What is the Pros and Cons of using a bigger series tire? (I'm going from 50 to 55 series)?

Question

I thought my Little Hyundai used only 50 series tires. So that's what I have on. I'm in need of new tires and now I want 55 series. what are the pros and cons of using a thicker tire?

Answer 1

It would have been useful to know what year/model of Hyundai to answer this question properly.

Looking it up in my reference guide only the Tiburon come with a 55 aspect ratio tire and NO Hyundai models come with a 50 aspect ratio tire so you should be using 55's. Depending on the year it will either be P195/55R15 84V, P195/55R16 86V or P205/55R16 89V. Switching to a lower profile tire will adversely affect ride quality, susceptibility to road hazard damage, speedometer and odometer readings and possibly (depending size chosen) reduce the load carrying capacity of your tires.

Refer to your owners manual or the door placard for proper size and inflation information and stick to that. There's a reason Hyundai put the size tires they did on the car.

ASE Certified Automotive Service Advisor with 5 years experience in the tire industry

Answer 2

to make them look better, what you'll want to do is get bigger wheels, and a smaller series tire. (low profile tire) such as 40 or 45

If you match it properly the overall diameter won't change.
A car will usually handle better with lower profile tires. but will have a slightly more harsh ride.

If you just buy bigger tires, it will alter your acceleration (less) and your gas mileage...possibly better or worse.

Worst case scenario is that the wheels no longer fit properly in the wheel well. and rub on the fender when you hit a bump and the suspension compresses. This is not too good. But going from 50 to 55 probably wouldnt make much difference.

Bigger diameter gives you a little more grip though.

You can also try wider tires.... more grip = better cornering and braking. but a bit more drag for worse gas mileage. Wider tires tend to look better than thin ones.

Answer 3

You mean a taller profile tire. You can usually find a tire that's up or down in profile. The taller tire will drop your gear ratio and you won't be reving the engine quite as much. which may help your gas mileage on the highway.You might get a little more body roll., but if you buy good tires you won't notice it. People are doing all sorts of things with tires and wheels. if it fits and is not too out of specs you will get a little more miles out of the 55 series tires as they will not be turning as many revolutions per mile. so your speedometer will be off a couple miles per hour.

Answer 4

The number you are referring to compares the height of the tire to the width. Meaning a 50 series is wider than the 55 assuming all other factors the same.

Answer 5

Pros:- It will make the car look better.
Cons:- Increased road resistance (Higher fuel costs) Increased resistance to steering when parking. Increased wear to steering components. More likely to slide on snow and water.

Answer 6

Pros-looks cool Cons-- more drag, less miles per gallon.

Answer 7

bigger tires look better but your giving up mileage the bigger the tire the more gas you use and the less miles you get