GBPackers

So my '00 Platinum Edition ES300 needs new additions to her feet and I'm a little under-experienced on this front to handle my concerns. 2 Things:

1) The specs on my car door say tire size "205/60R16, 205/65R15." I imagine that both sizes work just fine, but all things considered I'm unsure of these things and want to put on the best size for the function my car. Specifically, I'm in Colorado (extreme weather) and regularly drive in the mountains (esp. in winter), so I want all-time snow tires, but also want to have a more stylish, low-pro look. Size, style, model suggestions?

2) An issue I've been dealing with for ~4 years, really since my last set of new tires, is my tires loosing air. Local tire shops say my platinum ed. rims "are notorious for leaking air," which I guess I believe, but no solution has ever been proposed and I'm wondering if anyone else has heard/experienced this before or if the 205 60R16 size tires I've been running might be the cause of this.

Thanks

mdbrown

I highly doubt the wheels are known for leaking, if they were Toyota would've done something about it. Now they can lose up to 10 psi per month if not checked. As for tire size, I'm guessing the Millenium Edition comes with 16" wheels which means the 205/60r16 tires are your choice. Get some Blizzak tires. If you want low profile you'll have to move to either a 17" or 18" wheel. I plan to move to a 17" wheel and 215/50r17 tires.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

You don't want to have low profile snow tires. It defeats their purpose. Low profile is more expensive to replace and it's easier to damage - especially during winter when the roads are full of pot holes. Most people go a size smaller when they buy a set of winter wheels.

You also don't want to use your Platinum Edition wheels during winter when there is lots of salt that can corrode the finish. Those wheels are very rare and if I were you, I would keep them for the warmer months.

Winter tires should not be used when it's warmer than 40 degrees (F).

PFB

Its best to stick to the Wheel/Tire size that your car came with, as the speedometer was factory calibrated to that specific wheel/tire size combination.

Changing wheel/tire sizes will throw the speedometer off somewhat.

mdbrown

Yes and no. If you keep the rolling diameter the same (referred to as plus 1 and plus 2 fitments) then the speedometer remains accurate. It's when you get away from the stock rolling diameter than problems can occur.