Thanx for writing, sir. A good place to start would be to ask what is your
O.E.M. size is, as there are some sizes where trying to do an upsize might
involve going to a size that is just about impossible to find.
There is also another factor. What is your speedometer currently reading
vs. your actual speed? Although I don't have a wide range of experience
with Hyundais, the experience I do have with them shows that the
speedometers are off (on the high side) by about 4%. What I mean is that
the speedometer reads that you are going faster than you actually are. If
you upsize only one size, you may end up with a tire that will read almost
exact on the speedometer.
In terms of upsizing, I suggest you call or log onto the internet with the
friendly folks at Tire Rack. They have some upsizing efforts that can walk
you through the steps.
I will give you a couple of my own personal tips:
*If you are going to upsize, upsize by only one size. Let's say your car
takes a 195-60-15, which has been the standard size in the Hyundai Elantra
for several years. You can go to either a 195-65-15 (a taller tire) or a
205-60-15 (a wider tire that will also be slightly taller). Either of those
sizes are fairly common, by the way. I guess you could also figure out what
the size would be to go to a 16" wheel, but I think the tire choices would
be far less.
*Call your Hyundai service tech (or get the opinion of Mr. HyundaiTech on
this board) as to whether there are some computer updates that must be done
with a tire upsize. On some makes and models, if you change tire size, you
have to program that information into the transmission and other places.
Don't know if that is the case with Hyundai, but in this computer age (and
cars are EXTREMELY computerized anymore) don't be surprised if it is.
*Understand that any change in size will represent some compromises, be it
in ride quality, feel, whatever. I might suggest that, when you get your
new size, buy some tires (like Bridgestones) that have a 30-45 day try-out
policy. You have to judge what you might gain with what you might lose.
Hope this helps.