So after getting stuck and having to get towed out, I decided to get some snows. I have an '06 Cooper with 16" Bridgespokes and OEM Run-Flat tires.

Should I get 16" snows and put them on my Bridgespokes? Or get a dedicated 15" steel wheel with snows, assuming 15" will fit?

I live in Denver and drive out the the mountains once a week. Is driving with snows "dangerous" when not being used in snowy conditions? I don't drive crazy.

Blizzaks the best?

Thanks

 

Do not remove and reinstall run flats

 

What he said. Take this opportunity to liberate yourself from run-flats and get some snows. Then a decent set of summer rubber for the summer. Those can be interchanged, will improve upon performance, and give you the safety you desire.

 

I have stock 17" runflat all season and 16" steelie runflat winters.

I would recommend getting a runflat winter because you don't want to be stuck at the side of the road, in the cold, with a flat tire. If you have the runflats, you can drive to the nearest tire place.

My next tires for the summer will not be runflats, that's for sure. I feel the advantage of the runflat is definitely there for the winter. In the summer, it won't be as bad if I do get a flat.

Justin.

 

inaba116, to answer your question. A 2006 with the stock brakes, not the JCW big brake kit or any other BBK, will take 15" wheels. Snow tires want to be narrower than summer tires so if you can find 5.5"x15" rims those would be preferred. A good source of this size are stock take-off rims from a MINI Cooper, usually available at a very reasonable price on the internet.

Mount 185/65R15 tires. Even if you can only find 6.5"x15" rims you can still mount the 185/65R15 tires. Another advantage of the 15" rim is the taller sidewall that will help to adsorb impacts from all of the potholes that develop in the wintertime.

Don't be afraid to spend money on good tires because you will be able to get several years use out of them. Snow tire need greater tread depth than summer tire to be effective so when a snow tire is down to 6/32" they are pretty much at the end of their useful life.

I have been running a set of MINI Cooper 7-hole rims with 185/65R15 Nokian Hakka tires for the past 4 years and I can go wherever, whenever I want to go regardless of the conditions. There is nothing to compare with dedicated snow tires for winter driving.

 

Blizzaks are the best, IMO, and they now offer 195/55/16 RunFlats. Click here .

 

I have 185/55/15's on my MC. Nokians RSI's they are fantastic, live in the mountains of Colorado and drive two mountain passes everyday. Through all kinds of conditions. There fantastic!!!

 

wouldnt hurt to grab a set of steelies and snows. OR throw snows on the stockers and get some nice summer rims/tires come summer. Then youll have the whole snow setup ready to go come the next winter!

 

I'm looking for 16" steel wheels. Where did you get yours?

 

I do not think 16" steel wheels are available. Call Alex at Tire Rack he will know for sure.

 

I got mine from the MINI dealership. The steelies are made by MINI.

Obviously 16" steel wheels are available as I said I have some previously. I didn't get mine through tire rack.

 

Sorry I need to read things closer. Wheels made by MINI who'd of thunk it? Well not me.

 

Thanks. I'll check with the dealership.

 

Albeit they were a little pricey, if I remember correctly, but hey, that's the stealership hehe

 

The Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3's and Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance tires are at the top of the list, imo. They are designed for performance cars and give good snow traction.

But if you're talking heavy snow, then 4 studded winters and that car will be likea Mini jeep

 

if you ever wanted a stiffer set up this would be a great opprotunity to put blizzaks on those 16's and order a good all season or summer on some 17's
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ns-needed.html
that's what i'd do...get really cool 17's

the reason i'd suggest all season with snow tires is that if you live in an area at all like here in indianapolis the fall is pretty nasty as far as moisture and crap in the road plus the occasional frost/snow when you don't have the snows on yet. the ultra high performance all season are very very good for the "other 3 seasons"