What Snow Tire Chains Are Available for a 205/55R17 Tire On A Mini Cooper S Countryman All4

Updated 03/28/2011 | Published 03/26/2011

Question:

The car is a new Mini Cooper S Countryman All4. It came with 17 wheels and 205/55R17 run flat tires. Is there a cable chain for 205/55 R17 tires? If not, is there another size which will work? For example, 205/50 R17 is widespread. Will that work, in spite of the sidewall to width ratio of the chains being 5 less than the tires. At least the chain diameter is the same as the tires. Or would 215/55R17 work, by tightening the chains to make up for the 10 mm excess width 62.8 mm excess diameter? I think the latter solution is dangerous, risks the chains getting loose and fouling the wheel/axle. I dont want to go to the large expense of new wheels and tires for a new Mini, when the use of chains on top of the all wheel drive and the M+S tires would be very occasional when the road is truly iced over?

asked by: Jon A

Expert Reply:

The Glacier # PW1034 cable chains are a fit for 205/55-17 tires and are Class-S compatible, which means they are ver low profile for vehicles with limited space in the tire well.

When using snow tire chains you will always need to make sure you use a snow chain that is designed for your particular size tire.

On your Mini Cooper S Countryman All4 you will want to check your owners manual or with the Mini dealer to see if snow tire chains can be used on your vehicle with run-flat tires and if there are any limitations.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on snow tire chains.

expert reply by: Jeff D