New tires for 1997 Buick Lesabre

[cappucino]

Hello,

I have 1997 Buick Lesabre Limited with Grand Touring Suspension and it has 101,000miles on it. And it needs new tires because the tires are 10 years old and have visual cracks on the sidewall. I didn't realized when I bought this car, but when I took it to a shop for balancing, they wouldn't balance it because they were already cracking.

Anyhow, since I am considering to keep this car for some time more, I would consider to change the tires. BUT, I just checked that size of the tires are 215/60/16, rather than factory recommended size 205/70/15! What a shock!

I am sure it has 15 inch aluminum rims, but they have 16 inch tires, does it make sense? Someone says, I can neglect it because that's not huge difference. Some internet sites mention that SOME of 1997 Buick Lesabre Limited came with 215/60/16. Is it true?

But every tire stores recommend that I should go with factory recommended 205/70/15. And I am looking at Michelin Defender XT at Costco.

My question would be:
(1) is it ok to buy tires sized 215/60/16? Or should I stick with factory recommended size 205/70/15?

(2) What are the differences?

(3) For this car, should I also consider to buy used tires? or new tires?

(4) Costco priced all 4 tires for $530 including Michelin Defender XT with balancing and amazing warranty! Any other suggestions?

I really hope to keep this car 5 or more years and thinking to go long distance trips as well.

Any insights would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[mikec6201]

As far as I know it is impossible to mount 16 inch tires on 15 inch rims. I am guessing that previous owner changed the rims and tires. The 16 inch tires should be fine IMO. As long as they aren't hitting the car or suspension anywhere....Mike

 

[cappucino]

Thank you for reply.

The rims look like original Buick Aluminum alloy wheels, which means they are 15 inch rims. Does rim and alloy wheel refers different meaning?

 

[Packard8]

My question would be:
(1) is it ok to buy tires sized 215/60/16? Or should I stick with factory recommended size 205/70/15?

(2) What are the differences?


Thank you!

The 215/60/16 tires are about the same diameter as the original 205/70/15 (60 profile is lower than the 70 profile). If the 16's are not having clearance problems, stick with them or you will have to also buy new 15" wheels to go back to 15" tires. I bought a set of 16" chrome wheels & tires (from a Park Ave?) off Craigslist for my '03 LeSabre and they fit fine.

 

[HotZ28]

IIRC, the Grand Touring Suspension (GTS) came OEM with 16" tires.

 

[wheelman04]

will 17" rims with a 255 60 R17 tire fit without any problems ?

 

[HotZ28]

will 17" rims with a 255 60 R17 tire fit without any problems ?

NO, they will rub the inner and maybe the outer fender wells when making a hard right, or left turn. Try 235-55-17 as an alternative.