Winter's coming & I need an education in tires!
 

I live in VT and my MINI will be a daily commuter in snowy conditions.

I am looking to get snow tires, but unsure of what sizes I can or should get when it comes to winter tires. Not even sure of the range of sizes that will safely fit on my rims.

For a winter tire, TireRack recommends a narrower tire for a MINI and the tires that came with my MINI are:

175/65 R 15

But I am not sure how these numbers related to width of the tire. Can or should I go narrower than this?

One tire I am considering is: Hakkapeliitta 5 Non-Stud Winter Tire - 195/60R15 92TR

Anyone know if this size will work?

Thanks to all you experts out there for any help. :thumbsup:

narrow is better in snow and ice. 175/165 ftw.

I live in norway and have pirelli none stud tires 205/45/17 on my jcw. They work very well on snow and ice. On my e92 335 i have 225/50/17 from continental and they have worked well for 3 winters.

Thanks—good to know.

Did a little bit more studying and searching online for appropriate tires.

So far it looks like I am going to go for the Hakkapeliitta 5 Non-Stud Winter Tire in 175/65 R15. I've read more than once that a narrower tire is best, so I figure I'll stick with 175s.

I was lucky to find one at a tire place not too far from where I work—made the appointment. I have had studded Hakkapeliitta's in the past on a front-wheel drive Civic and loved them. :nod:

I've learned that they don't make a studded version for my size tire - so here's hoping this one will be as good.

There's still time to change my mind if anyone cares to try. :thumbsup:

+1 on the Pirellis. I've had them on 2 different cars and haven't had a single problem, even in 3-4 ft of snow.

OK - 2 for pirellis has caught my attention.

Thanks guys. :thumbsup: