2002 Focus SE downsize to 14 inch winter rim and tires.

[extracrunchie]

Hi guys,

I am slightly confused downsizing, I looked on the tirerack site to see what tire size is suitable if I want to downsize to a 14 in rim for winter.



OEM size is 195/60/15

and Tire rack recommends for 14 inch is 185/65/14 but when I did the tire calculator the difference is 3.1%. Supposed to be within 3%.



Have anyone installed that size on their 2002 ford focus SE sedan?

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[Malibooya]

14s wouldn't fit over Mk1 brakes...so I doubt they'd fit over Mk3 front brakes.

Although DAMN, your stock size is 195? I figured they'd at least put 205 on the stockers.

[extracrunchie]

Originally Posted by Malibooya

14s wouldn't fit over Mk1 brakes...so I doubt they'd fit over Mk3 front brakes.

Although DAMN, your stock size is 195? I figured they'd at least put 205 on the stockers.

i thought it would be alright because the 2002 LX stocks were 14 inch rims.

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272130

[extracrunchie]

i can confirm that 14 in rims would fit but what about the tire size 185/65/14?

I know that the 2002 focus lx came with that size, but i just find it weird that the tire calculator says its more than 3% off.

Any thoughts?

[Geezer]

The 185/65-14 was the stock size tire that came on early Foci equipped with 14" wheels. I don't think there's any serious downside to using this tire and wheel combo. My preference would be the 195/60-15 as they are fairly cheap wheels and tires available in this size. But if 14" wheels are what you have, go with them and the 185/65-14 tires.

[extracrunchie]

Thanks for the reply, i guess im just confused to see if 185/65/14 was OEM then how come its not within 3% of the diameter difference when i did the tire size calculator.

Just want to make sure its safe, and I assumed it was since the LX model used the 185/65/14 size but was skeptical after seeing the results from the calculator.