changing wheels and tires

[WattsUp]

I went with Michelin Primacy MXM4. Minimal energy efficiency loss, much better grip.

With all the same measurements as the stock tires?

 

[sefs]

I went with Michelin Primacy MXM4. Minimal energy efficiency loss, much better grip.

With all the same measurements as the stock tires?

Yeah, the exact same measurements.

 

[FFEsquared]

I switched to Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 tires.

My priorities were to find the highest performance tire at a reasonable price. It is not a LRR tire, it is a maximum performance tire. I purchased it in the stock size. I ran the OEM tires at 40 psi and do the same with the new tires.

Tires replaced at 9,900 miles (replaced early and put the used OEM focus tires on wife's fusion [the other FFE] since they are the exact same tires and we like them on her car)

Lifetime 243 WHr/mi and has never been reset, has been +/- 1 for the last 3 months
50-60% 65 mph freeway

My initial impressions:
Much better grip
Same noise level except slightly louder over bumps
Slightly smoother ride
Slightly less "tramlining" (following grooves in road)

Probably 2-5% loss of range

I will update info as I drive on them more.

EDIT: After 10,000 miles on the V12's my wHr/mi stabilized at 250. Considering my commute speed limit increasing and abusing it on track at Laguna Seca I figure my driving habits influence my efficiency significantly more than LRR v sticky tires.

 

[FFEsquared]

After 2,500 plus miles I am very happy with theses tires. Lifetime has been steady at 245 wHr/mi for the last 2,000 plus miles. I believe that I am getting better efficiency on city streets due to the lower weight of the tires but losing efficiency on the highway due to their higher rolling resistance. So less than a 1% loss for me. The speed limit increased on 6 miles of the highway I normally drive from 55 to 65 and the weather is changing so I can no longer make a fair comparison.

 

[wrcfocus]

I have a 2017 FFE on order and where I'm located I will need winter tires. Does anyone know if 15" wheels with a 42mm offset will fit on the FFE? I'm thinking of going with 195/70-15 tires.

 

[StoBro2]

I have 205/60-16 winter tires on my 2012. I don't remember the exact offset, but the wheels are Ford OEMs that were originally used on some version of a Fusion. I checked the front brake caliper clearance and if a 15" wheel clears it, it can't be by much. Who sells a 195/70-15 winter tire? I can't find any at Tire Rack.

 

[Pearl]

according to tirerack, the smallest recommended tire is 215/55R16, which is what I have for my Bridgestone Blizzaks

 

[triangles]

I have 205/60-16 winter tires on my 2012. I don't remember the exact offset, but the wheels are Ford OEMs that were originally used on some version of a Fusion. I checked the front brake caliper clearance and if a 15" wheel clears it, it can't be by much. Who sells a 195/70-15 winter tire? I can't find any at Tire Rack.

If you use a 2012 Focus-5door SE on tirerack it shows 15" wheels as an option. Also you might have better luck finding a 215/65-15 tire. as far as I know the spindle, caliper and rotor are all the same on any 2012+ focus hatchback so if a 15" wheel fits the 2012 SE it should fit the FFE. Someday when I have the time... I have some old 15 inch wheels unfortunately a different bolt pattern that I'm going to see if it will give me any idea of if a 15" wheel will fit or not.

 

[wrcfocus]

Thanks for the replies. And no, I wasn't able to find a 195/70-15 snow tire.. it was a hypothetical one. But I see that Triangles was able to point me in the right direction with tire size. I have a set of 15" 5x108 wheels mounted on 205/65-15 tires and I don't want to part with it if I can use it on the FFE.

With the 215/65-15 tire there are 3 options that I found on Tire Rack: Yokohoma Iceguard IG52C, Firestone Winterforce, General Altimax Arctic. I've had the Winterforce before and I'm leaning towards that. Btw, the Winterforce tires are on clearance sale at Tire Rack.

I'm tempted to rent a Focus for a day and try to do swap in my driveway.

 

[Pearl]

Call TireRack, and ask them. They have all the details about the minimum wheel size, brake dimensions, clearances, etc.

 

[triangles]

I'm tempted to rent a Focus for a day and try to do swap in my driveway.

Where are you? If you were close to me I'd offer to test fit them on my FFE. I'm sure others on here might be willing to do the same. If you're not nearby you could always just send me your wheels and I'll test fit them for you. Honestly I'll send them right back! :lol: When my tires wear out I plan to get the Falken Ziex ZE950 either with a 215/65R15, 215/60R16 or if I stay with factory rims then 225/50R17. I'd sacrifice traction with a narrower wheel/tire for an extra mile or two of range but I don't see any that are close enough to OE size. I had an older version of this tire on my old ICE car and they were superior to the Michelin tires that I generally prefer in every way except wear. Considering they were significantly cheaper it was worth having a little higher wear rate Not sure if that will apply to the FFE tire sizes. Thankfully I should have many years before I need to worry about tires.

FYI the 205/65R16 tire will only result in you going about 1mph slower than the speedo says at 60mph. This handy tire/wheel calculator may be helpful.

 

[wrcfocus]

I'm in Toronto.. so I'm not exactly a short drive from where you are.

Thanks for the link, looks like I've found a home for my spare wheels.

 

[NavinRJohnson]

I switched to Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 tires.

My priorities were to find the highest performance tire at a reasonable price. It is not a LRR tire, it is a maximum performance tire. I purchased it in the stock size. I ran the OEM tires at 40 psi and do the same with the new tires.

My initial impressions:
Much better grip
Same noise level except slightly louder over bumps
Slightly smoother ride
Slightly less "tramlining" (following grooves in road)
Probably 2-5% loss of range

I also just switched to the Ventus V12 evo2 after putting almost 20k on the stock Energy Savers. Car is much more surefooted now - and doesn't 'hunt' on uneven pavement. Ride comfort and noise seems about the same. Surprisingly, I haven't noticed any loss in range (I do 50/50 Hwy/City). Best of all, the car now handles like it should -- you can take corners at much higher speed with confidence (could never do that with the Energy Savers). These are wonderful for the $$... only $70ea after rebate right now!

 

[Konowl]

I'm in Toronto.. so I'm not exactly a short drive from where you are.

Thanks for the link, looks like I've found a home for my spare wheels.

Has anyone actually tried 15 inch tires on the electric yet?

 

[triangles]

Has anyone actually tried 15 inch tires on the electric yet?

I "test fitted" 15" swirlies from my old escort. I put "test fitted" in quotes because the bolt pattern is different and I removed the center cap of the escort wheel and lined it up with the axle nut. The brake caliper had less than 1/4" clearance to the wheel maybe 3/16". I keep going back and forth as to whether or not I"m gonna try 15" wheels. Maybe if I find a cheap set on craigslist I might try it.

 

[FFEsquared]

I think I have a set of 15x7's I can test fit. I'll try to check today.

EDIT: I have a set with two different 5 lug patterns. Neither fit. It looked like it would have fit with about 1/2" clearance on the front. No issues on the rear.

 

[EVA]

Whoa, why 15 inch wheels? I would figure a person would go up in wheels size to lower profile.

The Focus Titanium handling package is 18 inch wheels. We have that car with the handling package.
235/40ZR18 95W XL.

 

[Konowl]

Whoa, why 15 inch wheels? I would figure a person would go up in wheels size to lower profile.

Cost.

It doesn't make much sense, logically, to go with 18 inch winter tires.

 

[Pearl]

Whoa, why 15 inch wheels? I would figure a person would go up in wheels size to lower profile.

Cost.

It doesn't make much sense, logically, to go with 18 inch winter tires.

I have Alloy 16s from a standard Focus on mine.
I picked up a set for about $100.
https://www.hollanderparts.com/used...,-5-double-spokes,-painted/part-307143-5820-1

 

[EVA]

Whoa, why 15 inch wheels? I would figure a person would go up in wheels size to lower profile.

Cost.

It doesn't make much sense, logically, to go with 18 inch winter tires.

Gotcha. 18 inch winter tires are a very bad idea on that car.

Now I ask why winter tires? Have you gone through a winter with the car on the normal tires? Unless you live in Quebec and are required by law, I'm not seeing a reason to buy winter tires. 4 or 5 winters in Chicago with no problems. JMueller lives in heavy snow Detroit area and never needed them.