Tire dimensions

If the tires in my Aerostar are 205/75/R14, being as we know 205 the width of the tire, can I put tires which are 215/75/R14 to replace them ? The concern I have is that a 215 wide tire will not sit on the rim properly and I might have air leaks as I drive. I know I can play with the height (75) and change them to 70 for example, but how much can I go to both sides with the width using the same rims ? Thanks.

Check your decal on drivers door. I believe the original tire size was 215-70-R14 . If you are going to switch from 205-75R14 , you should put on the 215-70R14 which will give you approx the same tire diameter.
and a bit better handling. I would not recommend the 215-75R14.

You are right, the decal says 215/70/R14, and having a greater width and less height than 205/75/R14 which is what I have right now, handling should be better, specially now that winter is coming. Thanks Cougarman.

You are right, the decal says 215/70/R14, and having a greater width and less height than 205/75/R14 which is what I have right now, handling should be better, specially now that winter is coming. Thanks Cougarman.

I put 225/70/14 on mine and it made a world of difference in the vans handling. There aren't alot of tires in this size, I bought mine from www.tirerack.com. They are Kumho Venture ST and I think they were only $40 per tire. Might not be the best for snow, but they've been pretty good tires so far (13k miles)