I have 215/70/15 tires and they are a bit narrow for my taste. I've seen 215/60/15 tires on other cars and they seem considerably wider. Is it just an illusion or is it a differance between the 70 series and 60 series or does wheel width make any differance. Thanks

 

Probably a little of both. The "squattier" 60 series will tend to look wider because of its proportions. And tire section width varies with wheel width, by about 40% of the change in wheel width. IOW, if you have a tire that truly does measure 215mm (8.46") on 6.5" wide wheels, it would measure 8.86" wide (or 225mm) if mounted on 7.5" wide wheels instead.

So if the 215/70's are on 6" or maybe 6.5" and the 215/60's are on 7" or 7.5" . . .


Norm

 

Comparing the two sizes you mentioned, the width would both be ~8.5". The only variable (60 vs 70) represents the percentage of the sidewall as compared to the width. And since we're only talking 10% difference, the 70 tire would be about ~.84" (rounding)taller, as in the wheel diameter would be just about 3/4" taller for the 70.

The difference in width you are probably noticing has more todo with the rim width. How wide are your 15" Magnums...I'm guessing 7"? Maybe the comparison had 8" wheels. Also, tread pattern can sometimes play an optical allusion with regards to perceived width (at least to me).

So in short, you should focus on the first number for width. But keep in mind that the second number will change by default, since it is a percentage of the first.

---EDIT--- Norm beat me to it, but the idea is the same!

 

you're tyres look fab from the side.
love em.

 

Tire Rack has a lot of tire information.


TIRE TECH

 

Thanks all, at least I kown i'm not just seeing things