performance: tire sizes versus miles per gallon/handling

[camtoy3]

Hello, my toyota camry 1997 comes with tires size 14 (as in
195-70R/14) and I will need to replace them by winter's time.
I have the standard no-frills metal rims with plastic covers
which are nothing impressive really, just average looks.
Should I replace tires with same size as originally shipped? or
should I increase the rim/size of tires?

There are some wheel/tires combo packages for good prices
which I would like to consider, however there is the
quirk of 14" versus 15", 16" 17" offerings with prices
increasing as the rim sizes increase and with tires
more expensive to replace 50k miles from now as the
rim size is increase as well. So, what is your take
on potential performance improvements/decreases (ie., better/worse gas mileage, better/worse handling) by increasing the rim/tire sizes,
and/or other reasons to increase sizes other than the cosmetic appeal.

Also, does the suspension need to be replaced/upgraded/re-tuned(how?) if installing bigger tires/rims? Best regards.

[Nathan4286]

i have a 96 camry, got 17 ICW's... they run great and look good...If you are worried about prices,
I would go with the same size, you will get more miles on the tires...My 17's have the same gas milage, and handles better. I have some work done to my suspension though. My 17 tires will go for about 25,000 miles before i have to get a new set.
17 tires are about 200 $'s a tire. I hope this helps.

[Vroom2]

I recommend checking out www.tires.com. Even if you don't buy from them, their tutorial on "plus sizing" is great. You definitely gain better handling by going to a larger diameter and wider rim. The only mileage hit would come with a significantly wider tire, which affects the size of the contact patch, and therefore the amount of friction.

I'm running 17's on my Camry and went with Yokohama YK-420 tires. The treadlife is quite good - easily 40k miles per set.

It all comes down to priorities. Is handling important? Looks? Is the investment worth it to you? (Obviously, the cheapest way out would be to buy a good set of tires in the same size you're currently running.)

Good luck and please keep us posted.

Take care,
Jerry