So, I actually have a LeSabre with 215/70-15 tires, but will need new tires soon. I have a set of 16 wheels from an Intrigue.

Question: Is it worth going to the 225/60-16 tire or is the difference in performance so minimal that I should stick with the original tire size and rims?

The car has the basic, comfort suspension - not looking to redo that, but anything relatively simple to improve handling of the boat-like ride and precision would be an improvement and welcomed.

Thanks!

If its just a dd your stock size is fine but the 225s will fit also I moved your thread to the buick section

One thing you want to make sure, and you didn't mention the year of the LeSabre, is when changing sizes the tyre does not rub anything and that includes when cornering and sharp turns. I have seen people with tyres rubbing and that is not a good thing.

Kimberly: I was sloppy - The LeSabre is a 2005, Limited, with the 215/70-15 standard tires.

Optional tires listed for the car are the 225/60-16; therefore, they *WILL* fit so long as I have 16" rims rather than the stock 15". Actually, I have seen same model with the 16".

My question is whether they add any improved handling in *real life*.

I am not interested in the visual appeal - the cost of used rims and the extra cost for 225/60-16 over 215/70-15 tires would only be worthwhile to me IF the 16" tire upgrade improves handling in real life.

SSEIDRIVER97: I posted in the Bonneville section because there is so much traffic there compared to the LeSabre (sigh), and the tire story is the same for both cars (and the Olds). Is it appropriate to post in both?

Also, regardless of the car being my dd, I still would like to improve the driving response if possible/practical.

Best,
~wrair

With there being such a wide range of vehicles on the same platform you could have posted in general but I moved it here sense you mentioned your cars model

i think the tire feel is more than the rim size itself. the 215/70/15s are a comfy touring size and add some softness to the ride. the 225/60/16s can be some more grippy models. i have bfg traction t/a'* for my bonnie and bought a few sets for my old monte, they grip better than anything else. i get about 50k before i replace them usually for winter. so the short story is its not going to turn the buick into a bonnie without the suspension but gives you more options for grippier tires and less sidewall flex

Another aspect of tyres is the inflation. Some car makers actually suggested running tyres at a low inflation for a softer ride and if you recall the history, actually resulted in accidents; I won't mention the maker on here . You can also inflate the tyres to the max rating on the sidewall and this will give a firmer ride while increasing fuel mileage.

I keep the tires about 2 psi higher than recommended by the car sticker. Jeesh, any lower inflation pressure than recommended is not only probably unsafe, but makes the car wallow even worse than normaol!

I always keep mine at the max pressure on the sidewall; that comes from the tyre manufacturer. It may give a harsher ride; however, it means longer tread wear and better fuel mileage. I am not sure of the rules here so I won't name names. At first the tyre blowout problem was thought to be the tyres; however, it was soon discovered the car company had a recommended tyre pressure that was too low trying to give the vehicle a softer ride. It was that much too low pressure recommended by the car company that caused the blowouts.

Ever wonder why explorers are sometimes called exploders but anyways you have to take into account what your tire and rim combo call for if they are diffrent size or aftermarket