2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Tire Size

LEXIE_DEUTSCH

MEMBER
2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER

Tires and Wheels problem
2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser 4 cyl Automatic 112750 miles

Hello,

I am in need of advice. We recently purchased the above mentioned used/pre-owned PT Cruiser at a used car dealership. At the time of purchase we were not told that the tires on the car are not the right size. Apparently a 2005 base model Pt Cruiser should use tires 195/65R15 and the ones that are currently on the car are 205/55R16. I don't really understand the dimensions and numbers, but I am guessing that this means the tires on the car are bigger that what they are supposed to be.
My questions are.
Is this at all safe?
What consequences can arise from the tire size not being correct?
what will be affected due to the tires not being the correct size?

Please Please help me, I am a new mom and I am afraid for my childs safety and I want to know If it's worth returning to the dealership and demanding they place the correct set of tires on the car.
Thank you in advance

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

DESCRIPTION - REPLACEMENT TIRES
WARNING:FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY CAN RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.

WARNING:IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE SPEED CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, REPLACEMENT TIRES MUST HAVE SPEED RATINGS EQUAL TO OR HIGHER THAN THOSE FITTED TO THE VEHICLE AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. IF TIRES WITH LOWER SPEED RATINGS ARE FITTED, THE VEHICLE'S HANDLING MAY BE AFFECTED AND THE SPEED CAPABILITY OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE LOWERED TO THE MAXIMUM SPEED CAPABILITY OF THE REPLACEMENT TIRES. TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN SEVERE OR FATAL INJURY, CONSULT THE TIRE MANUFACTURER IN REGARDS TO MAXIMUM SPEED RATINGS.

It is recommended that tires equivalent to the original equipment tires be used when replacement is needed.
Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehicle.
The original equipment tires provide a proper combination of many characteristics such as:
Ride
Noise
Handling
Durability
Tread life
Traction
Rolling resistance
Speed capability
The use of tires smaller than the minimum tire size approved for the vehicle can result in tire overloading and failure.
Use tires that have the approved load rating for the vehicle and never overload them. Failure to equip the vehicle with tires having adequate speed capability can result in sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
The use of oversize tires may cause interference with vehicle components. Under extremes of suspension and steering travel, interference with vehicle components may cause tire damage.