Tires: Tire fitment, bolt circle, replacement tires

Question
I have 205/60/15 on my 2004 Grand Am SE. I just bought a set
of used winter tires on rims for $200. They are 225/65/16 will
they fit?

Answer
Dear Andrew,
Thank you for using AllExperts!
Andrew, according to industry standards (Tire & Rim Assn.) for overall diameter, the 225/65R16 will be nearly 3" taller (2.79") than the 205/60R15 tires, however my records indicate that your Pontiac Grand Am SE came with P205/65R15 as original equipment.  I would recommend that you check your 'tire information placard' in your driver's side door jam to make sure of the originally installed tire size.  If you currently have tire size 205/60R15 tires on your car, the 225/65R16 tires are significantly outside of the recommendable (tire industry) allowance for replacement tires in terms of overall diameter and may present difficulties in terms of interference with vehicle body parts: rubbing with the chassis, suspension, etc. The diameter difference will have a significant influence on your odometer and speedometer and will affect your braking efficiency.  It is not clear from your communication if the wheels will properly fit your Pontiac (lug holes, bolt circle, off-set,lug nuts).  I would also like to caution you that 'used' tires may be beyond an 'acceptable' age (such as six years) and may present a potential safety hazard as their maintenance history is unknown.  Some tire manufacurer's place a 'life span' limit on their tires such as 6, 8, or 10 years depending on the manufacturer...at which point the tires should not be placed in service for safety reasons.  You should check with the manufacturer of your particular tire brand