Tires: Change to smaller wheel., passenger car tires, wheels and tires

Question
I have a 2003 Toyota matrix with p205/55R/16 tires and wheels. I am thinking to change to smaller wheels and tires to add more comfortable ride and  better gas milages.  So, I am thinking about change to P195/65R/15 or 185/70R/15.  Do you think that's possible and if so what size you recommend?

Answer
Henry,

I DO NOT think it is possible.  I think the brakes are too large.

However, I admit I do not know for sure.  I would suggest you find a web site or an on-line club devoted to your vehicle and ask the question there.

But, to answer the rest of the question:

These sizes have art least the same load capacity - P205/60R15, P195/65R15, P185/70R15

But you could try going up in size and reducing the inflation pressure - P215/55R16, P205/60R16 (4 psi lower)

P225/55R16, P205/65R16 (9 psi lower)

1)  You'll need to check to see what space is avaiable in the fenderwell.  Rememeber the worst case is fully loaded, fully compressed.  The on-line clubs should be able to help you with this.

2)  I do not recommend using lower than 26 psi on Passenger car tires.  The air pressure holds the tire onto the rim and low pressures mean that the bead could unseat more easily.

Hope this helps.