So I have been looking online and can't find a comprehensive site that really explains wheels sizes and tire sizes. I know what wheel I want to put on my car. This one here in the white. Drag Wheels. Extreme Alloys. | DR-31 Thinking about a 17inch x 8inch wheel. But don't know what kind of tire fits it the right way or how to see measurements in terms of the 215/65/17 etc. I know the last number means 17inch but how do I know it is truly going to fit well on this rim when i lower it and it still wont be dumb looking or rubbing? Ill probably be lowering my prius an inch or two as well. but don't want the tires to rub. So I am trying to figure out the best method of how to shop. Also to figure out what exact type of tires mount on this wheel and whats the differences in tire width and thickness and fitting and what exactly is an offset on the rim. If anyone has a decent idea of a detailed tutorial on this so I can know what I am doing.
You can go with the size Kevin recommended which is what Toyota uses on the Five but the correct size for replacing your 195/65/15 is a 205/50/17. It is a taller tire and keeps the revolutions per mile close to your OE tire. The tire Kevin mentioned is a littler smaller than the OE 15". Both will work, however. If you are going to lower the car significantly then go with the 215/45/17 for a bit more clearance or use the 205/50/17 and don't lower the car as much. I prefer the later. If you want an opinion on the best tire for those sizes that help reduce the mpg hit of upsizing yet offer good price and performance here you go: 205/50/17 Yokohama AVID Ascend or Bridgestne Ecopia EP422 215/45/17 Michelin Primacy MXM4 (V rated) Bridgestone Ecopia EP422 Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max if you get a Michelin product remember to get the $70 rebate offered at most retailers. It makes them competitive with the other brands I mentioned. Do a search and you'll find reviews for most of these tires or click the links in my sig on tire test and LRR tires.
