Is it OK to change from 205/50/16 to 205/55/16?
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons only have the 205/55/16.
It’s my understanding that the larger sidewall profile will increase the rolling radius of your tyre. This may mean the speedo reading would be out.
Not sure about other safety or legal ramifications.
I found this to be helpful for comparing sizes
so would it be ok to change?
Considering there is very little change in speed vs speedo reading - you would have no issues speed wise.
Officially it is a modification so you should inform your insurance company.
the new tyre is no wider/narrower than standard so it will go on the wheel safely.
The unknown is if the larger diameter tyre would catch anything.
Don’t forget that if you do change you will have to tell your insurers.
I run the Vectors in winter on my 16s, but went down to a 195/55/16 instead.
Minimal change in rolling radius and speedo accuracy. As you’ve found, 205/50/16 is a tricky size for all seasons and winter tyres.
Hi,
Is it better for ‘comfort’ to go to what you have on the Vectors (195/55/16) or 205/55/16 which Goodyear also have?
Also wouldn’t the Vectors be ok to use year around as they are sold as all season?
In Tyrereview it was rated very high in dry handling etc.
You can use an AllSeason tyre all year round, but on something like an MX5 I wouldn’t say it was recommended. You’ll loose some steering feedback and grip in dry, warm conditions will be more compromised compared with a ‘summer’ tyre.
Do you particularly want/need the car to perform in colder conditions? Do you use the car throughout the year?
All comes down to how you want the car to drive and perform. But if it’s comfort above all else, you’re probably in the wrong car I have to say!
Just to simplify things slightly, there are a few AllSeason options in 205/50/16 if you wish:
The best all-rounder in this size would be the Michelin CrossClimate 2. It’s not an XL loaded tyre, so sidewall compliance should be reasonable. It’s also a quiet tyre and is well regarded for performance in a variety of conditions, as well as fuel efficiency and overall speed of wear. I cannot speak to ‘comfort’ however, as that’s an extremely subjective area and isn’t a test criteria for someone like Tyre Reviews.
Pricing from Black Circles and there’s currently 10% off on 2 or more being purchased:
I will be using the car year around and I live in Scotland! So forget all weather, doesn’t sound quite right for an MX5. what would be a good tyre, plus not the most expensive!? Kumho? Hankook?
OK, if not AllSeason and bearing in mind 205/50/16 is not the most common of sizes, I’d look at the Kumho HS72 in that size:
Out of interest, what tyres do you currently have fitted and how old are they?
You seemed to be asking about all weather tyres in the opening post. Are you after summers, winters or all seasons?
Evergreen EU 728. They are 5 years old and too many cracks. I have just purchased the NC so hence the tyre questions.
I guess I was thinking about a tyre that was not hard but more on the comfort side. Hence the question re all weather which are apparently more on the comfort side. I am not racing the NC!
I’m in a similar situation. 2008 NC, current tyres have lots of tread but also lots of cracks so need to be changed. They are 5 yr old Avons. It’s currently on 205/55/16 but I want to go to 205/50. This does seem to limit tyre choice. Prices range from £65 to £150 or more. It’s not a daily driver, I don’t intend to ‘drive it like I stole it’ if that’s still a thing, and track days are unlikely.
Granted, you don’t buy one of these for the comfort, but I would prefer to reduce noise in the cabin if possible. I’ve seen budget tyres with a decibel rating of 69 whereas most are 71/72. Does anyone have experience of whether this difference is actually noticeable?
Previously, I have bought Toyo Proxy’s (on my NA), and was happy with them. Anyone able to advise the real world differences between these and a more budget tyre?
I’d still look at the Kumho HS52 I linked previously, £88 a corner fitted. The equivalent Toyo, the TR1, is £96 per corner and isn’t as well regarded.
If you wanted to go by the tyre noise rating it would be this Yokohama at 67dB but £118 each. Will it be worth it? Unfortunately there’s only one way to find out…
I’d say if your primary aim was to reduce cabin noise, I’d invest in some Dynamat or a similar product and apply it to the boot floor and within the cabin, around the rear wheelarch area.
Thank you - appreciate you taking time to respond. Car is getting ‘examined’ by a specialist on Thursday. The results will dictate how much gets invested into it.