Hey guys,

I found myself in an unexpected position this weekend. While traveling for a weekend get away, I had a blow out on the turnpike. I had to ride the donut another 75 miles to my destination. I called around to about a dozen tire places and not a single one could find my tire size or recommend a tire size that would work. I gave them the size 195 55 16. That is the size on all of my tires. No one had them in stock. Is this common with these tires? Has any one else had this experience.

I had to drive back 250 miles (!!!) on a donut going less that 50mph the entire way. I then dropped my car off at the collision place because I believe the blow out was due to the muffler heat shield, that was never properly replaced, rubbing into the tire. They denied the accusation but offered to replace the tire BUT said theother back tire had to be replaced too because it would not pass inspection. When they called to fine the tire they were told that good year model is discontinued. He was able to find Continental ContiProContact SSR 195/55-16. Are these reliable and or recommended for our Mini's?

Thanks for the help here. I just want to make sure I am not getting taken.

 

my 2010 mini came stock with contipros (175-65-15). I had trouble finding 2 replacement tires as well recently.

I think we are in the time when old tires are going out of stock and new tires aren't out yet.

 

205/50/16 is a very commonly used replacement size when the 195/55/16 tires wear out.
You should replace all 4 so the handling is balanced, the differential is happy,
and the abs is happy (and on gen 1 cars, so the flat tire monitor is happy).
One can also change from 175/65/15 to 195/60/15, 205/55/15, or 185/65/15.

 

"He was able to find Continental ContiProContact SSR 195/55-16. Are these reliable and or recommended for our Mini's?" Those are $150 all-season original equiment runflats.

Since you have a space saver spare why not go with non runflats? They cost far less, ride, and handle better. See the many threads on the joys of replacing runflats with non-runflats.

 

Thanks for all the recommendations everyone. I wish I could afford to replace all four at this time but I just had some other work done that has left me a little hamstrung in shelling out for all of them.

It would be nice not to have to worry about the ABS or flat tire light, which I should mention are both ON right now (even before the flat). I need to get the car into a regular mechanic who can look at the brake pads or see if the sensors are dirty or even no good at all.

 

I've just been ordering tires from TireRack. I checked all my local tire dealers and no one carries 175/65/15. I don't have runflats though.

 

We just put 4 new Tires on our MC. Put Cooper 185/60R15. Very pleased with these in all areas. Handling, Ride & they are quiet.

 

FOr OEM tires, you guys may want to troll around your local forum boards and/or craigslist ads to see if anyone has some tires for sale locally, especially if you are needing to save money.