How about these tires? These will fit on my 05 Convertible right? (sorry a bit confused on how this 195/55 205/55 thing works.

http://www.costco.com/Tires/Product....ed=H&Width=205

Michelin® Pilot® Exalto® A/S 205/55R16 All-season Ultra-high Performance Tire

 

Had these Tires installed at Costco today. Total cost $469. I gotta say after 3 years of using run flats these tires feel so much better. The ride isn't as harsh as it used to be, and I don't feel every little bump. Anyone know if I need to get them aligned now? Costco doesn't do alignments.

 

$469? Was that after their $60 discount? And, was this on an MC or MCS? They are only H rated; would Costco put them on an S? Anybody know?

 

205/55-16 are a little "tall" ... you should be running V-rated tires on a MCS.

 

It would be a good idea since you had uneven wear on your previous set.

 

The 195 or 205 number is the tire width in mm (19.5 or 20.5 cm across at the street contact patch).

The 16 is the diameter of the wheel in inches

The 55 is the ratio of the tire width to the total diameter or some such nonsense... I can never remember exactly what number to divide by what number! It basically tells you how thick the rubber is or how far it is between the road surface and the metal of the wheel. A larger number means that the tires are beefier... thick like SUV tires. A smaller number means that the tire is lower profile, like a high-end sports car. A smaller number will give you a crisper feel and better turning control (generally), while also giving you a harsher ride and exposing your wheel to damage from potholes. A larger number will give you a more comfortable ride and more wheel protection (generally), but sacrifices feel and crispness in turns.

As with most things... every tire decision is a trade-off.

How do you like 'em so far?

And yes... I'd get an alignment at a GOOD SHOP. Go to your dealer or a place that specializes in performance cars... should be $100-$150 and take about an hour or two.

 

Yep that was after the $60 discount. Seemed like a good deal. Was on a Mini Cooper Convertible with Sports Package.

 

That was a good deal on a great tire (my Dad has them on his Jetta). How's the tire clearance and ride on the 205/55/16's? Any pictures?

Definitely do get an alignment to be sure you're OK - it's worth it to get max life out of your tires.

The Traction T/A, BTW, is also a nice all-season choice but doesn't hold a candle to winter tires in winter driving. Quiet and long lasting, we had 'em on an oldr VW.

 

Question: Why do the recommendations for tires seem all over the map? Obvously for different conditions you should buy different tires, but it looks as if every major brand would work on a Mini. Before my 05 MCS I used to drive Miatas. The manufacturer and the national club used to recommend but one or two types of replacement tires that would work best with the car and its stock suspension.

So, next question. I'm going to replace my 195/55R/16 Dunlop SP Sport R/Fs with something. I need an all-season tire as we have hot, dry summers and a little snow in the winter. Am thinking I will go with conventional tires rather than the R/Fs. The treadwear on the stock tires is 280 and my front ones seem almost shot after only 15K. (My fault for not rotating. I go to a dealer out of state about once a year and I forgot.)
So, I don't want anything less than 280. Maybe more.

Answers? Suggestions? Thanks folks.

 

Check www.TireRack.com or email/PM Alex on these boards (he's with TireRack). You can also check the tire and wheel section of NAM, hmmm, we're here already!

My Dad has the pilot a/s on his Jetta, loves them. The traction t/a is a good budget choice, but not as sticky as some and not great in snow; no all-season is as good as a winter tire in winter. 205/50 seems a good recommendation, slightly smaller in diameter but still fits well.

Check Tire Rack, their website tells all when it comes to tires, at least on the lerge selection of brands they carry. Read the "reviews" with a grain of salt, not every driver drives like you, and many drivers want a different trade off than you will. Also, their reviews aren't always well edited or sorted, again read carefully.