Q: Correct tire size for Saturn SL2 ???

[ToyotaNSaturn]

I'd post this at Saturnfans, but their database is having issues.

96 Saturn SL2, is this the correct factory-spec for tire size with steel rims: 185/65-15 ?

 

[Quattro Pete]

According to TireRack - yes.

BTW, this thread belongs in the Wheel&Tire forum.

 

[eljefino]

The older ones were 195/60/15s. I guess you got a newer one.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

They put 195's on there about 3 1/2 years ago. Time for new tires. I just want to get it right this time. I'm NOT going back to the shop that did the work before, even though I like the tire I purchased.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Moderator: please move to correct forum....

 

[Quattro Pete]

195/60/15 is a good "plus zero" size for it though. Better for more lateral grip. For casual hwy cruising, it probably just adds to rolling resistance though. Anyway, not a big enough difference to clearly notice it.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

I wonder how much much error the speedometer was showing given they put 195's on the car when the speedo is calibrated for 185's ??

 

[The Critic]

I put P185/65R15 Michelin Hydroedge tires on my '96 Saturn SL2. They ran $500 out-the-door for the entire set, installed from Sam's Club.

 

[eljefino]

I'm running 3 195/60/15s and one 185/65/15 (on the rear) on my 95 SW1 spec'd for 175/70/14s.

The speedo is fine, it's about one MPH too fast at 40 MPH, typical "don't blame me for your tickets" calibration.

Really I think Saturn set up one speedometer calibration and all tire diameters of all years are close enough. SC1s and late production run SL1s had 14 or 15 inch options so I doubt it's even a SOHC/DOHC thing.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

says a 1% difference between the two 15 inch sizes.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Thanks guys for your posts! I just bought a set of the 185/65/15 Turanza LS-T's from TireRack. 80K tires, great adhesion wet or dry and fairly quiet...hard to beat.

This is the set of 195's I have now, but they're at 77K now. I'm sure these tires could have gone longer, but the struts are shot, prematurely wearing the current ones.