Size of tires ?

Jan 04, 2005 6 Replies

Hi all. I would like to change my tires which are currently 15 inch. Can I put Escort 14 inch rims and tires on my 2003 ZX3 Focus? Would this setup work? Thanks Dave.


Yes it will work with certain proviso's

1 The hole centres for the studs need to be the same (most likely they will be but easy enough to check.

2 The rolling diameter needs to be the same (This is to ensure your speedo continues to give a correct reading and to also ensure the gearing also remains the same) so with a smaller diameter wheel you will need to use a tyre with a higher aspect ratio. Say a 75 instead of a 65 or 55. Any good tyre fitting place should be able to advise you on exactly which size to use.

In alt.autos.ford.focus Andy Lee :

Or calculate it yourself with some online tools like:

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Dunno if there's something like this in English available, but it should be usable anyway, perhaps with a little translation.

To match the tire diameter of your ZX3 tires on a 14 inch rim you would need

185/70 sized tires. The handling will suffer a little, but they will bite a little better in the snow.

Thanks for the heads up on tires guys. I figured that I could use the 14 inch rims. I guess I best just buy new winter tires on my 15 inch rims. Thanks again.

In addition to the other replies I think it is wise to check that the rims stay clear of brake-calipers and other parts before You do anything else.

The wheels are not the same even though at a casual glance, look the same.

Focus 4X108 bolt pattern, plus 52mm offset, 63.5 mm hub

Escort 4x100 bolt pattern, plus 36mm offset, 54.1 mm hub.

Rims will not fit.

Wal-Mart in Canada sells steel rims for the focus in 14 and 15 inch rims for $39.00 each.

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