Buddy needs new winter tires. Size question

[Howard]

His car's OEM size is 205/55-16, but most of the tire models he's looking at cost the least in 195/60-16. I personally think it's a non-issue to go with the slightly narrow tread, but what do you guys think?

 

[heymrdj]

Narrower isn't an issue, in fact narrower tires tend to dig in better on icey roads because they put more psi in a specific area. In deep snow, however, this can hurt because the tires shovel more than float. But for passenger cars it's a moot point anyway, their low ground clearance nature makes them poor in deep snow either way.

 

[Howard]

Narrower isn't an issue, in fact narrower tires tend to dig in better on icey roads because they put more psi in a specific area.

Isn't this strictly dependent on the air pressure?

 

[heymrdj]

Isn't this strictly dependent on the air pressure?

No this is regarding contact patch. Regardless of air pressure in the tire, when using narrower tires, the area against the ground (all 4 contact patches on the ground) is less than when using wider tires. Because of this the weight of your vehicle presses down on a tinier area, increasing pressure. This is why vehicles running on sand air down, they widen their contact patch and lower the amount of weight per inch (psi) in one area, helping to prevent the vehicle from sinking into the sand. This is the same reason for ATV balloon tires and tractor tires.

 

[Yuriman]

This is absolutely 100% correct. On a related note, all else being equal, narrower tires will often have higher hydroplane speeds and may be safer in wet conditions. Increasing tire air pressure can also help with this, though after a certain point your traction starts to decrease again.

In my book, narrower = better in snow and rain conditions.