215/60R-16 ? (on base 2005)

[Papacat]

Any have experience with this size tire on the base stock Vibe wheels? I am running the factory spec 205/55/16 right now and would like a bit larger tire, mostly to smooth out the ride. The 215/60/16 seems like a good option and these look like good tires for not too much money:Yokohama AVID Touring-S P215/60R-16 94T BSW$316 shipped for a set of four.I've had good experiences with Yokos in the past.Anyway, the size advice is really what I am looking for. Will the 215/60/16 pose any problems? Fit the original stock wheels fine? I know I will get something like a 3% under-read on the speedo, but I drive sloooow anyway.Am I right to understand these will smooth out the bumpiness of the ride a bit?Thanks for your advice.

[jkm311]

Welcome to GenVibe!The only measurement I can speak to is the sidewall of 60. I'm getting Potenzas with this sidewall size, strictly for a softer ride. A couple topic threads below this one contains some catalog pics. As far as the width, people warn against going too wide. Handling issues I believe, but maybe others more educated on this measurement can chime in.Again, welcome!

[vibolista]

Will fit fine. And will look even finer on your Vibe, Papacat. That's my snow tire size... only the snow tire width is more like a 205 than a real 215.

[Papacat]

Thanks much. I am going to try to hold out for some kind of a decent sale or coupon or something to bring the price down a bit more, but will try to post some feedback and pics once I get them on.

[jkm311]

If you like anything Bridgestone has to offer, I just took advantage of a $70 rebate on a set of 4 through Discount Tire. Rebate is good on purchases until the 20th (next Saturday).

[Papacat]

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately the rebate is only on one specific model and that one is not available in the size I am looking for. Anyway, even after the rebate they are a bit pricey for me. I will probably just go for the Yoko Avid Touring-S unless something better hits that ~80/tire mark before I make the leap.

[jkm311]

My Potenzas qualified. I just got the rebate confirmation, and I checked the rebate form and DiscountTire.com. It does not specify only "one specific model" that is eligible. But, in your price range, the Potenzas seem to be your only option.Tire Rack is asking $90/tire for the 215/60/16 Potenzas (which Discount Tire will match). With the $70 rebate (which they process in 24-48 hours if you register online), you would probably pay about $400-410 installed. Not bad at all for 4 new Bridgestones. My two pennies.

[vibolista]

That's a good price, but which Potenzas? Isn't there more than one model of this series.

[jkm311]

G019 Grid (205/60/16). I have a thread only a few below this one, with catalog pictures and whatnot. They go on tomorrow! Goodbye winter...

[vibolista]

The G019 is an excellent tire.

[jkm311]

They're on, and they're nice and cushy! Love 'em so far. Not to mention, the taller 60 sidewall fills the the wheel well very nicely.

[vibolista]

Shouldn't we get to see a picture of your grids mounted?

[jkm311]

Well, I was gonna wait to give 'em some dressings during my first annual washing/clay-bar/polish/waxing extravaganza. Not to mention my garage on here needs an overhaul. And I need a sig. Look for a new jkm311, basically. Or, are you too antsy?

[vibolista]

Decisions, decisions! Ok, do your clean up and we'll wait, patiently, sort of. Your weather's good enough to do a deep cleaning already???

[jkm311]

Close. 60 and sunny for the rest of the work week. Now, to get out of work with plenty of time to do said extravaganza... The polish and wax might have trouble drying nicely. I'd wait another week or two, but the weather is supposed to take a turn for the worse. 40s and rain next week. Damn my anxiousness!

[vibolista]

Daylight Savings Time, to the rescue!!!!

[HighMileVibe]

Fit no problem - Do NOT get Yokohama's! I detail the reason why on another tire post. Best tire to date I have found: Falken Ziex ZE-912. Tested by Consumer Reports and second only to Michelin in two different categories and half the price.

[Baltovibe]

Quote, originally posted by Papacat »Yokohama AVID Touring-S P215/60R-16 94T BSW$316 shipped for a set of four.When I inquired about those tires, I was told it was not recommended for the Vibe because of the "speed" rating. The Vibes apparently need a "H" rated tire, and the tires listed above are 2 steps down as a "T" rating.Any truth to this?Quote »Speed ratings are identified by a letter.The letter refers to the maximum speed the tire should travel. However, also realize the speed rating is not just speed. It is also performance and handling.Q- Up to 100mphR- Up to 106mphS- Up to 112mphT- Up to 118mphU- Up to 124mphH- Up to 130mphV- Up to 149mphW- Up to 168mphY- Up to 186mphZ- 149mph+

[vibolista]

Quote, originally posted by Baltovibe »When I inquired about those tires, I was told it was not recommended for the Vibe because of the "speed" rating. The Vibes apparently need a "H" rated tire, and the tires listed above are 2 steps down as a "T" rating.Any truth to this?Yea, I agree... you wouldn't want to be moving along at 120 to 130 miles per hour on a commute, and have to pass someone going a little slower. You could blow a tire if you accelerated over 135 to 140 for any period of time. I'm not sure why anyone would say a T rating would not be recommended for a Vibe... unless... 1. you plan to drive over 118 miles per hour for long periods of time or 2. the weight rating wasn't high enough for our huge Vibe crossovers. Personally, I don't use anything lower than a Y rating, you know so every once in a while I can safely "blow the carbon" out of the engine. The Z rating is superfluous, I don't think anyone should have a tire that allows you to reach infinite speeds. That would be utterly unsafe and ludicrous at the same time.

[Kincaid]

lol