[Mk2] [NA] Winter Tyres

[Alasdair Mair]

With it snowing up here in sunny Scotland I'm looking to get winter tyres for my standard alloys but its proving very difficult sourcing tyres for the rear. Anyone able to point me in the right direction. Rear size: 225/50 R15 91V. Is it a case of using a slightly different tyre size to fit? Thanks in advance.

[Big_Martin]

I had a look into this a couple of years back and the nearest rolling radius I could find were something like a 195 or 205 width. I wrote down the info for a staggered set somewhere, I'm just trying to dig it out now

From what I remember though, they were something like 175-185 fronts and 195-205 rears. Not sure what they'd actually be like to drive on, when fitted to 6J and 7J rims.

[Rosssco]

Alastair,

Need to fit mine given this weeks weather! I have a spare set of wheels and use 195/55/15 and 225/60/15. Front sizes are standard and relatively easy to find, although I don't know of a 225/50 in a winter tyre... 225/55 might be available, but the handling is still fine with the 60 profile.

I got on ok this week on my normal wheels, but the winters do make a massive difference, and genuinely make the MR2 usable all year round, despite people surprise that you'd drive "a car like that in this weather".

Ross

[synXero]

I'm only guessing but 60/15s would probably rub on lowered suspension. Maybe their tucked in enough though.

[Rosssco]

I'm only guessing but 60/15s would probably rub on lowered suspension. Maybe their tucked in enough though.

Yep your guessing Clear the strut towers fine. And no where near the outer arch..

[synXero]

I'm only guessing but 60/15s would probably rub on lowered suspension. Maybe their tucked in enough though.

[Rosssco]

Why would you guess? I use them, on lowered suspension, and their fine.. Standard wheels, so standard offset (and tyre width) so no arch issues.

[synXero]

Purely based on 45/17s rubbing. I'd suppose 45/17 is comparable to 55/15. Mind you they were 245s so much closer to the arch.

[Loque]

Thinner tyres might be an idea. Would help you in snowy conditions.

[liamc]

Thinner tyres might be an idea. Would help you in snowy conditions.

I've put 205/60/15 on the standard rear wheels and so far they seem good. Far better traction in the wet than my 235/40/17 summer tyres.
Havent had snow to try them in yet, but I'm confident they'll be a huge improvement over wide summer rubber.