Automotive Forums

Hello folks. Sorry for silly question—I’m a computer and audio guy, can change the oil, but it about stops there. I’m on disability from work due to a back injury, so now you know my financial condition. I was recently given a ‘95 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor with 155K miles. It still runs pretty good and appears to have been well-maintained, but may suffer a catastrophic mechanical failure any time (thus I’m putting as little money into fixing things as possible.)  

A recent snowstorm here in Denver, helped remind me of the tire condition. If it were a smaller front-wheel drive car, the tread depth would still get me through this winter, but this large engine, rear-drive baby just slides around in moderate snow. Current tires are P225-70R15. One model of all-season Goodyear’s on front, and a different Goodyear all-season model on the rear. Given my situation, here are my questions.  

1-Factory specs were for P215 as OE. I assume the current little larger 225 wheel/tire is OK. (I do understand the basics of tire size, ratio, etc.) Can I replace these tires with any OTHER size, such as 235 or 205 in a pair? A friend said I could go up or down a size, but failed to mention if a wheel change would also be needed-I assume it MUST match the tire width.  

2-Trying to keep the cost down, I can locally purchase 4 good-tread all-season, used, 225 or 235 tires for $100. With mounting = $150. I could also just buy two used for the rear for $50. Total cost = $75.  

3-I could buy two (2) NEW, inexpensive snow tires for the rear for about $100+mounting. Total cost = $140  

I guess the main question is: how would two new studded snows for the rear compare to four used good condition all season? The current tires are not near bald, but don’t have real deep tread. Would these be okay for the front? Can I possibly get by with just two very good condition all-seasons for the rear? This obviously would be the cheapest way to go. Again, I have no idea how long this car may run well—major parts may soon fail (I already had to do all 4 brakes.) Thanks for reading and your time. ?  

Russ in Denver  

no-mechanic-Russ wrote:

Hello folks. Sorry for silly question—I’m a computer and audio guy, can change the oil, but it about stops there. I’m on disability from work due to a back injury, so now you know my financial condition. I was recently given a ‘95 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor with 155K miles. It still runs pretty good and appears to have been well-maintained, but may suffer a catastrophic mechanical failure any time (thus I’m putting as little money into fixing things as possible.)  

A recent snowstorm here in Denver, helped remind me of the tire condition. If it were a smaller front-wheel drive car, the tread depth would still get me through this winter, but this large engine, rear-drive baby just slides around in moderate snow. Current tires are P225-70R15. One model of all-season Goodyear’s on front, and a different Goodyear all-season model on the rear. Given my situation, here are my questions.  

1-Factory specs were for P215 as OE. I assume the current little larger 225 wheel/tire is OK. (I do understand the basics of tire size, ratio, etc.) Can I replace these tires with any OTHER size, such as 235 or 205 in a pair? A friend said I could go up or down a size, but failed to mention if a wheel change would also be needed-I assume it MUST match the tire width.  

2-Trying to keep the cost down, I can locally purchase 4 good-tread all-season, used, 225 or 235 tires for $100. With mounting = $150. I could also just buy two used for the rear for $50. Total cost = $75.  

3-I could buy two (2) NEW, inexpensive snow tires for the rear for about $100+mounting. Total cost = $140  

I guess the main question is: how would two new studded snows for the rear compare to four used good condition all season? The current tires are not near bald, but don’t have real deep tread. Would these be okay for the front? Can I possibly get by with just two very good condition all-seasons for the rear? This obviously would be the cheapest way to go. Again, I have no idea how long this car may run well—major parts may soon fail (I already had to do all 4 brakes.) Thanks for reading and your time. ?  

Russ in Denver  

Russ one of your biggest problems is that they are 70's aspect ratio tires which make them wider. You need to get 75 ratio tires they are skinner and put more pressure on the tread. You can go to 205/75/15 which will be just about as tall as 215/70/15's .  

why don't you consider buying a retread tire instead of buying a used tire with less tread on it.   It will save you more money and at the same time you have a tire as good as a brand new.  Try searching a retread or recapped tire on your area and you'll be amazed at the price.  I believe it will save you more buying a retread tire.  That's what I would be buying later on.  

You might consider some kind of removable grip assist i.e. tire chains. They sell some now that are lighter and easier to get on and off than the old fashioned chains and they work really well especially if you put a little weight in the trunk