We need new 15"'er for the Mini. Can I go up to a 195/55/15 or just a 185/60/15 from the 175/65/15. What are the pluses and minus's for each size? I am open for suggestions, we are in SE Pa and we do run snow tires. Need to order this week.

 

I run 185/60R15 for winter use, but for summers I would opt for a 195/55R15. The 185/60R15 size is quite rare, so selection is limited.
Mind you with the trend towards huge rubber (do we really need a 20" tire option on Ford Flex to shuttle the kids to soccer?) you will not find a lot of choice in 195/55R15 either.

 

I'm running 205/50/15's -- really like the look, and no chance of getting any curb rash.

 

Isn't the 205 a bit too much for a 5 1/2 rim?

 

I'm in the market for new rubber on my 15's as well. I'm opting for the 195/60's. A nice selection of tires to choose from and your speedo will be the most accurate. 185/65's will provide better traction in the snow.

 

I have Bridgestone Potenza RE960 AS Pole Position in 195/60. They ride well and are quiet.

 

I've used Yoko ES100 in 205-55-15, Azenis in 205-50-15, and Yoko S-Drive in 205-55-15. Both sets of Yokos have been great, with a nice ride, low noise, and good grip wet or dry. Tire Rack lists the appropriate rim width as 5.5 to 7.5 inches, and they've worked just fine on two different sets of OEM fifteen-inch holies.

 

they do fit quite well but give it a donut look.
curb rash protection IS outstanding however as someone else already mentioned.