So i bought some used winter tires from a garage this weekend for an amazing price but im worried that this may have been in vane. The tires are P215/70r15 off a gmc astro but the current tires i have on are p235/75r16. Although one of the mechanics reassured me that its within the acceptable range for my van, something in me just needs to hear a second opinion before i feel safe putting them on and trusting them.

Thank you for any advice.

 

I wouldn't use them. Beyond the fact you will need rims? and a 15" rim might not fit over your brakes, you speedo will be way off, your engine will be running at a higher rpm all the time, etc. if they came with rims and you can pop them on your van, then give it a try and see what you think. It most likely won't cause any damage, but make sure you check fit on the brakes first. And take it easy on your first try.

215/70-R15 vs 235/75-R16 Tire Comparison - Tire Size Calculator

 

First. Check the door sticker on your van. My van is a 2500 and I need LT load range e. You have p235 75 16 which are only passenger tires. Are they right for your 1500?
second. You bought tires that are tiny in comparison, and off a way smaller vehicle.
The diff between the two is 10.13%, That's insane. The most you are supposed to be is 3%. Some mechanic you have there....

 

My 2000 passenger van is a 1500 and seems to use 235/75/15 tires as standard.

 

P 235 or Lt 235?

 

They were p235 tires. It's okay though I'm going to sell them and invest in some decent winter tires. I'm heading to the Rockies in November so I'd rather have some tires that'll keep me on the roads and not flying off a mountain face. Thanks for the info guys.

 

Very good question!

When I got the van 2 years ago the old tires were worn and I replaced them with BFGoodrich All-Terrain's LT235 R75 15.

So I presume the LT prefix is really important for such a heavy vehicle as the Express van?

Aloha!

 

Lt means light truck, and depending on the load rating, has 6 ply sidewalls or 10 ply.
P means passenger and those only have 2 or 4 ply sidewalls.

If you have an Express, its around 5000 lbs. The LT tires will have way less sway in the sidewalls and be more stable, especially if you are carrying or towing any weight.
I have LT 245 75 16 load range E 10 ply. That is what my 2500 calls for (8 lug axle)
They are the best tires I have ever had.
I used to have P 235's on my old 90 vandura, and it was sloppy if loaded up.....never again.