Tire size?

[JerBear]

Will a tire with a 50 or 55 profile fit on a 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT? The stock tire is 215/45R18 for that car but I would like to give it a bit wider side wall to give it less firm a ride.

Also I'm looking for a back deck carpet mat, we have floor mats and in or 2007 Vibe they came with a really nice mat in the back, did they come in the next gen Vibe?

[SeattleJeremy]

These days the ride firmness just as much or more to do with the brand/type/model of tire being used, than the sidewall height.

I would suggest going with a tire with a softer side wall, like the Continental ExtremeContact DWS, which is all season, and is a great tire. It's what I'm running on my Vibe right now. They handle well in all seasons, including snow.

However, the stock BFGoodrich or Goodyear tires, might handle better around an autocross coarse due to the stiffer side wall.

[vibenvy]

Also I'm looking for a back deck carpet mat, we have floor mats and in or 2007 Vibe they came with a really nice mat in the back, did they come in the next gen Vibe?

There's a GM Accessories rubber cargo mat for the 2009-2010 Vibe (#19170827). GMPartsCenter.net has it for $79.80 plus $8.95 handling. They have free shipping and are currently offering 5% off orders over $50.00 (through November 30th) using coupon code NOV5. Check my Garage to see pictures of it.

[leemur]

Mine has 215/60/16 Fusion Hri's. I also have the hard plastic molded mudflaps and they just barely rub at full lock. Ride is nice. They come in at 2% over GT stock size. If you go 205/55/16, the base model stock tire size, you will be 3% under GT stock size. 60 aspect ratios are cheaper than 55, much cheaper.

[star_deceiver]

Will a tire with a 50 or 55 profile fit on a 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT?

55 profile tires with 16" rims will fit the GT, although I doubt it would make that much difference. Ride quality between my summer 17's and winter 16's isn't changed that much.

Vibes are very firm riding vehicles, you may want to swap out your shocks/springs to something softer as well.... but still, you'll never get a Buick soft ride. (unless you sell it and buy a Buick)

[JerBear]

Perhaps I should clarify what I was asking. Do you think a 215/55R18 instead of a 215/45R18 would work on a stock rim and stock GT 2009 Vibe If I went with the 55 profile the uber-stiffness may be reduced but I'm not sure it will fit.

[trb]

The differences in diameter between the two sizes is almost 2", so it would be a tight fit. You gain about 8/10" of rubber on the sidewall. But then again, a GT could stand to be lowered so it might fit OK on a non lowered GT. You would probably experience some rubbing on turns while going up or down driveways and such.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Oh, and on the rear mat, I tried the one from my son's 06 Vibe in mine and it fit OK, except for the flap on the right side and it is about 2" longer, but that can be tucked down between the floor and rear seat backs. I'm planning to try and get one for a 05-08 Vibe with the Monsoon package since it is straight along the right side without the flap.