Different size tires Front and back

[Mini2]

Hi
Have been a Mini owner for several years now but never had to replace my tires in an emergency.
Had to get my front tires replaced on my Mini Cooper 2002, after they ripped.
Emergency road service towed me to their garage where they only had 205/55 16T tires in stock. Mine had 195/55 R16 on them.
They proceeded to replace my good back 2 (195/55 R16) to the front and put the new replacement wider 205/55 16T at the back. Was told I should be able to drive with this combination without any issues on safety or handling.

Are there issues with this ?
Have been told mixed advices...

Thanks
Puzzled

[MINIAC]

Mixing tires "can unbalance the vehicle's handling in poor weather or when pushed to the limit in an emergency".

[cristo]

Not a huge difference in size. They should fit, but may prevent the " tire pressure sensor" and ABS systems from doing their job,
as the front and rears are now rotating at different rates.
What are the 195/55/16s and what are the 205/55/16s?
Are they similar in design and purpose (runflat , nonrunflat, summer, allseason, winter, performance, economy, etc.)?
This could unbalance the handling, add in a nonfunctioning ABS and an emergency winter weather stop, and it could cause trouble.

If you like the new 205/55/16s, you might want to get 2 more.

[Mini2]

Hmmm never thought to change them all to 205/55/16s

Not sure what you mean by rates of 195/55/16s and what are the 205/55/16s?
Sorry totally new to the specs of tires I'm afraid

I suspect they were nonrunflats as they were in stock at the emergency servie garage. Also.. perhaps summers/economy - they didnt really say when they put them on :S

Was just glad they had replacements.. I suppose I should have asked more questions.

If the books say 195/55 R16 or 205/45 R17 for Mini Coopers 205/55/16s is still Ok i guess ?

Sorry for being so naive...

[MINIAC]

205/55-16 tires are a little "tall" ... 205/50-16 is the normal "plus size" replacement for 195/55-16.

FAQ: What should be considered in choosing a wheel and tire package?

[cristo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mini2 (original)

Hmmm never thought to change them all to 205/55/16s

Not sure what you mean by rates of 195/55/16s and what are the 205/55/16s?
Sorry totally new to the specs of tires I'm afraid

I suspect they were nonrunflats as they were in stock at the emergency servie garage. Also.. perhaps summers/economy - they didnt really say when they put them on :S

Was just glad they had replacements.. I suppose I should have asked more questions.

If the books say 195/55 R16 or 205/45 R17 for Mini Coopers 205/55/16s is still Ok i guess ?

Sorry for being so naive...

Since the 195/55/16 had a smaller diameter (and therefore circumference) than the 205/55/16
tires, they will rotate at a faster rate (revolutions per mile). The flat tire light might come on as
the car sees that the front tires are rotating faster and thinks that they are low on air because of that.

The 205/55/16 is 24.88 inches in diameter. Stock tires are between 24 and 24.5 roughly,
depending on whether they're the 16s (24.45"), 17s (24.26") or 15s (23.96").

They are a little tall compared to stock, and may rub if the car is lowered, but if you have them
on now with no rubbing you should be ok. Might want to try them on the front to check for fit there as well.

The speedometer usually reads a little faster than actual with oem size tires. It will actually
be closer to the real speed with the 205/55/16s.

What brand and model are the old and new tires (should be on the sidewalls)?