GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hey guys new to the forum. I've looked and looked but can't find the exact info I'm needing.

Just bought an 09 base with the 2.4 motor. Steel wheels with 205 55/16's and it needs new tires. Speedometer reads 2-3 mph over and odometer is 2miles under per 100. This car will be my work/tow car. I transport trucks/motorhomes for 3 different companies and tow the car behind me. It will be loaded heavy with stuff for work, cooler, mattress etc. Having the speedo/odo accurate is not a big deal as I'm always watching the speed on my gps. I'm looking to improve fuel mileage and have a better ride with the new tire choice. How big can I go without having any issues?

Was rear-ended by a semi in my 04 Vibe 2 weeks ago. It got great fuel mileage and I know it will go down with the 2.4 but couldn't pass up a 27k mile car for $5k.

Thanks
Scott

Hello Scott, and welcome to the best site on the innerwebs.

I went to a 205/60/16 on a couple of mine and it made a pretty good difference in ride, and the speedometer is closer too.

Here's a link to a really handy tire size calculator that lets you compare various sizes. I wanted to stay at under 5% difference in diameter.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc

stock tire diameter is 24.9 inches. Largest I've seen anyone run is 28 inches. I expect a 15 inch wheel would give a more compliant ride due to more sidewall to absorb the chuck holes, same for a larger diameter tire. I'm about to pull the trigger on 205/65-16's for winter tires, 1-1/2 inch taller, gives me 10% larger tire and 10% reduction in indicated speed (easy math). I know there's speed sensor modulators out there, not sure I'd bother with it. The lower RPM at speed should help your fuel economy at bit too.

my son's 03 vibe has the std 205/55/r16 and he wants to put on white lettered tires (he is the son of a guy who grew up in the 80's-90's and loves OWL tires...LOL)

has anyone upgraded to 215/55/r16? my concern is "rubbing" inside the wheel well when turning

215/55 should not rub.

i have searched and searched and even called msg's. no such white lettered (outlined or solid) in a compatible size with a vibe

Ant03vibe wrote: ↑Tue Aug 20, 2019 5:25 pmi have searched and searched and even called msg's. no such white lettered (outlined or solid) in a compatible size with a vibe

You'd most likely have to white letter them yourself. a few i know have done that using the fabric pen things from walmart.

hogdoctor wrote: ↑Fri Nov 02, 2018 3:49 amI expect a 15 inch wheel would give a more compliant ride due to more sidewall to absorb the chuck holes, same for a larger diameter tire.

16" wheels are the smallest wheels that will clear the front brakes on 2009-2010 Vibes.