I have a set of 195/65R15 Blizzaks from my 03 Jetta GLI. If I get a new set of steel wheels, will these fit on my stock MCSc? The Tirerack sight says 195/60R15 is the proper size, but is there a big difference between 60 and 65 series? Need to know if I need to budget for a new set of tires or just steelies...

Thanks

 

195/60/16 = 24.2 inches in diameter
195/65/16 = 25.0 inches in diameter.

Taller than I can recomend to fit.

 

This may be a silly question, but is 0.8 of an inch in diameter a lot? What does this extra height affect? That would be about 0.4 inch radius, which would be the amount the tire would be larger under the fenders, right? Don't some people lower the car more than that amount? Just trying to understand... is it a clearance issue or a speedo etc issue that makes these too large?

Thanks for your help!

 

I think it deals with clearance. 195/55/16 is the standard 16", and most MINI owners end up going to a higher width, or to a lower tire, like a 195/50 or less. .8" IS a lot. If you check out the tire calculator at discount tires [.com], it shows that a 195/65/16 tire actually runs FASTER than the speedometer. Just my 2c.

 

Clearance is a huge issue for those of us in snow country, especially since ice buildup in the wheel wells will reduce it even further. My Chevy Silverado, which has about 5-6 inches of clearance, sometimes gathers ice to the point where the tires rub over bumps and on turns. My little Mini needs all the winter help he can get!

 

Don't tell anyone, but I've used 195/65R15 Nokians for three winters on my MINI, in Vermont, running past Boondox's house to get to the ski area.

No problems, well, no greater problems than normal, with getting snow clogged in the wheel wells.

shhh....