Are the wrong tire sizes for a car dangerous?

Question

I recently bought a 1993 Mazda Mx3 Gs V6, and it came with hankook tires that have 85% tread. The size of these tires are P195/55R15 84V. The problem is, on the door of the car (which is where you are supposed look for proper tire sizes) it says to use P205/55R15 87V OR P205/55R15 87V M+S. I don't know very much about tires, but I was hoping someone out there could help me in whether or not its safe to have these tires on my car. Thanks!

Answer 1

im not sure,but b 4 i put the wrong tire sizes on my bike and when i was riding, all of a sudden a lump started forming on my rire and 5 sec. l8er it popped.lol

Answer 2

have you made it past your driveway? i dont think it would hurt toooo bad.

Answer 3

It's best to get the right size, get what your car came with or what is recommended, get the same size, don't mix and match. Some tire dealers have used tires in good shape, shop around,  buy all 4 if you can, if not buy in pairs. Front or back.

Answer 4

NO. Full stop, end of story.  It is perfectly acceptable and safe.

Answer 5

Its perfectly fine. You only have 10 millimeters less tread width and like .4 inch diffence on the thickness of the sidewall. If you were to get new tires go with 215 width if you can

Answer 6

Quick course in tires... the first number represents the tire's tread width in millimeters. The second number is the aspect ratio of the sidewall... in english, it means the sidewall equals 55% of the tread's width. The "R" means it's a radial tire, and the 15 is the rim size in inches. The 84V is the speed rating of the tire. M+S means it's a tire rated for mud and snow.

A few tips: ideally, all tires should match. If not by brand AT LEAST by size, and even that's no guarantee as tire construction varies on the manufacturer; tire sizes can vary front to back, but not side to side (i.e. the "dragster" or "hot rod" look), and lastly, never mix bias-ply tires with radials -- the tire rotation sequences are different for each type of tire.

The tires you have are a little small (10 mm ain't alot), but far from dangerous. At least you know they're not too big and rubbing against the chassis and suspension. Drive safe!

Answer 7

http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp has everything about tire dimensions. The tires on your car are 10mm narrower than called for. You should check the speed ratings and load values.

I have used narrower tires without any problems in the past, but I always drove with caution. Only 1 violation in over 40 years.

Check the site.

Answer 8

As long as all 4 are the same wrong size and they are not that far off it will not do nay harm to your car.  Your speedometer is reading a littlehigher than you are actually going because it's a smaller circimference but only be about 1/2 mph so nothing to worry about.