Just bought an '02 and I suspect the dealer put 205/55/16s all the way around. I want to make sure that when I replace the tires I get the right tires on the right wheels in the right place. I assume with the different f/r tire size, the wheels are slightly different in size. Other than the obvious physical difference, is there any idiot-proof way to differentiate front and back wheels? My last car, an MR2 Spyder, had a little key-and-groove thing on the wheel/hub that kept you from putting backs on fronts and vice-versa.

Given that two local tire shops have screwed up getting the right tire on the right wheel in the past, I'm just curious about the simplest way to hold their hand on this...

Thanks!

 

The hub bore on the rear wheels is smaller than the fronts. So it's nearly impossible to put a rear wheel on the front, but it is possible to put a front wheel on the rear. So I wouldn't call it idiot proof. The fronts are 6.5" wide and the rears are 7.5" wide.

I always put tape on the wheels and write FRONT or REAR on it. Also be sure to read the sticky at the top of the Wheel And Tire forum page regarding correct tire sizes.

Cheers,
Ken

 

If they did put a front wheel on the rear and vice versa you should check it right away. With the different hub size the wheels can and will come loose and fall off the car.

 

Jim, thanks for the heads-up on that! I'm pretty sure that's not the case, but definitely worth a second look!!!

 

On the stock Enkei wheels, the width of the wheel is engraved on one of the spokes on the back side of the wheel. As mentioned before the fronts are engraved 6 1/2 and the rears are engraved with 7 1/2. The engraving is only on one of the spokes on each wheel and kind of small but it's definitely there.