Are low profile tires the only way?

[kc5sym]

After researching for tires for my Vibe, have found everything designed forthe car is a low profile type. Yes I know that the low profile offer extremelygood looks, and awesome handling around corners and such.But they are terrible on bumpy roads. Not to mention, they get flats easier.So I was thinking of replacing the 205/55/16's with 215/70/16's.Possibly sport/SUV/light truck tires with directional tread.I know if I do this, the height of the car will increase, and corneringwill worsen. Also the car will definitely take on a new look.

[bull77]

mountainmax put on 225/60/16 on his vibe http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=32897

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[kowell]

205/55R16 is hardly a low-profile size tire. All modern compacts and a lot of base model full size cars use it, it's probably one of the most commun tire sizeo ut there.You could always try to downsize to 15 inches. You would need thicker tires.

[Kamikaze]

I gotta say low profile starts around 45 series... 50-55 is pretty much a standard profile for almost all cars.I doubt there will be much of a difference to go to a 60 series from the 55.

[Merzbow]

Low profiles do not necessarily get flats easier. it depends on how you drive I've had 3 or 4 sets of low profile tires on my aftermarket 18's and I h haven't gotten a flat yet. On the other hand, last year ALONE I got three flat tires on my winter stock rims which all have all season tires on them and are NOT low profile...I drive less in the winter also. You are right though, they ride a bit rough but I like to feel the car I'm driving, that's part of the experience for me and it makes you more concious of holes in the road which is a HUGE problem in Michigan, in turn helping the wear and tear on the car lol

[djb383]

I would think a 215/70/16 would kill what little performance the Vibe has, since it is 12% taller than stock. You must remember that the taller the tire, the more leverage it places against the engine tranny. Ever ride a 10 speed bike? It's harder to start off and turn the pedals in a taller/higher gear.

[1oldbanjo]

IF you want a better ride - get some 15" wheels and install a 205/65-15 tire. This size has very close to the same rolling radius as the orignal tires (205/55-16 or 215/50-17) and your speedometer and odometer will stay accurate, and your gearing will not be adversly affected.