15" or 16" rims?

Spiffman · Post by **Spiffman** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 1:47 pm

I read the post regarding which snow tire to purchase and it just reinforced what tire I wanted to get 195/65 but didn't see the significance of going with a 15" rim over the stock 16". I was thinking of putting the snow tires on the stock alloy and picking up a new set of aftermarket rims and HP summer tires in the spring. But if there is a major benefit for using 15" rims in the winter i would go with some steel for the winter.

ou.grizzly · Post by **ou.grizzly** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 1:50 pm

What year Vibe and engine?

Spiffman · Post by **Spiffman** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 4:01 pm

It's an 06' with manual base model with 1.8L

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Sat Oct 10, 2009 9:23 pm

only benifits from a 15 to a 16" tire rim packages are:15 inch tires are cheaper15 inch tires will have a smaller foot print so it will cut threw the snow better than 16" tiresIf you already have the stock alloys use those. The cost savings you will see with 15" tires and rims will be lost because your buying both. Then you still need to do something with your alloys if your going to get custom rims for the summer. If your still planning on buying a summer set of tires and rims then your 16" alloys will be just sitting there.So use those for your winters.

Kincaid · Post by **Kincaid** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 3:22 am

Just a nit pick.I understand that when the weight of the vehicle stays constant, a narrow tire and a fat tire will still have the same "footprint". However, the narrow tire does "cut thru the snow" better because of it's long footprint, while a fat tire's wide footprint will tend to plane above the road surface.

seattlevibe06 · Post by **seattlevibe06** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 11:36 am

I asked this question at one of the local tire stores and they said that it would not be of any problem to mount 15s. They also brought up a question if the 15s would clear the brake calipers. Does anyone know anything about this?

18stars · Post by **18stars** » Thu Dec 17, 2009 8:53 pm

I use 15 inch rims all year now but started with what at the time was a preferred snow package from Tirerack that used 15 inch wheels.....the key thing in your initial question was "major benefit".....I don't think there's a "major" difference between 15 and 16 inch wheels at all....I use 15s because I like the higher sidewalls for handling potholes and curbs in city and back alley driving...I use Pirelli All Season tires for most of the year and have Blizzaks for the winter ...both sets mounted on 15 inch Borbets.

15" or 16" rims?

15" or 16" rims?

Re: 15" or 16" rims? (Spiffman)

Re: (Spiffman)

Re: (Kincaid)