Wheels and Tires

16X7 or 16X6.5 for 205/65R16 tire

  • Last Updated:
  • Aug 15th, 2018 10:06 am
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Member
Jul 3, 2009
338 posts
59 upvotes

16X7 or 16X6.5 for 205/65R16 tire

Hello,

I am looking at alloy wheels for 2017 Camry LE model which currently has firestone 205/65R16 all season tire. When I browse wheels online, some list 16X7, some list 16X6.5, so I am wondering what is the correct size I should go for.

Thanks
5 replies
Deal Expert
User avatar
Jun 12, 2007
20807 posts
6622 upvotes
London
Look up your tire specs ( the ones you intended to use) . Most 205/65R16 tires will handle 7.5” max rims (assuming these are for summer use only)

6.5” stock rims are probably steel and likely needed to provide addition clearance to handle tire chains (for those Camry owners that live in mountain area where they may be required in the winter)
Member
Jul 3, 2009
338 posts
59 upvotes
tirerack says 5.5-7.5" for RIM WIDTH RANGE, so both 16X7 and 16X6.5 work , correct ? Any difference in terms of visual appearance/handling etc ?
Deal Addict
Sep 8, 2017
4695 posts
4968 upvotes
GTA
hpad06 wrote: tirerack says 5.5-7.5" for RIM WIDTH RANGE, so both 16X7 and 16X6.5 work , correct ? Any difference in terms of visual appearance/handling etc ?
Correct.

In most cases a wider wheel is better. A wider wheel has greater cornering ability, and the tire fits more squarely to the wheel which is visually appealing, IMO (tire square to wheel vs ballooning out).
Deal Expert
User avatar
Jun 12, 2007
20807 posts
6622 upvotes
London
hpad06 wrote: tirerack says 5.5-7.5" for RIM WIDTH RANGE, so both 16X7 and 16X6.5 work , correct ? Any difference in terms of visual appearance/handling etc ?
As posted above, usually the widest rim width for the given tire gives the best handling performance (I.e the 7.5 > 7 > 6.5)

If you intend to use these rims in winter, the 6.5 might be needed to give clearance for tire chains in some areas (ie BC highways in winter) . Too wide a rim like 7” might cause the chains to strike part of the car causing very expensive damage
Member
Jul 3, 2009
338 posts
59 upvotes
I am in Ontario where chain is not allowed, and I intend to use new alloy wheel for summer and current steel for winter, so I think I am good.

Thanks,

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