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For instance... I have 225/60r/16 tires on my 2003 Chevy Impala...

I would like to know if I must use the same corresponding tire size for the rims which are the stock Chevy rims that came with the car when new?

If anyone can explain if I can or cannot use a slightly different tire size as long as they are 16 inch tires, I would really appreciate it... the same goes for winter tires also. Thanks in advance!

Respectfully,
Henry  

yes.. you can use other 16" tires on your existing rims...

here are the possible sizes in 16   there are LIMITATIONs in what tire will fit which rim width...

175/50-16 205/80-16 235/55-16 265/45-16
175/55-16 215/40-16 235/60-16 265/70-16
175/60-16 215/45-16 235/65-16 265/75-16
185/55-16 215/50-16 235/70-16 275/45-16
195/40-16 215/55-16 235/75-16 275/70-16
195/45-16 215/60-16 235/80-16 285/60-16
195/50-16 215/65-16 235/85-16 285/65-16
195/55-16 215/70-16 245/45-16 285/75-16
195/60-16 215/75-16 245/50-16 295/50-16
195/80-16 215/85-16 245/70-16 295/75-16
205/40-16 225/45-16 245/75-16 305/70-16
205/45-16 225/50-16 255/50-16 315/75-16
205/50-16 225/55-16 255/55-16 345/75-16
205/55-16 225/60-16 255/60-16 365/75-16
205/60-16 225/65-16 255/65-16 7.5-16
205/65-16 225/70-16 255/70-16
205/70-16 225/75-16 255/85-16  

Every tire size has an allowable rim width range.  If you look up the specs - usually posted on line somewhere - you find'll it.

But there are 2 other considerations when it comes to tire size.

1)  Load carrying capacity:  The original tire size was selected by the vehicle engineer to have enough load carrying capacity for the weight of the vehicle.  If you use a tire with less load carrying capacity, you increase the risk of a load related tire failure, which sometimes has tragic results!  You can determine the load carrying capacity by the Load Index.  General Rule:  Larger tires have larger Load Indices.

2)  Physical dimensions:  If you use a tire that is physically larger than the OE tire size, there is a possibility that it will interfere with the bodywork, the frame, or the suspension.  This can lead to tire damge, body damage, and accidents.  I am not aware of anyone who publishes a list of what tire sizes fit on what vehicles for all the vehicles ever made.  I haven't even seen a list for newer vehicles!  The only way to be sure you won't have an interference problem is to use the original tire size.

So there you have it.  If you use the original tire size, you'll avoid the problem of too little load carrying capacity AND interfering with the bodywork.  

I have literally been asked this same question a thousand times and it typically deserves the same reply....why.  I am guessing you are not looking to change tire size just for the sake of doing so, therefore, what is driving your desire to install some  size other that which came as original equipment?  Once that is determined a more detailed response should be forthcoming via the various people who respond the posts on this site.  

I have s10 Extreme and have stock size 235/55/16 tires on truck. Tire size is not common and no found at many places. I was told i could use size 245/70/16 size tire on my stock rim and now i have many tires and brands to choose from.  

Paul,

A 245/70R16 is 12% larger in diameter than a 235/55R16 - a pretty poor choice!

A 225/60R16 would be a much better selection!  

I have sold quite a few sets of tires to Extreme owners.  The 235/55R16 was the tire size that GM was using on the Camaro/Firebird during those years and was an easy fitment for the Extreme usually using the same product (Goodyear Eagle GA).  A very nice substitute was the 245/50R16 as it is only about 10mm wider and 14mm taller than the standard issue and my guess is this is the actual size that was recomended to you, not the 70 series as noted above.  Unfortunatly this size may not be any easier to find especially if you are already having trouble finding the 235/55R16's.  

If you use a exhaust with less burden bearing capability, you boost the risk of a burden associated exhaust malfunction, which occasionally has tragic results!  You can work out the burden bearing capability by the Load Index.  General Rule:  Larger exhausts have bigger Load Indices  

I think its all been touched on, but rember that to wide of a tire can cause rubbing problems and you need to verify that the width pf the rim is in complince with tje tire standered. Check out http://autobuzzcn.blogspot.com might help you!