More height for winter tires?

[r-2]

I have a 2009 JSW TDI all stock - running 205/55R16 for summer tires. Buying new winter tires (getting another set of wheels) and would like a little more height without impacting handling or rubbing.

The chart says:
The 205/55R16 snows are 24.9" in diameter.
The 205/60R16 snows would be 25.7" in diameter.

Tire Rack warns they might rub, although they recommend a maximum 3% increase. Anybody got any experience with the 60's? Am I going to regret buying them? They are actually a bit cheaper than the 55's for some reason.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Ron

[r-2]

Bump! More than 80 people have viewed this thread but no one has an opinion if this is safe?

[Airy32]

No idea if it is safe. Just don't have any first hand knowledge of what works on a JSW. But, based on wheel well clearance on many other VWs I'd say it is more likely it will work than not. But even if it fit I doubt you'd want no extra room in the wheel well for all the stuff that sticks to your tires in the winter.

You could always compromise a bit and go with a 215/55 or 195/60. I have no idea of availability of tires in those sizes but either would be closer to stock diameter while giving more sidewall. And either of those would definitely work.

[r-2]

Yeah, I'm thinking that gaining 3/8" of height is not worth the risk. I'm sticking with the standard tire size. Maybe I'll just hibernate this winter!