Q: Will putting a different tire size cause my car to shake or my tires to wear out quick and uneven?

asked by on August 14, 2016

I put 205/65/15 tires on my car when the manufacture size is 205/60/16. Will this make my tires wobble or my car to shake and will it make my tires go bad quick?

Uneven tire wear Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Brake Caliper Replacement $222.57 - $1200.97 Get a Quote

Hi there. The engineers that design vehicles do so by making sure each part is precisely sized to match others - so the vehicle operates safe and efficiently. This includes the wheel and tire overall width and circumference. What you’re describing is known as the plus (+1) tire / wheel method. However, in your case, it’s in reverse. Usually the manufacturer will permit the vehicle owner to increase the wheel size (to go from a 16" wheel to 17" wheel), but reduce the aspect ratio by one size (from 65 to 55). This usually equates in having an overall circumference that is within recommended specs. However, since you’ve gone down (-1) tire / wheel size. It could cause premature wear and tear, eventual suspension damage, but also damage to the brake calipers. By decreasing the wheel size, the likelihood of your wheels clipping the brakes while turning has increased from the 16 wheel option. As with any aftermarket "upgrade" - always check with your vehicle manufacturer and follow their recommendations.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does the passenger front air bag light indicate?
Your Altima is equipped with an intelligent system of sensors designed to determine if the passenger front air bag should be on or off. The Air Bag Off Light on your dash tells you the status of the system. Here’s...
Gears slipping.
If your automatic transmission is slipping, either the fluid is low or you have internal transmission problems (failed front pump, faulty pressure regulator, etc.). Even checking transmission fluid can be a difficult task, so this is one best left to...
Getting horrible gas mileage.
When you say you are getting horrible gas mileage, you do not specify how bad. If another shop says it is running ok then it may be OK. If you are getting a drop of more than 2 to 3...
Front wheel jumps and pops loud when give it gas
If the problem did not start happening until you had the axle replaced, then you may have gotten a defective axle. Most replacement axles are new or remanufactured and either one can have a defective joint. I would have the...
Steering wheel resistance at 12 o'clock position
Hi there, thank you for writing about your 2013 Audi S5. Your vehicle has electrically-assisted steering, so your car's power steering module may be causing the steering problems. Audi has a software update for the power steering module - Ref:...
My Pontiac G6 won't crank and wont start
I believe your "no crank" issue is the passlock security system has locked things down because of what it perceived as a "battery swap". If the car restarted after the jump as you indicate, the ECM is probably OK. The...
Truck with P0707 code - 2011 Isuzu NQR
Hello - if you are still getting the P0707 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0707-obd-ii-trouble-code-transmission-range-sensor-circuit-low-input-by-spencer-clayton) code after replacing the range sensor switch, either the new sensor switch is out of adjustment still, or the wiring/connection to that sensor is malfunctioning. I would recommend a transmission...
Audi doesn't start
Jump starting a car made after 1996 can be a very risky business. You can do a lot of expensive damage in the blink of an eye if you hook the cables up incorrectly.That being said, it's possible that the...
SMELL BURN OIL RATTLING SOUND WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH
The odor of burning oil may be due to an oil leak onto a hot engine part such as the exhaust manifold. If the leak is at the valve cover, distributor o-ring (if equipped) or a like point that is...

Related articles

What Components of the Suspension or Steering Systems Are Prone to Fail?
In In automotive usage, the term "suspension" refers to all of the parts that connect the vehicle to the road. Every car, truck, and utility vehicle has a suspension that is designed to do three things: Support the vehicle Absorb...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Dog Trainer
If If you are a dog trainer, you expect a lot from your vehicle. You want a ride that is safe, roomy, and of course, dog friendly, since your training operation will often mean that you need to transport the...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in California in 2012
California California natives are notably environmentally conscious, and this often shows in their choices of vehicles as well. While trucks rarely make it to the top spots, hybrid vehicles are frequently on the list. Though previous years have seen the...