Tire Substitution Question 195/50/16 for ?

Hi All. I have a 2001 Protege ES with V rated 195/50/16 stock tires. However, I need winter tires and to buy them in that size = $$$$. The garage tried a 205/55/16 but said they were too close (about 1/2 inch) to the strut and were afraid they would get popped. Is there any other size I can try? Maybe 195/55/16? Do they have to be V rated?

Thanks!!!

195/55/16 should work, it is about 3% oversize, speedometer will read about
58 mph a true 60 mph. You don't have to buy V rated tires. It may be hard to
find a 195/55/16 tire at a reasonable price.

http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

Welcome to the forum.
Clifton