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Lefty
Well-Known Member
I'm a Cooper user too: very pleased. I'm not a mechanic nor am I a tire salesman, but I learned by trial and error that if you increase the diameter by more than 1", you may notice reduced performance.
You may also have problems storing a spare. I still have the original which is smaller. Still it's not enough of a difference to worry about. You could probably drive on it indefinitely without problems.
You can increase tire width somewhat more to gain more traction. The additional tire weight is not significant. I believe you can go wider, but you can expect reduced mileage. Bottom line for me is 265/70R15. I get about 20% more rubber on the road.
Pictured is my Ford Edge which rides a little higher than stock. The third attachment shows how the wheel looks inside the fender wells. IMO, bigger tends to look a little "stuffy.' Smaller looks a little empty.
Axel wrap is another problem which grows exponentially as traction is improved. I found it noticeable before installing the new tires. I suppose I could have gone full OCD and installed a pricey pair of traction pars. Instead I added these inexpensive (Autozone or Summit Racing) shackles to stiffen the springs. They are pretty good, not perfect. They also help the antisway bars when cornering.
You may also have problems storing a spare. I still have the original which is smaller. Still it's not enough of a difference to worry about. You could probably drive on it indefinitely without problems.
You can increase tire width somewhat more to gain more traction. The additional tire weight is not significant. I believe you can go wider, but you can expect reduced mileage. Bottom line for me is 265/70R15. I get about 20% more rubber on the road.
Pictured is my Ford Edge which rides a little higher than stock. The third attachment shows how the wheel looks inside the fender wells. IMO, bigger tends to look a little "stuffy.' Smaller looks a little empty.
Axel wrap is another problem which grows exponentially as traction is improved. I found it noticeable before installing the new tires. I suppose I could have gone full OCD and installed a pricey pair of traction pars. Instead I added these inexpensive (Autozone or Summit Racing) shackles to stiffen the springs. They are pretty good, not perfect. They also help the antisway bars when cornering.
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