Questions and Answers
Ford Focus Tire Swap
Q. Hi, In our country Ford Focus vehicles are being sold in two trim levels: Comfort and Ghia. The engine specifications and exterior/interior dimensions are the same for both. However, Comfort models lack of some extra accessories and equipment which are offered with Ghia models; Ghia models represent a higher level of luxury.
Mine is a Comfort and has a labeling of 185/65-14 on the sidewalls of its tires. Ghias enjoy a tire and wheel size of 195/60-15.
I want to replace my original Michelin energy tires with new Bridgestone Potenzas of size 195/55 (or 60)-15. By doing so I aim to increase the handling and road grip of my car on dry weathers.
Do you recommend such a change? Can this modification have weird effects on frontal mechanics of my car, braking distance, fuel consumption, etc? Can I get what I intend to get with this change? (i.e., an increase in the road holding, cornering capabilities of the car)
Many thanks and best regards from Turkey.
CuneytA. Since the cars are virtually identical, I don't see any problems with doing what you want to do. You should have the clearance between the tires and front end components. The only thing that would be effected would be your speedometer. Since the speedometer is calibrated for 185/65-14's your speedometer will read low. In other words you will be going faster than the speedometer says you are.
As to whether the benefits justify the cost, I don't know. The amount of handling improvement depends on the geometry of the car, but in general it will improve the handling of the car.
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