Tires: tire size compatibility, tire placard, 2007 toyota corolla

Question
I need 2 tires replaced on my 2007 Carolla. On the front I have matching P185/60/R15. Can I put 1- P195/65R15 and 1- P195/60R15 on the rear?
thanks

Answer
David,

The best situation is to have all 4 tires being the same - same size, same make, same model, same state of wear.  That's why tire rotations are important.

At the very least, you should have the same tires paired on an axle - same size, same make, same model, same state of wear.  The further away you are from both of those, the worse the situation.  The problem here is that you won't know you have a problem until you do an emergency maneuver - and then it's too late.  In particular, vehicles tend to pivot around odd tires - and the more odd the tire, the worse that is.

Plus, I looked up your vehicle in Tire Guides and it says the there were a variety of tire sizes that came on 2007 Toyota Corolla' - and a P185/60R15 is under-sized compared to all of the possibilities.  But let's be sure.

On every vehicle sold in the US - and I understand this is a worldwide practice as well - there is a sticker – commonly called the vehicle tire placard - that lists the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size.  The placard is usually located on a doorpost or in the glove box – but sometimes it is located in the trunk or on the fuel filler door.

Check to make sure I am correct.  But based on what you've posted you have the worst possible situation that I can imagine - undersized (unsafe!) tires on the front, and mismatched tires on the rear.

You need to get this fixed ASAP.  And I mean in the next few days.