2008 Ford Focus new tires

[HydroJim]

My mom is looking for new tires for her Ford Focus. Currently has 36000 miles. Stock tires are dry rotted although a good bit of tread remains. The stock tire size is 205/50R16.

I'm thinking of going with 205/60R16. I'm not the one who drives it so I don't want any adverse effects on handling or safety. The exact tires I'm looking at are Yokohoma AVID ASCEND in aforementioned size.

Does anyone know if the different tire size will adversely affect any of the car's systems? i know the speedometer will be off but that's ok.

One thing is for sure though. MPG should go way up.

[roosterk0031]

If I was going to pick tires for my mom, I'd go Nokia WRG2 or 3 or Michelin Xice3. Both LLR, winter rated tires and with 40 or 50,000 mile warranty so can be used year round.

205 seems wide for a Focus IMO, I'd go down to 195x55 0.3" larger diameter than stock. Narrower tires are cheaper to, $13 less per tire in the Michelins, $6 less for the Nokians. Just noticed that the Mich are directional, I'd go with Nokians.

[mcrews]

If the stock tire is a 50 then a 60 won't be to wide. If can go up to 5% larger diameter you wll see a better mpg!
On my q45 I didn't really notice any difference in upsizing. On the Kia sportage the car seemed to ride better. IMHO the stock tire was to small

[mcrews]

If the stock tire is a 50 then a 60 won't be to wide. If can go up to 5% larger diameter you wll see a better mpg!
On my q45 I didn't really notice any difference in upsizing. On the Kia sportage the car seemed to ride better. IMHO the stock tire was to small