I have a 99 Civic I installed 205/50-16 instead of the 195/50-16 it had, the size that that car should have are 205/45-16. The new ones rub a little both front and rear when doing fast turns on uneven surfaces or when the car is loaded.
Is there a solution beside switching tires? I installed the 205/50 because they are a little bit taller and give me a softer ride which by the way was what I wanted since, here in Costa Rica, our roads aren't the best ones.
I was thinking about pulling the fender a little but I don't know how or if I could damage it, talking about the rear ones.

 

What is your suspension set up?

 

Personally there's no difference between 205/50x16" or 205/45x16". I would go with the right size and maybe increase air pressures about 5psi all around.

 

I would say definitely listen to CivicSiRacer...good man indeed and knows what hes talking about!

i have 16" rims with 205/45 (thanks to CivicSiRacer) and as long as you have good tires they will protect the rims just fine!

205/45 has enough meat to protect the rims even though it doesnt look like it!!

 

What I meant is the difference between the sidewall of a 50 and a 45 is tiny. Like 1/4" or something (don't have my measuring stick out). But it's barely noticeable for ride comfort and rim protection.

But I'm guessing it's enough to make the tire rub. You could also get a better offset wheel. You never mentioned the wheel width and offset. That can play a big role on rubbing or not too.

 

i would say your problem is your suspension, I would never think that you could have rubbing with 16's unless u have a descently low drop. I had a 2" drop 205/45 and I would get rubbing rarely. I have hear of people pulling the fenders inward, sort of ghetto though, but I would be careful to not bend the strut tower.

 

If your car drop is really low their is a tendency that your tires will rub thru the fender.

 

I was out for a while, thanks to your responses.
My car is a standard LX, no suspension mods.
Yes the difference between 45 and 50 is very small is about 1cm (around 0.4in). The tires rub not in the tread but on the sidewall about 3/4" from the tread, specially the rear ones. They rub on tight turns or where surface is uneven when turning. I haven't tested it with adults on the back seat only with some load on the trunk and the kids (with their seats). Rubbing is every now and then, not constant maybe with two adults it will be more frequent.