Winter tyres in 205/50R16 are few and far between but they are common in 205/55. The diameter of 205/55R16 is exactly 2.5% larger than the stock 205/45R17 on my Venture, which is the usual tolerance for changing tyre size and would help with the speedo error. Insurance issues aside - and I might be able to persuade them - there seems to be no technical reason not to use the slightly taller tyre. Has anyone else done this?
Winter 205/50’s difficult really?
http://lovetyres.com/search/tyres/205-50-16/season/Winter
There is generally in my view a very wide selection from low-mid- premium in 205/50 - actually there are a pretty decent selection of good quality tyres in 205/50 at in my personal view reasonable prices in comparison with my last car.
My '5 will be running on Barium Polaris 2 this winter which are mid range really. Some of the very best winters (Conti TS850 and a few others besides are avaliable in 205/50).
205/55 are also somewhat more expensive.
While there is a much greater selection of 205 55 profile winter tyres there is still plenty of choice in 50 profile as has been said above.
Prices start at £50 for a tyre you have never hesrd of right up to £125 for ones that have been blessed by angles.
That includes delivery.
I want them fitted by a particular garage (used by Black Circles, but Black Circles only sell two tyres in that size, neither of which appeals). I’ve asked the garage if they can get the ones I want (Nokian WR A3) for a reasonable price, or if they’ll fit them for me if I order from Mytyres.
I had a very bad experience with a local Mytyres fitting centre (sloppy job and poorly balanced wheels) and I don’t think they select them with any care. Badly balanced wheels are a real pain since you have to keep taking the car back and even then they can’t always get it right if they’re muppets or the balancing machine is worn out.
Nokian WR A3 £90.36 to your door.
Take them to where ever you want them fitting. It is highly unlikely they will say no.
To become a My Tyres fitting center you simply register with them, there is no vetting process involved.
Could always do what I do order from Camskill or alike whoever is more reasonable at the time and then take to my wheel refurb guy guarantees no wheel damage that way for me.
Now sorted as my reliable tyre place have agreed to fit them wherever they come from. They’re going on brand new 16" Mazda alloys. Irritatingly, my insurer is one of those that requires you to tell them if you’ve fitted winter tyres; do you have to tell them if you fit ZR-rated tyres or cheap ditch finders? Nope.