Tires: Effects by changing tire/ rim size, rim diameter, 195 65 r15

Question
Hi, I have a Toyota Corolla '06.  I want to change its tires and rim from 175/70/R14 to 195/65/R15.

What are the effects if i only changed its rim size from R14 to R15 or 16.

I understand wider tires increase fuel consumption, betters road grip, braking and cornering.  Anything else?

Lowering height of tires from 70 to 65 benefits or otherwise.
Appreciate your guidance,
Regards

Answer
Ali,

Assuming you keep the same overall diameter, a larger rim diameter shortens the sidewall height, and makes the tire wider.

As a general rule, that means more grip and a better responding tire, but hurts fuel economy and ride harshness.

HOWEVER, you can mitigate some of these disadvantages (at the sacrifice of some of the improved properties) by careful selection of the tire - not size, the specifics about the make and model.

I would recommend you spend some time on some of the on-line tire retailer's web site to see what they recommend for tire size.  Tire rack is such a site.  But they all will have measured the available space in the fenderwells and can advise you what fits - and what doesn't.