I've noticed that recommended tire widths with wheels can be a range...195 or 205 for example. What differences would I see by increasing the width to the maximum recommended size as opposed to sticking with the lower width?

If you go from a 195 to a 205 you have to decrease the sidewall width or you will be off on your odometer and speedo.

So if you go from a 195/55x15" to a 205 you have to use 205/50x15" for a Civic at least. If you go to a 215 you should go with a 215/45x15" to kinda compensate.

I got ya. But what about handling characteristics / tire wear?

Check Whalentire.com you can find all the tire spec's & what it will do to your speedo

Whalen Tire (www.whalentire.com)

Originally posted by loesch8102
I got ya. But what about handling characteristics / tire wear?

The car should corner better of course with a wider tire, but then the ride will suffer a small bit. Sometimes the ride quality you might not notice lets say going from a 195/55x15" to a 205/50x15" cause I know I didn't notice :)