1995 Ford Escort LX - Tires

[scotian]

I have a 1995 Ford Escort LX Wagon...the factory tire size would be
175/65-14...I have been using 175-70-14 for a couple of years now and need new tires. I just picked up 4 Michelin 185/70-14 for $50 Canadian and was wondering if anyone knows if it will fit on my car? Will it be too tight of a fit? Rub on the struts???

Any information would really be appreciated...I know one way to find out is by trying one on but it's not something I can do myself so would have to pay for it to be done and don't want to do that unless I know for sure they will fit. My mechanic says it's a tight fit but thinks it "may" work but he's not sure...he claims there's a 50-50 chance...

Thank you kindly!

[GTP Dad]

The 185 width is an optional size for this vehicle. The tire is only 5 mm larger in diameter and should not be a problem with it hitting anything. The only problem you may have is with the speedometer may be off slightly due to the larger diameter tires. Put them on and go driving. I put 185/75 tires on one designed for 70 series and had absolutely no problems whatsoever.
Good Luck!

[scotian]

Thank you so much for your prompt response GPT Dad...by throwing the speedometer out of whack, would you mean it would say that I'm going faster than I actually am or slower than I actually am? And how big of a difference would it be would you know? I will call my mechanic tomorrow with the message you posted and see what he has to say I really appreciate your help

Have a great evening

[GTP Dad]

Because the tire is larger in diameter, the speedometer will probably record a little slower. But I would guage it on some mile markers to make sure. The change could be one to two miles per hour but once again it is hard to say without checking first. Good Luck!

[scotian]

Just talked to my mechanic and he says that I'm going up by "two" sizes and that they work together...so now I'm all confused...the factory tire for it is 175/65-14 and I'm going up to 185 and then to 70 so he claims that's two sizes up...I am SO clueless

[GTP Dad]

He is talking about going up in both width and height of the tire. Technically this two sizes not one. But the tire is getting slightly wider and slightly taller that is all. You would have more problems getting the tire to fit if you went with down to a 60 series tire instead of the 65 series. There are a lot of mechanics that are afraid to try different size tires on a car because they are afraid that it will cause problems. I knew a lady that a tire shop refused to put 75 series tires on her blazer until she talked to the right guy. He said the tires would fit with no problem. She put them on and has had no problems with the vehicle. The only thing I can say is to try them out. You can check clearance on the tires by removing one of you current tires and placing it next to the new one. Look at the size difference and see how much taller the tire actually is. Center it over the hub and see how much clearance you actually have. If it is too little then don't buy the tires, if not then the tires should fit. Remember they will be taller before mounting than they will be mounted. Ultimately it is your decision. Hope this helps to clear thing up for you.

[scotian]

Thank you kindly The tires won't fit...they are too tall and it'll rub against the frame of the car

I ordered 4 new tires today...$307 for 4 all season tires, balanced, installed, car allignment in the front and taxes...I had no choice...they said it's a size that's hard to find...

I bought the 4 tires for nothing but the man we bought them from said they would fit my car...oh well, what's $50 eh???

Thanks so much for all your help Have a good night!