Largest tire for an '05 Focus ZX3

[pete c]

My son's Focus is in need of new shoes.

Currently has stock tires. ! think they are 195/60/15.

Has anyone gone with a larger diameter tire? What is the largest you can get away with. This car is extremely easy to launch and it'll lug around in 5th at 30 mph easily as well. So I am not concerned with gearing being a problem.

[CapriRacer]

There doesn't appear to be anyone who can tell you DEFINITIVELY what will fit under the fenders of any of the literally hundreds of makes and models of cars produced over the years.

HOWEVER, my experience says you can usually get away with going up 2 sizes.

AND my experience says that it is more important the exact make and model of tire than the size. Rolling resistance varies quite a bit between makes and models of tires and can completely negate any benefits that might be achieved by changing rolling diameter.

Unfortunately, no one has published a comprehensive list of RR by make and model of tire - and the US government isn't supposed to get the process started until August of this year.

[19bonestock88]

I can say that I’m running a 205/65-15 on my Saturn Ion, which also came factory with 195/60 tires... I’m also lowered 2” and they don’t rub... that’s like 5.3% taller?

[pete c]

Thanks, bone. That is probably the size i was gonna go with. Any recommendation?

[19bonestock88]

I’m currently running Hankook Kinergy ST, at 55psi and they seem fine so far. After broken in they have been getting me some decent mileage even with some far sub optimal driving. The red blooded car enthusiast in me wants some better grip at the limit and maybe better wet grip but they’re plenty workable and I chose them because they’re lighter than pretty much anything in its size which should negate some of the weight penalty of going to a bigger tire...