Camry SE w/ factory 215/55R17 tires - buying winter tires

[chrono807]

I'm shopping on TireRack for some winter tires for the '07 Camry, and I want to buy a tire/wheel package.

I started out my search looking for the factory-sized wheels and tires for the Camry SE, but the 17" snow tires are prohibitively expensive.

Next, I started looking for the CE-sized tires and wheels, which are the same as the Gen-2 Solara - 215/60R16. Better prices, but they're out of the Blizzak WS-50's in that size (wanted to get them while they're on closeout).

I started playing with tire sizes on the Miata.net tire size calculator, and I wanted to check my logic. First of all, I wanted to see if any 15" combos would fit, so I plugged in 15 for the last value. Then, I wanted to make sure I didn't exceed the factory width, so I plugged in 215. With those two numbers fixed, it looks like the best match in a 15" size would be 215/65R15. Works out great too - plenty of WS-50's in stock, and the 15" steelies are only $43 each.

BUT... I know the SE has 4-wheel disc brakes. Any problems there?

I already know I'll lose the TPMS for the winter with steelies, and I'm ok with that. I always check my tires if they look a little low anyway.

[[SMAN]]

the blizzack WS-50 was discontinued last year if memory serves me correct. I was able to purchase a set of 215/17/45 last year for $92 a tire. Having the TPMS light on may cause issues with state inspection if you get it done during the winter months. Also, you gotta make sure your rim width is appropriate for your tire combo. 17" rims are 7" wide wich is perfect for a 215 wide tire. However, 15" rims are usualy 6" or 5.5" wide and will usualy be too narrow for a 215 tire and usualy work with a 195 tire.

[chrono807]

the blizzack WS-50 was discontinued last year if memory serves me correct. I was able to purchase a set of 215/17/45 last year for $92 a tire. Having the TPMS light on may cause issues with state inspection if you get it done during the winter months. Also, you gotta make sure your rim width is appropriate for your tire combo. 17" rims are 7" wide wich is perfect for a 215 wide tire. However, 15" rims are usualy 6" or 5.5" wide and will usualy be too narrow for a 215 tire and usualy work with a 195 tire.

Hmm, I didn't even think about that, but I was more worried about the clearance around the brake calipers. My thinking is that 2" smaller rim diameter means 1" less clearance around the caliper - looks like about 1 1/2 or 2" clearance with the factory 17's. How much clearance do I realistically (and safely) need?

[[SMAN]]

Not sure, i've never seen a Gen 2 with anything smaller than 16" rims. But clearence is different per rim based on how they are designed. I remember people were trying to put old lexus rims on the older camrys and they wouldn't clear in the rears. So things like offset and stuff come into play. If you are usuing factory rims for that car (or an identical) then it should clear.