Hello all...

I would like to know if anyone has any recommendations for a 195/55/R16 non-runflat tire. I checked out Tirerack, and there are only a couple of choices.

Thanks! Peter

 

Look at 205/50/R16 tires instead. That's the size most people replace the
195/55/R16 runflats with. They're a little shorter than the stock 195/55/16, but
almost exactly the same size as the stock 175/65/15 or 205/45/17 tires.
Some people go with 205/55/16, but taller and less choices there.

 

205/55x16 is a tad taller (larger circumference than stock) gets your speedo a bit closer to accurate but still keeps your speedo slightly optimistic. I don't care that much about max acceleration in the lower gears, my MINI is plenty fast for me. I already get so annyoed with having to share the highway with the lumbering SUVs, especially the ones that seem to constantly poke around in the left lane. I don't need more reason to whip around them and get a ticket.

I wish 6th gear was a cruising gear, much longer ratio than it is for fast interstate cruising with a lower engine rev, so the slightly taller tire helps me a little bit, a very "little" bit. I guess that is one of my biggest complaints about my 06 MCS is that 6th is still a very short gear.

YD

 

Yo & Christo: Thanks for the tips

 

I just replaced my 2nd set of runflats w/a set of 195/55R-16 Bridgestone Potenza G 019 Grid tires from Tire Rack. They look great and, so far, no problems. Just got tired of the high price of runflats and the noise they generate after a couple of thousand miles.

 

I also replaced my runflats with the Potenza G 019 Grids. There was a rebate ($50 Visa card) with them, they were less than $100 ea (locally), they have a 50,000 tread wear warranty, and they are all-season so I am planning on using them this winter. I know there are better performance tires, and I know I'd be better off with dedicated snows this winter, but after previously spending lots of dough on summer/winter tires and separate wheels, I'm taking the cheaper route (for once )

 

+1^
I have 5 months on these tires now same size.

I always run them at 32 PSI, and have been on the car since the first of the year. They are a great tire IMO and I would buy them again....

 

-=gRay rAvEn=-:

Do you use your Potenza G's year-round? I ask because I'll very likely need to replace a set of Goodyear run-flats in the coming months, and wonder if I'll also need a dedicated set of snow tires. I was thinking about the Potenza G's and a set of Blizzak's, but if I can get by with one set of all-season tires, so much the better. (And the winter weather up here in Lowell isn't too much different than what you Cape folks get.)

 

I never change tires from season 2 season, so I plan 2 wear 'em year-round. We don't get that much snow in the DC area, so it works out pretty well.

 

I just replaced my runflats with bridgestone potenza grids they run so smooth! SO MUCH better than the runflats. i bought someones white MINI wheel and tire and through it in the boot.

 

I read the reviews on Tire Rack and they were rated highly in snow. Now, I realize snow tires would be better (I had Blizzaks on my previous MINI), but I'm gonna try it. I live in WI, so I'll cross my fingers...

 

Any one using these? and comments?
Kumho Ecsta AST

 

I bought 4 205/50/R16 Kumho Ecsta tires from Tire Rack about 6 weeks ago. They are so much quieter than the run flats they replaced, loads of grip, and they were cheap to boot so I don't think you can go wrong.