Winter Tyre sizes for 16" wheels.

[madbadger]

I am looking at getting some winter tyres but would rather go for 16" than 18". Not sure low profile is necessary in the winter and it adds a lot of cost.

TVR 16" tyres for the Tamora are 225/50, but I have the option of fitting some 195/55 which would be very cheap and are basically new tyres.

I've done the maths and both circs are within 5mm of each other, but would going to as thin as 195 cause any issues? I'm aware thinner is better for snow, but if it is really snowy I probably won't be out anyway, and there must be a limit to how thin you can go.

Cheers.

[Kevin VRs]

I would check with your insurance company, they may not accept the change with that much difference. I personally would not go more that 1 cm smaller, so 215 rather than 225.

[JR]

What's the Tamora front rim width? 7.5" or 8"? Probably a bit much for a 195: http://www.toyo.co.uk/tire/pattern/proxes-t1-r

If it's 7.5" best to stick with the near universal 205/55/16 cheap and widely available :-) oh and only very close rolling rad difference. If it's 8" buy narrower rims or stick with the original tyre size. Note that on changing rim widths, whilst it may help with the car's winter performance, will be a pain with insurance companies.

[madbadger]

Not sure of the offset.

Was going to get a dedicated set of 16" wheels.

The free tyres are 195/55. If I'm going to buy some I'll probably stick with standard 225/50. Nokians are £106 a corner which is pretty reasonable.

However if I can save £400 then I might as well.

Looks like they might be too narrow, though.