2009 2.4 Wheel Replacement Size?

[thepachman]

Hi All,

I'm heading to my 2nd set of tires after logging now 92k miles on my 2009 base vibe. As I'm looking at options from Costco (down here in DC/MD/VA we don't have any Belle Tires, what a travesty) I'm noticing that they list two options for tire size:

205/55R16
225/45R17

I've done a little bit of research but still don't quite understand if both of these actually fit my car, or if the "Optional" listing on the R17s is what I need to go with. I currently have 225/45R17 Ventus V4s from Hankook that I will not be replicating.

I appreciate any help or guidance anyone can give me on whether I can go with the R16s and still be fine on my Vibe. Thanks!

[trb]

The 16 or 17 depends on the wheel diameter. If you are just replacing tires, you can only go with the same diameter tire that you have. So if you have 225/45R17 tires, you can only use another tire with a 17 at the end on your current wheels. The 09-10 Vibes were sold with 16" steel wheels and hubcaps, 17" alloy wheels, 17" chrome wheels, and also 18" wheels on the GT models. That is probably why they show the different tire sizes.

Now you can try a different width tire (the 225 is width in mm) and height (the 45 is height in ratio to the width or 45% of 225) but you can not change the wheel diameter without buying new wheels of the correct size. The stock tire size was 215/45-17 and Discount Tire shows these as possible optional tires:

205/45-17
205/50-17
225/45-17
235/40-17
235/45-17
245/40-17

Now different size tires can cause your speedometer to read a bit fast or slow, but generally these sizes should not change it more than 5% or so. I personally like a bit wider tire to protect the wheel from curb rash better, so I woud stick with the 225/45-17 or go with 235/40-17 or 235/45-17. Sometimes there is a big price difference in tire sizes, so it can pay to shop around.

Good luck!

[tpollauf]

Hi All,

I'm heading to my 2nd set of tires after logging now 92k miles on my 2009 base vibe.

It took me awhile to understand your message. Basically your Vibe will be getting it's THIRD set of tires since new. The originals went till 40-50k, then your current Hankooks went up to the current 92k odometer reading, now you're seeking out advice for the third set ......... correct?

[Kincaid]

I recommend sticking with the same size if you are staying with the stock wheels. I upsized 10mm in width and raised the profile in an attempt to get better mpg and correct my speedo because it was off about 3 mph. The speedo now reads right but my avg mpg dropped from about 26 mpg to 24 mpg. When the fronts are ready I am switching back to the stock tire size.