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Tires/Toyota Tacoma wheels/tire size

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Expert: Barry Smith - 5/28/2009


Question
I just bought a pre-owned, Toyota certified,2008 Tacoma (2wd) which is mounted with Proline alloy wheels and P235/70R15 102T tires.  Upon reading the certification inspection I found this statement, "wheels and tires out of balance 2.00 phase matched tires, performed road force balance, could not eliminate vibration, needs set of factory wheels/tires.  I know little about wheels/tires.  I did find the door sticker which indicated a recommended tire size of 215/70R15.  Now, I'm scared.  Is the truck safe to drive?  Are there advantages/disadvantages to the 235 vs 215 tire size? Thank you for your help.

Answer
Linda,

Yes, the truck is safe to drive.

However, there may be a vibration.  This may require a bit of work to eliminate as aftermatket wheels aren't centered by the center hole in the wheel - which is what the certificate was referring to.  What may be needed to fix this is a set of hub rings.

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Barry Smith

Expertise

I have over 30 years experience in the design, manufacturing, and testing of tires. I have served as the technical advisor to the "800" number. I have authored or co-authored many publications - usually without credit. I can answer almost any technical question, but please don`t ask me to compare brands. I probably have prejudices because of my work experience.

Experience

Member SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Member Tire Society (Tire Technical Organization) SCCA Regional Competiton License holder Authored many training manuals on tires, their care and use.

Organizations
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Tire Society

Publications
You may want to visit my web site: http://www.barrystiretech.com/index.html

Education/Credentials
I am a graduate of the University of Dayton, Dayton, OH - BME, 1971 I attended graduate school at the University of Akron - but did not complete my PhD - something I regret.

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