The Toyota Vios is a popular compact sedan sold primarily in Asia and South America. Like any car, owners may want to change the factory tire size to get improved performance, comfort or aesthetic. Here’s a comprehensive guide on changing tyre size in Toyota Vios and how to change tyre size in a Toyota Vios.
Changing Tyre Size in Toyota Vios
Yes, it is possible to change the tyre size in a Toyota Vios. The Vios has enough clearance in the wheel well to accommodate modest increases or decreases in tyre size. However, there are limits on how much you can deviate from the factory size before running into clearance or compatibility issues.
Factory Tyre Size for Toyota Vios
The factory tyre size on most Toyota Vios models is:
- 185/60R15 – Standard on lower trim models
- 195/55R15 – Optional on higher trim models
This is the optimum tyre size Toyota has determined for the Vios based on ride comfort, fuel economy, handling, braking performance and stability.
Limits to Changing Tyre Size
While you can go up or down one size in aspect ratio and width, more significant changes will start running into clearance issues, speedometer inaccuracies, compromised handling, and improper gearing of the powertrain.
Here are the approximate limits for changing tyre size on a Toyota Vios:
- Width: +/- 10mm from factory size
- Aspect Ratio: +/- 10 from factory size
- Wheel Diameter: Must stay 15 inches. No room for upsizing or downsizing wheel diameter.
As long as you stay within these limits, you should not have major fitment issues. Going beyond them is not recommended without expert assessment of your particular Vios.
Benefits of Changing Tyre Size
There are a few key reasons Toyota Vios owners may want to swap out the factory tyre size:
1. Improved Ride Comfort
Going to a slightly shorter sidewall (e.g. 60 to 55 aspect ratio) can provide a firmer, sportier ride. Going to a taller sidewall (e.g. 60 to 65) will soften the ride and improve bump absorption. This allows you to customize based on your priorities.
2. Better Handling
A lower profile tyre with shorter, stiffer sidewalls reduces flex and improves handling response. Upgrading to a performance tyre in the same size can also boost grip.
3. Aesthetic Enhancement
The look of a vehicle can be changed significantly by swapping stock wheels and tyres for aftermarket setups with new sizes and designs. Many Vios owners change sizes for purely cosmetic reasons.
4. Improved Braking Performance
Larger diameter wheels and tyres provide greater braking leverage and contact patch for better stopping power. Upgrading to performance tyres enhances grip.
5. Fuel Economy
Narrower, lower rolling resistance tyres can slightly improve fuel efficiency in the Vios.
Potential Drawbacks of Changing Size
While there are benefits, it’s also important to weigh the potential downsides:
- Clearance Issues – Rubbing and scraping can occur if sizing exceeds limits of fender well space. This can lead to tyre or body damage.
- Ride Harshness – Low profile tyres transmit more road vibration and diminish ride comfort.
- Lower Fuel Efficiency – Wider tyres and larger wheel diameters increase rolling resistance which reduces economy.
- Degraded Handling – Excessively tall sidewalls allow more flex which reduces grip and composure in corners.
- Reduced Traction – Narrower tyres have less traction compared to stock sizes, especially in wet/snowy conditions.
- Speedometer Inaccuracy – Significant size changes will throw off the speedometer calibration.
- Improper Gears – Large variations from OE spec can alter effective gear ratios and reduce drivetrain performance.
- Cost – New wheel and tyre sets are expensive if you want high-performing options.
As long as you remain within the size limits specified earlier, you can minimize the risks of these drawbacks. Carefully weigh the pros and cons based on your priorities.
Wheel and Tyre Fitment Considerations
When equipped with the proper wheels, Toyota Vios has enough clearance to accommodate the following tyre sizes without rubbing or scrubbing issues at full lock. Here are some vetted wheel and tyre combinations with different sizes:<table> <thead> <tr> <th>Wheel Size</th> <th>Tyre Size</th> <th>Notes</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>15 inches</td> <td>195/60R15</td> <td>Will work with stock alloy wheels. Firmer ride.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>15 inches</td> <td>185/65R15</td> <td>Requires aftermarket 15″ wheels. Softer ride.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>16 inches</td> <td>205/55R16</td> <td>Requires 16″ aftermarket wheels. Lower profile.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>15 inches</td> <td>175/70R15</td> <td>Okay with 15″ steel wheels. Narrower tread.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
Keep in mind low profile tyres on 16-inch or larger wheels are not recommended for a Vios as they exceed the limits of the fender wells and can compromise suspension travel.
Focus on styles between 15 to 16 inches in diameter and aspect ratios between 55 to 70 to find a combination that meets your performance and aesthetic goals within the bounds of proper fitment.
Step-by-Step Guide for Changing Tyre Size
Follow this step-by-step process to correctly change tyre size on your Toyota Vios:
Step 1: Choose New Tyre Size
- Decide if you want to go up or down in aspect ratio and width based on your goals.
- Ensure new size stays within 10mm width and 10 aspect ratio of factory size.
- Keep wheel diameter stock 15 inches for uncompromised fit. 16 inches is max for aftermarket wheels.
Step 2: Purchase Wheels & Tyres
- For 15 inch wheels, you can reuse stocks alloys with new tyres.
- For 16 inches, buy a complete aftermarket wheel & tyre package.
- Stick to reputable brands like Dunlop, Michelin, Bridgestone, Enkei etc. for optimal performance and fit.
Step 3: Use a Reputable Tyre Shop
- Avoid backyard mechanics or DIY installation.
- Tyre dismounting/mounting machines are a must for safe service.
- Alignment checks require certification and proper equipment.
Step 4: Get Alignment Done
- Always get alignment checked after changing tyre size.
- If needed, make minor tweaks to camber, caster, toe to re-optimize handling.
Step 5: Be Mindful of Speedometer Error
- Under or oversized tyres will throw off speedo accuracy.
- With minor changes under 10mm/10 aspect ratio this is negligible.
- For more significant deviations, get speedometer recalibrated.
Follow these steps carefully and you can change tyre size in your Vios properly and minimize risks. Moderate sizing changes will provide desired benefits without compromising driveability or safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much bigger tyres can I fit on stock 15 inch wheels?
For stock 15 inch alloy wheels, you can usually go up by 10mm in width (195 to 205) and down 10 in aspect ratio (60 to 50) without clearance issues, provided you stick to reputable tyre brands engineered for proper diameter. This allows combinations like 205/50R15.
Q2: What size 16 inch wheels & tyres will fit a Toyota Vios without rubbing?
Popular 16 inch options that fit include 195/55R16, 205/55R16 and 205/50R16 – essentially maintaining the aspect ratio of the original 15 inch tyres. Lower profiles like 40s or 35s are not recommended. Stick to 5.5 inches to 6 inches of sidewall for proper clearance.
Q3: Will using smaller 15 inch wheels improve fuel economy on my Toyota Vios?
Yes, smaller wheels with taller, narrower tyre sidewalls can potentially improve fuel economy by 1-3 mpg in real world driving. Reduce rotating mass, improve aerodynamics and decrease rolling resistance. Just ensure proper air pressure is maintained.
Q4: How much does it cost to change wheel & tyre sizes on a Vios?
For just tyres, budget around $350-500 for a set of 4 mid-range all season tyres. For aftermarket wheels and tyres, expect to pay $800-1200 for a complete set of 4 wheels & high performance tyres. Added costs for mounting, balancing and alignment.
Q5: Will bigger tyres help my Vios handle better?
Going to a slightly wider tyre on stock alloys can improve grip and handling response. But simply upsizing tyres without addressing suspension limitations does not dramatically change dynamics. Focus on quality performance tyres over size alone.
Conclusion
Changing tyre size on a Toyota Vios within moderate limits can provide benefits like better comfort, enhanced aesthetics, improved handling and more. It allows customization to the owner’s priorities. Focus on staying within 10mm width and 10 aspect ratio of factory sizes to avoid major fitment or drivability issues. Work with tyre and alignment specialists for safe, proper installation and adjustment. With the right wheels, tyres and professional service, sizing tweaks can be worthwhile on the Vios. Just take care not to compromise critical safety and handling aspects in the quest for improved performance or appearance.