New Tires

Hello group:
My civic needs new tires. It takes 185/65-14 but I'd like a wider tire, like
195/65-14 (it is about 1% faster). What are the advantages and disadvantages
I will face? I imagine one is lost of fuel efficiency, but how bad? Other is
that the odometer will mark less miles/speed than the actual, but I don't
care about that. I hate the way this little tires look.
Thanks

 

Going just one cm wider won't be a problem at all. You'll get more grip,
fuel economy isn't gonna be that much worse, at least not noticeable, since
tire profile and tire compound are far more important. Some manufacturers
have "economy" or "green" tires, but they are usually more expensive, so
you'll have to do the math on how much you gonna save on fuel.
The speedo will mark wrong, but since tires do wear, that is allways the
case.
I did just the same on my 1994 Accord, and the grip was better, especially
in the wet. Fuel consumption was even better, as usual with new tires.

K.

 

Albert,
In addition to the issues you have already identified, you could in theory
get some hydroplaning or tire-body interference, although with a change
that small it is unlikely. However, if you want to change the look,
the change you propose won't do it. You probably wouldn't be able to tell
the difference. Going to a larger wheel and lower profile tire wheel
would help, but would run into a lot more money. Check out the Tire Rack
(http://www.tirerack.com/) for some ideas.
Dan

(This account is not used for email.)

 

I ran 195/65R14 on my 98 civic for about a year. When they
were new, they rubbed the inside of the front wheel well,
but after a few months I didn't notice it anymore.

Now I run 195/60R14, and they are a little smaller than
factory, but no rubbing and I still get the extra cm of
rubber on the road.

t

 

I don't advise that you do it. I once done the same thing that you would
like to do and I ran into a major problem. My car was not a Civic so it's
possible that you will not run into this same problem. The problem I am
referring to is the tires hitting against the wheel well or whatever it is
called when you turn the front wheels to the far right or far left. The
tires would make a loud grinding noise when they made contact with the
wheel well. I did not have to pay for new tires but I did have to pay
various fees related having the tires installed on my car.

 

Hi,
I have a 1995 civic hatch. and my summer tires are
205-55-15.I cut about 1/4" off the rear fender inner lip(was rubbing) but
is now fine.I did not really notice a difference in gas(running 13" winters
right now).Good grip on wet surface too(Bridgestone,Potenza).I have a
difference of +10 km/h on my speedometer.If you don't like "littles"tires go
with 15" something like 195-55-15 you wont need to cut.
Good luck and happy new year!