R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R52 No good tire options for the 16" wheel?

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Old May 31, 2022 | 06:03 PM
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imaslowdriver's Avatar
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No good tire options for the 16" wheel?

All my tires are at about 4/32" depth now, so I've started looking into new tires, preferably all seasons that last a long time, but also don't sacrifice too much on handling. I am currently running Firehawk Indy 500s, which I really enjoy the grip and road feel of, but I've only had them for 10,000 miles and they are already this worn, so not very economical. I do have to say I'm quite an aggressive driver though. Prior to the Indy 500s, I had the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 +. They didn't have as much grip as the Indy 500s, but I really liked them, they had great feel and they lasted me 30,000 miles.

I would buy the A/S 3+s again, but they discontinued them. It doesn't look like any of the other all season options for my tire are as sporty or as well praised. I'm okay with going summer again if the tires are likely to last me more than 20,000 miles. Anyone have any recommendations for tire size 195/55 R16?
 
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 03:40 AM
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I would step up to a 205/50-16 tire size. You’ll have many more options available.
 
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 06:16 AM
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205/55/16 will also work.
Even more choices there.
 
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 06:24 AM
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I switched to 205/55-16 a couple of tire changes ago and my car's odo reading and speed are now spot on. I do 4-6 week road trips every year so I use Bridgestone DriveGuard run flats. They are better and quieter than the first generation run flats as I'm trading performance for peace of mind and longevity
 
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 10:56 AM
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The 205/55-16 also fills the wheel gap nicely with no rubbing anywhere. I have 205/55-16 on my Panasports for th3 R53.
 
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 11:01 AM
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How's the alignment on your car? If the toe setting is out of spec, you will grind through tires even quicker. The Indy 500 tires are a great bang for the buck and they do tend to survive abuse pretty well (for a street tire driven on the street)
 
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Zsm
How's the alignment on your car? If the toe setting is out of spec, you will grind through tires even quicker. The Indy 500 tires are a great bang for the buck and they do tend to survive abuse pretty well (for a street tire driven on the street)
I've checked my alignment several times and it's pretty spot on. The tires also wear evenly. I think it really is just my habit of hauling *** on canyons :( Might have to fix my driving style
 
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by ramjet77
I switched to 205/55-16 a couple of tire changes ago and my car's odo reading and speed are now spot on. I do 4-6 week road trips every year so I use Bridgestone DriveGuard run flats. They are better and quieter than the first generation run flats as I'm trading performance for peace of mind and longevity
The inaccurate speedo has always pissed me off, will definitely look into this.
 
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Old Jun 1, 2022 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Thinker2112
The 205/55-16 also fills the wheel gap nicely with no rubbing anywhere. I have 205/55-16 on my Panasports for th3 R53.
Looks like I'll do this. I see they have the successor to the A/S3+ in this size, so I'll probably give it a shot.
 
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