BHPian jerk_free recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Hi all, There are so many posts and videos on upsizing tires and moving to lower-profile options. My intentions are totally opposite. I plan to downsize. I drive a Honda Elevate with stock Bridgestone Turanza tyres 215/55/R17. Nothing major to complain. I found some Yokohama with 205/70/R15 options. Geolander SUVG055 and some on Continental. There are 215/75/R15 tyres, but they are all off-road or light truck tyres. Why do I want to downsize? 1. Higher sidewall height – which could provide a smoother ride in the City (Bangalore, especially my area, has horrible roads) 2. Lower tyre costs – 17/18 inch tyres are significantly more expensive than 15-inchers. 3. Lower road noise – A higher sidewall can potentially absorb some of the road noise. 4. Thinner tyres – Slightly better fuel economy. 5. Higher side wall – better protection against sidewall damage On the looks department – For some reason, I love the look of Off Roadish higher profile tyres on SUVs like Bolero. I’m totally okay to move to steel rims. Here are my questions 1. OEM recommended tyre sizes are 215/55/R17 and 215/60 R16. Can I downsize to 205/70/R15? (As per tthe yresize calculator, overall circumference doesn’t change. ) 2. Will there be a huge impact on handling? I can live with slightly lower capabilities 3. Braking performance? Considering these tyres will be thinner, will there be a significant decrease in braking performance? 4. Anything else I need to keep in mind? Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
