1. Reduced Load Capacity: The 205/60 R15 tires have a higher load index than 195/60 R15 tires, which means they are designed to carry more weight. Substituting the narrower tires may compromise the vehicle's load-bearing capacity and could potentially lead to safety issues, especially when carrying heavy loads or passengers.
2. Altered Handling and Performance: The wider 205/60 R15 tires provide more contact with the road surface, resulting in better grip, stability, and handling characteristics. By replacing them with narrower 195/60 R15 tires, you may notice a decrease in overall handling precision, cornering grip, and braking performance.
3. Speedometer and Odometer Inaccuracy: The different tire sizes have varying rolling circumferences, which can affect the accuracy of the vehicle's speedometer and odometer readings. This could lead to incorrect speed indications and distance measurements.
4. Potential Clearance Issues: Depending on the vehicle's design and wheel well clearance, installing narrower tires may result in clearance problems, particularly when turning or encountering rough road conditions.
5. Altered Fuel Efficiency and Comfort: The narrower 195/60 R15 tires may have a slightly lower rolling resistance compared to the wider 205/60 R15 tires, potentially leading to improved fuel economy. However, this could come at the expense of ride comfort, as narrower tires tend to provide less cushioning and can transmit more road noise and vibrations into the cabin.
Overall, while it may be physically possible to mount 195/60 R15 tires on rims intended for 205/60 R15 tires, it is strongly recommended to stick to the original tire size specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Deviating from the recommended tire size can compromise safety, handling, performance, and potentially void certain vehicle warranties.
