from what I researched and have been told the <3% difference will not negatively affect it in a noticeable way. Plus given the fact that I just need them for (hopefully just) some of this winter (and low mileage), I'm not to concerned.

As far as the speedomteter I'm not super concerned about it because it has never been right on my Mini. When I first got it It would read ~2mph off across the board but then it slowly changed to being correct at low mileage, 3-4mph off at 72 (would read 75-76) and was exponential after that reading close to 10+mph off at 90 (would read 100). This all acts as if the tire size is off yet I have stock sizes on, and the fact that it's changed over times.

Ideally my beater will make it through winter, but I do not have hope for that and cannot financially afford another car (as car prices are ridiculous). So looking for studded tires are a just in case back-up option to have over winter.

I remember, as a teenager riding with my Dad in a snowstorm, we were passed by a Model A ford with really skinny ties. Narrow tires cut through the snow rather than trying to ride over it.

If I remember correctly, narrower tires have better traction in the snow than wider tires - generally speaking.

Also known as “plus-sizing,” can affect the accuracy of its speedometer and odometer, handling, steering response and more. If done incorrectly, changing the tire size can be detrimental to the safety of your vehicle.

TellPopeyes

Anyone who might be thinking about doing this the size I found thanks to NAM help seems to be 215/45 R17. This size fits within the 3% and seems to be have a decent winter selection (7 on tirerack. 5 studless and 2 studdable). The only thing being that none of them are runflats. 

If you are looking at winter tires in the stock 17s size then I would also recommend the Blizzak LM60 RFT. I had those my first winter and the only issue I had with them was the longevity (but I was driving an hour each way to college at the time plus extra while also driving spirited on nice days) I got about 15k out of them. (I also forgot to rotate them which made the fronts completely shot but the rears were also too far gone)

Hey everyone! This is more of a tire question rather than a mini question. I want to continue wintering me r56mcs, it has stock 205-45-17s on it. I’m looking for more of a selection of winter tires and was wondering what people’s opinions on going up to a 205-50-17 would be?  This tires is SLIGHTLY bigger than the 3% change you’re supposed to stay in, coming in at like 3.3% change. What are peoples opinions on this?

I have looked into 215-40 and 205-40s which fit in the percentage but don’t offer much as far as a winter tire.