a local Sears you may find 155/80-13's. I just bought 3 a few weeks ago for $36 ish each out the door. (Not mounted and balanced)

[Eaglefreek]

Walmart has the 155/80/13 for $37 but I was worried they would be too tall. Guess I should have waited for some replies.

[FestYboy]

i run 155/80/13s with no issues and the speedo is near dead on with my Garmin.

[bhazard]

Depends on the driving you do.

[fested]

ran 155/80/13 winters all season, no issues. Never stuck in the snow either.

[ericsmith32]

Run 155/80's on both my cars without issues. Just picked 4 Escort wheels and 155/80's for the Aspire for a little more than I would of paid new. 2 almost tires the other 2 slightly wore. 155/80's are easy to find at the PNP's. I'm going to start stocking up.

[econoaddict]

I am currently running 185/70R13's the extra height is great if you do alot of highway driving. I have lowered my cruise rpm and getting better mpg at the moment.
Speedo is slow by about 4ish mph, just using the gps for speed and miles traveled per tank. I can't say it seems more sluggish as mentioned, at least not that I can notice.
I have ran 155/80 , 175/70 , 165/80 had no issues with any of them.

[blkfordsedan]

Just want new tires that don't bounce down the road like the old ones I have now. After doing some more searching I just found out 145/80/12 is stock and not the 155/80/12 I have on there now. MPG is my major concern. It handles just fine with what's on there. I'm worried going with a wider tire will sacrifice MPGs.

Stock sizes were 145/80R12 and 165/70R12 on the factory alloys, IIRC.
The 155/80R12 was a common aftermarket size that covers both applications. I went to 175/50R13's on mine, which are closer to the original 145/80R12 in height, and actually picked up a couple MPG's. Plus, they handle awesome and I got back some acceleration. The ride is a little "firmer", but then I also have FMS springs.