1996 Tahoe - What Size Tires

[96TahoeTX]

Ok, I'm new, glad to find the site - I have a 1996 Chevy Tahoe, needing new tires, I have stock ones P255/70R-15. I want to go a little wider - can I do this? If so - what size would I need? Before you ask - yes I'm a woman - go ahead a laugh. I prefer to know what I am talking about before going tire shopping. Knowledge is POWER!:thumbsup: How will it handle? Any suggestions or comments is greatly appreciated! I do most of my driving in-town, very little hwy driving.

 

[992door]

2 or 4 wheel drive

 

[96TahoeTX]

Forgot that info - SORRY :-( - it's a 4x2. No 4-wheel drive.

 

[992door]

I am not sure what size you can run on a 4x2 sorry. maybe someone else will have a better idea

 

[79powerwagon]

I didn't think these used 15" wheels at all! Every one I've seen are at least 16"...

Next time your out driving it, turn your wheels all the way one way or another and see if you had wider tires, how much wider can you go before your tire hits something.

The 255 part of your current tire size is in millimeters of width (about 10", 25.4mm per inch)

If you safely have 2 " of clearance, you can go to a 305-315 tire width.

The "70" part of the size is the sidewall proportion of height. Your's has a sidewall height 70% of 255, or about 170mm, or about 7"-ish (or a tire diameter of 15"+7"+7"=29").

Bear this in mind as you hunt for new tires, as the width and the "series" (70 in your case) will have an effect on the total tire diameter. This diameter will also effect your speedometer reading, so choose carefully!

 

[992door]

I didn't think these used 15" wheels at all! Every one I've seen are at least 16"...

They do come in 15"s 2 wheel drives have them.

 

[96TahoeTX]

Thanks for all the info, I just want a little bit wider tire. Nothing too much. I had a smaller SUV & got a little bit wider tire it made it handle so much better.