Tires: Tire size, nissan altima, psi max

Question
Dear David:

I would like to know if 205/55/R16 snow tires would fit on a 2010 Nissan Altima (standard size) 215/60/R16? Thanks for your time and hope to hear back from you soon.

Answer
Dear Janet,
Thank you for using AllExperts.
If the 205/55R16 tires are P-metric tires...IF the size designation on the sidewall of the tire is shown as P205/55R16, they do not have enough load capacity to replace your P215/60R16 original tires.  
Comparison:
P205/55R16: max. load 1,279 lbs. per tire @ 35 psi (max)
P215/60R16: max. load 1,477 lbs. per tire @ 35 psi (max)
Second, the overall diameter difference between the two sizes is outside of the generally acceptable limits (tire industry), and this difference will have an adverse affect on your speedometer and odometer.  I'm quite sure that your Nissan owner's manual discourages the fitment of alternative tire sizes other than the original size.
DT