New Vibe Owner

[mskatt911]

Greetings! I just bought a 2005 Vibe with 211K miles. I didn't realize there was a forum dedicated to the Vibe until I started googling about high RPMs upon warm up.

I know next to nothing about cars in general, but I do really like my Vibe. It has some rust spots (very typical Northern Michigan rust) and the wheel covers are horrendous.

[vibrologist]

Welcome, mskatt911! I think you came to the right place.
When cold the engine should idle about 2500- 3000 and quickly go down to 2000. After about 2 miles of driving it should go to normal.
Please describe your high idle in more detail. Do you have a check engine light? have you checked if the ECM has been replaced for the recall? A GM dealer can check for this.

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe. Post pics when you get a chance.

[ehoff121]

Welcome to genvibe!

When you read the RPMs, use the bottom edge of the needle.

[mskatt911]

Thank you! It does have the check engine light on, the previous owner said it's been on for years and he had it checked and nothing was wrong. I did see a thread about the intake manifold gasket. I told my boyfriend and he's going to change it.

I did not know about the ECM recall. I will get that checked out, as well. Thank you for your help!

I will need decent tires right quick, we're going to get more snow. Any recommendations?

[Caretaker]

not sure if you meant you want all season tires or snow tires. If all season, go with the Pirelli Cinturato P7 Plus or the General Altimax RT43. Both are excellent tires. Both are available on line, at Discount Tire, or at Sam's Club.

[ehoff121]

Thank you! It does have the check engine light on, the previous owner said it's been on for years and he had it checked and nothing was wrong.

Well something is wrong if the light is on. Having it on constantly without a way to know if there are more problems popping up is not a good way to go. If you don't have access to a code reader, you can go to AutoZone and have them read the code(s) for free. If you post what you get here, there are folks that can help.

[mskatt911]

not sure if you meant you want all season tires or snow tires. If all season, go with the Pirelli Cinturato P7 Plus or the General Altimax RT43. Both are excellent tires. Both are available on line, at Discount Tire, or at Sam's Club.

Thank you! I'm leaning toward snow tires. I live in the snowbelt, so I get dumped on on a regular basis.

[mskatt911]

Thank you! It does have the check engine light on, the previous owner said it's been on for years and he had it checked and nothing was wrong.

Well something is wrong if the light is on. Having it on constantly without a way to know if there are more problems popping up is not a good way to go. If you don't have access to a code reader, you can go to AutoZone and have them read the code(s) for free. If you post what you get here, there are folks that can help.

Yeah, that was my plan. I drive past AutoZone everyday on my way home from work and think of it as I'm pulling in my driveway...

[vibrologist]

I'm leaning toward snow tires. I live in the snowbelt, so I get dumped on on a regular basis.

General Altimax Arctic give unbelievable good grip and steering. However they are very noisy on dry pavement.
Nitto snow tires are supposed to be fairly quiet.
My wife is using Cooper winter tires which are better than any all season tires but not outstanding in any which way. I.e getting the job done and not horribly noisy.
Then there are Bridgestone Blizzak and Micheling X-ice. Those are premium tires with excellent grip and low noise.

If you buy a whole set with new rims consider getting 15" rims and 195/65/15 sized tires.

Here is a good start for your research: https://tirereviewsandmore.com/cooper-w ... e-reviews/

[vibenvy]

Welcome to GenVibe! Definitely post a picture of your "new" Vibe when you get a chance !