Tires and speedometer "problem" for 99.5 Pathfinder LE

Dear all,

It has come to the time I need a new set of tires for my 99.5 Pathfinder LE. It's using size 255/65-16 tires now.

My problem is the speedometer is reporting 5% slower than the real speed. eg, it's showing 53MPH while in fact it's 50MPH and 74MPH while in fact going 70MPH etc.. Here are my questions.

  1. Can this be corrected by putting bigger tires on this vehicle?
  2. If so, what size do you recommend?
  3. How does the ride quality effected by replacing it with bigger tires?
  4. Are there any other alternatives to correct this "problem" without going to the dealer/shop?

Thanks in advance. John

Reply to
dna
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"dna" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@corp.supernews.com:

I'd suggest putting on the correct size tires for the vehicle, and don't worry about the speedometer. I use my GPS to calibrate my speedometer, so I know the 'true' speed for the speedometer readings at typical speed limits. I have two sets of tires for my 92PF - one for summer, one for winter, and with one the speedo is almost spot on, with the other it is 10% off(yes, they are different sizes). Mine rides fine using either size, but I'm not concerned with the ride - I want my tires, the only connection between my truck and the road, to do their job, which is why I'm using ice/snow tires in winter and larger, tougher, agressive tires in the summer for off-road use.

Reply to
Dave Patton

Hi Kevin,

Had the same issue with my 99.5 SE with 255-65-16's.

First off- there is a MUCH better tire selection by going to

255-70-16. Seems to be a lot more common.

I remember reading on some of the typical Pathfinder web sites(4x4parts.com) and others- that someone with GPS reported the same findings as you regarding the speedo. Soon as he went to the

255-70-16 GPS was right on the money.

You could do a search >"dna" wrote in

Reply to
Jake

Hi,

Thanks for the responds. I am definitely going to get bigger tires - possibly 255/70-16. But I found this message from a website which I also think is worth considering. What do you think? Do the 275/70-16 tires fit my pathy? Thanks

*************** Vehicle: 2001 Nissan XTERRA SE 4wd

Location: lawrenceville, nj Driving Style: Fast and Aggressive Miles driven on tires: 20,000 Driving Condition: Mostly On Road Reviewer's Overall Ratings: 8.00 out of 10 Review Submitted 2002-09-12

The Xterra came with OEM General Grabbers, 255/65/16. They wore out in about 5K, and were horrible under all conditions. I swapped on a set of larger X-Terrains in 275/70/16, essentially increasing the tire diameter from about a 29" to about a 32". The difference was night and day! The Xterra went from a wallowing hydroplanning beast, to a sharp cornering, rain immune, 1.5" lifted, sport truck. These tires transformed the entire chartacter of the truck. Even my wife noticed the difference, and she is normally oblivious to all things automotive.

**************************

Reply to
dna

I went to 255/70-16 last year and the ride was much better all around. More stable on corners and a softer more comfortable ride. Any bigger than that would probably require a lift kit for snow clearance in the well. Mine is a

99.5.
Reply to
Philip

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