Which tyres are right?

[ms00skr]

I have a 2004 Ford Focus Zetec 1.8 petrol, the tyres that are on the car (195/60R15) constantly need topping up and I've noticed that they differ from what the Owners Guide says (195/65R15). I have bought 195/65R15 and my garage now say they aren't right. Any ideas? Thanks.

[illmonkey]

They are probably wanting to replace whats on the car, assuming they are correct.

Show them the manual and explain someone must have put the wrong tyres on it at the last change.

[300bhp/ton]

ms00skr said:

I have a 2004 Ford Focus Zetec 1.8 petrol, the tyres that are on the car (195/60R15) constantly need topping up and I've noticed that they differ from what the Owners Guide says (195/65R15). I have bought 195/65R15 and my garage now say they aren't right. Any ideas? Thanks.

Suspect the Focus had many different tyre sizes. However if it's listed in the book then it's hardly wrong. Show them the book if need be.

That said, I think people worry far too much about tyre sizes. If they are too big or small it may affect the speedo and odo a bit. But it's nothing drastic. And usually slightly smaller or larger will make no odds to how the car behaves.

A 195/60 vs a 195/65 is only 5% of 195mm difference in side wall height, e.g.

195/60 side wall = 117mm. And tyre height = 24.21"
195/65 side wall = 126.75mm. And tyre height = 24.98"

As long as the tyres match on each side of the axle its fine. They don't have to match f/r though, although the car might not sit 100% level.

[Kawasicki]

The owners guide may be incorrect. Have a look on the tyre pressure label, they are normally more accurate.

I would be very surprised if Ford specified the Focus a 15" tyre with a 65 profile, that is pretty tall.

A quick look on the Dunlop website suggests that the tyre size is 195/60R15 81H.

[liquidken]

The OE fit appears to be 195/65R15 91V for 2004 - 2007 1.4 to 1.8 models, petrol and diesel alike.

[VeeDub Geezer]

If this is the upto 2004 model then the normal size is 195/60r15

I've yet to see one running 195/65r15s personally.

[RobCrezz]

Although it might be the wrong size, it wont cause it to need topping up with air. You must have a puncture or buckle in the wheel maybe?

[Zad]

7 year old alloys, chances are that the alloy has oxidised and is causing the leak. Certainly fixable though.