I have a 2006 base model hatchback. The tire size is 175-65-15. What is it about this size? When I tell the guy the size, he immediately knows it's a MINI Cooper. So does every mechanic/advisor within earshot. Then they prep me for the fact that they may not be able to get that size--and in run flat, it's almost a lost cause. Could I go to something a little wider, like 185-60-15? I mean, is there something that's a little more common, a little wider, same profile, that will still fit and not rub the body? This seems like a common issue, but I don't see it addressed here.

Thanks,
Mike Todd

 

Most threads recommend going through Tirerack, first you need to ensure you have a local retailer that will install your tires prior to purchase. From what I understand, Tirerack is very helpful, with identifying all your options. You also said you have a base Mini, so verify but there should be a spare mounted under the rare hatch (outside), if this is the case, run flats are not required.

 

Yes, there is a spare.

Will Tiretrack be able to tell me if other sizes will fit with no problems?
Thanks,
Mike

 

Such threads for Tirerack on this site. I believe the guy everyone recommends is Alex, he is suppose to be very helpful including recommending alternate sizes. Sometimes, you can do just as well purchasing new tires and wheels, which increases your options. The difficulty in New York is sometimes finding a reltailer that will change the recommended size.

 

Good alternatives for 175/65/15 would be 185/65/15 and 195/60/15,
although 185/60/15 and 205/55/15 would be acceptable as well.

 

Note that Cristo has recommended sizes where (in most of his recommendations) as the width goes up, the aspect ratio goes down. This is a good thing and keeps the overall diameter of the tire roughly the same as the original.

I'd go for a wider tire rather than a narrower tire myself as long as the rim width can handle it. Find out how wide your rims are (like 6", 6.5", etc.) and check to see that it matches the range of widths for the particular size and brand tire you're thinking of buying.

 

This is a common question, search for 175/65-15 or tires for stock 15" wheel.

See
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...185-65r15.html

175/65-15 is the common stock MINI non runflat tire, there is no runflat in that size.

Tire diameter of about 24 to 24.3" is OEM for the MINI so any tire size that fits a 15x5.5" rim will work.

There is nothing special about 175/65-15, it's the size MINI picked.

185/60 or 185/65-15 or even 195/60-15 will all work and are fine for the base cooper using stock suspension.

Sidewall on a 175/65 tire is about 114mm while on a 195/60 tire is 117mm, so there is no great difference on ride comfort with the wider tire.

195/60-15 fits rims 5.5-7" wide, perfect fit for 6" wide rim.

A good compromise replacement tire for a base cooper would be-

Bridgestone Potenza RE-960AS (Ultra High Perf All Season tire)
195/60-15 $85 each, 400 treadwear, 21 lbs, tire diam. 24.2"
Good for three seasons, dry or wet, good handling and comfort, good value with decent treadlife.

If you don't really need great handling and want more comfort with a stable quiet ride for touring or commuting then-

General Altimax HP (Grand Touring All Season tire)
195/60-15 $71 each, 440 treadwear, 17 lbs
Note it also comes in other sizes-
175/65-15 $77 each, 15 lbs, 24" tire diam.
185/65-15 $72 each, 17 lbs, 24.5" tire diam.
185/60-15 $74 each, 17 lbs, 23.7" tire diam.
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=152

In the case of the Altimax HP there are some differences in the different tire sizes besides price.

175/65-15 is the stock size so speedo and odometer is OEM while the others are slightly more or less. 175 mm is narrow and has the least rolling resistance, a slightly better mpg, and less weight.

The 185/60-15 tire has an XL (extra load) sidewall construction that the others lack, this stiffens the sidewall, giving a slightly firmer ride.

Of these sizes, 195/60-15 is the closest to OEM tire diameter if you want a wider tire.

Why not consider High performance All Season tires? Because they cost about the same as the above examples and don't handle or perform as well.

Summer tires are possible but will tend to wear faster and favor tire sizes that are shorter in sidewall. You improve handling and grip but reduce treadlife as the rubber compound is soft. You can't use summer tires in cold weather or any snow.

Alex@tirerack.com can explain more of the details.

 

There are many 175/65/15's through Tire Rack as well as Discount Tire Direct. I have used 205/55/15's on the oem 5.5" spooler wheels to get a wider and more agressive track. The car felt much more stable and secure and tracked great. Cornering was amazing too.

 

At tirerack.com

These are all of the non winter tires in 175/65-15
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...65&diameter=15
This totals 13 unique tires
One Ultra High Perf Summer tire (Dunlop SP Sport 01)
One Grand Touring Summer tire (Continental ContiPremiumContact 2)
Four Grand Touring All Season tires (Of these the General Altimax HP stands out)
One High Performance Summer tire (Pirelli P3000E)
One High Performance All Season tire (Yokohama AVIDEnvigor- a decent tire)
Two Standard Touring All Season tires
Three Passenger All Season tires

Yes, it is possible to mount a 205/55-15 tire on a stock 15" MINI wheel.
While you do get a wider tire you are limited in making full use out of the tread due to the narrow rim. 205mm wide tires are a perfect fit for about a 6+" wide rim. It will tend to weigh more than more narrow tires and increase rolling resistance.

A good example is-
Kumho Ecsta 4X (Ultra High Perf All Season tire)
205/55-15 $82 each, 420 treadwear, fits wheels 5.5-7.5" wide, perfect fit for 6.5" rim, 19 lbs, 23.9" tire diameter.

The 55 series sidewall will be stiffer and shorter than a 60 or 65 series tire so expect handling to be more responsive at the expense of some comfort.

 

I have the Kumho 4X, 205/55, on stock 15 inch wheels and they perform most excellently.

 

I've got a 2010 base model Hardtop with stock 15" wheels. My wheels are 5.5" wide - yours are probably the same, but that's something you will need to know for sure if you are changing to a wider tire size.

I just replaced the OEM Contis (175/65-15) with a set of Michelin Primacy MXV4 (195/60-15). While the Primacy MXV4s are noticeably more quiet and smoother on rough surfaces, they are also a little less responsive - they just don't feel as planted and agile as the Contis - a little more lag at the steering wheel, and a little more lean in the corners. How much of the difference is due to the change in brands, and how much due to the change in size, I cannot say.

Remaining to be seen is snow and ice performance - which I expect to be better on the Michelins, but I've had no personal experience, yet. And also I still don't know how much it's going to affect my MPG.

 

175/65-15 gives better mpg due to less rolling resistance, the Michelins will give better snow and ice performance than the stock tires.

195/60-15 is a good size on the stock 15" rims, it still has a tall enough sidewall for comfort but if you want better responsive handling you ought to consider 205/55-15 in a Max Summer tire (not good for snow or cold).

If you want good handling and OK for cold then Ultra High Performance All Season tires are worth a look. See Bridgestone Potenza RE-960AS or the Kumho 4X.

 

I'm waiting for the introduction of the newer Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS in 15's.

 

You might ask Alex@tirerack.com if that size is in the works by Bridgestone. It might not be since the RE960AS has that (15") size covered.

 

I wouldn't want the RE960AS when it has been phased out in all other sizes. I'd much rather have a tire with new technology.

I think I can wait two years at most.

 

My best guess is-

Bridgestone RE960AS runflats will stay in sizes from 16" on up.
Bridgestone RE970AS will add 15" tire sizes maybe.
The non runflat RE960AS will be replaced as it sells out. Already available tire sizes are shrinking.

The RE970AS has a slightly changed but very similar (to the 960AS) tread pattern with "new" rubber compound on the tread. Sidewall construction is the same.

If you do pick up a RE960AS at this point it likely will be discounted and a good value, it's still not a bad tire for the UHPAS class. I have it on my MINI right now.