Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Will it look right?

A 205/55 tire may appear to be wider than a 205/60 tire but overall it is not. The 205 part is the overall width of the tire, not the tread. The tread will vary from about 180-200 mm (for a 205 tire) in width depending on manufacturer and construction. A lower profile/higher speed rated tire can be made with a wider tread due to reinforcing of the sidewalls. When buying performance tires always look at the manufacturers specs for tread width as it can vary up to an inch for identically sized tires. After all, contact patch is everything.