Toyota: Tire advice for an Echo

Go to tirerack.com. Enter your car and it will tell you what was
factory original and factory optional. It will also suggest options
available.

Going to a "bigger" tire can get interesting. If the diameter is bigger
than the factory original, your speedometer/odometer will be wrong. If
the tire is too wide you may have better handling on dry roads, but the
car will be more prone to hydroplaning on wet roads. If you drive in
snow, too wide a tire will reduce traction and control. All of this is
covered ay tirerack.com.

LenM wrote:
 

"LenM" <com> wrote in message
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tirerack.com can answer your size questions, but I have an interesting idea
for you, particularly if you live in or near California or can wait a few
months before changing tires.

The Scion xA and xB uses the Echo drivetrain, and have 15 inch rims mounting
185/60R15 tires. The folks who buy Scions often go for those way kool 18
and 19 inch rims, so there are a fair number of brand new take-offs hitting
the market. I've seen them offered for $200 a set and I'll bet that they
will bolt right onto the Echo.

George

Check out the tire size calculator at
http://www.rx7turboturbo.com/robrobinette/tire_diameter.htm

I recommend going with a 185/70x14. Its a more popular size
so cheaper and more selection. Its diameter is 24.19 vice
22.95 and width is 7.28 vice 6.9. Should have about a 5%
affect on speedo.

According to tire rack, these tires come in your stock size:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?startIndex=0&width=175%2F&ratio=65&di ameter=14&search=true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemar k=1&x=23&y=15

My recommendation would be either the Goodyear Regatta 2 if winter traction
is important. If not, go with the Yokohama Avid T4. I have used the
Goodyears and they are very good tires and will give your vehicle a more
comfortable ride. Yokohama are also well rated if spirited driving is your
thing.

I would stick with stock size since it will not throw your speedometer and
transmission gear ratios off.


"LenM" <com> wrote in message
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