Hey All,
so I just picked up a 2008 h3. It has and is specified to have 285/75/16 C tires. Can I use 265/75/16T, without changing rims?

 

Yes you can, but your speed will be off and you will be putting more miles no the odometer than you are actually driving.

Never actually read about anyone going down in tire size. May I ask why?

 

I already did the speed variance calculation and that is not an issue because I always drive faster than I should anyways. The increased miles on the odometer doesn't matter because I drive them until they die anyways.
I want to downsize for a few reasons.
I want tires I can use year round. The narrower tire should give me better traction in snow, so I wouldn't need to buy snow tires.
I found a brand of tire that I use on my Avalanche and would go with them, but the larger size is 40% more expensive.
Based on other posts on here, I should get a little better mpg. My intention is to use the hummer as my daily driver, which could add up.
I don't do a lot of off-roading, I just like the hummer and want it functional for my needs.

 

Yep, that's what they used to think 35 years ago. Since the widespread advent of the radial tire, just ain't so anymore.

 

Ummmm.... ok Doc.... I will be honest. I read your reply, but didn't really get the point, I assume you were trying make.