Is it ok to use a 195/55/16 as a winter tyre

[Michael9]

On an 05 2.0tdci mondy estate it's 205/55s on just now but thought the narrower tyre would be better through the winter. If there's not much snow would it still be ok in heavy rain, or do I stick to what's on and get the same size....Just wondered

[Joss max]

Hi Michael

Really it's neither here or there as your only taking about 10 mm difference in width. I assume that they are normal tyres so no real benefit.

Winter tyres are used during the colder months. They have a different tread design and use a softer rubber compound to make them more suitable for cold, wet, snowy and icy conditions. All weather tyres tend to harden in temperatures below 7 degrees C which make them less suitable between October and early March in the UK.

Have a read here https://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/tyres/winter?gclid=Cj0KEQiAx7XBBRCdyNOw6PLHrYABEiQAJtyEQ9JPX0vUkGLPVvaSqflL6jcpMCrTPJBEzfXDt8q_McEaAmXl8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

It should help you make your choice.

[Michael9]

Yea I know a bit about compounds ect it was just about the narrower size but as you say it's only 10mm. I'll go to a local tyre place in the next couple of days and compare them and see what they say too. I saw nice alloys for sale at a decent price with 4 nearly new winters on but it's 150mls from me, bugger!