GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Ok Ive been surfing through the threads here and Im not sure if I just keep missing a thread or have not found one that answers my question. So, here goes....What is the largest rim size I can go with without having to go with low profile tires? Secondly my Vibe is equipped with a TPMS and I am guessing I need special rims for that?And lastly, when I was looking at rims I could not quite figure out what the second number on the rim ment, ex. 17X7 and 17X8

TPMS= Tire pressure monitor system I assume? Most systems operate by speed sensor or tire pressure sensors located on the valve stems. I don't know what one GM uses since the Vibe is Toyota to a degree. If they are valve stem sensors make sure they get transfered to the new rims and you might need to have them reprogrammed. If they are operating off the same speed sensor the ABS and trac control do then you will be fine.Personally... I consider the 16" stock rims to have lowprofile tires since I consider anything with a 55 sidewall to be lowprofile. If you mount 17" rims you will need to go 45 on the sidewall (example P225/45R17) and thats definatly low profile. You may just want to stick with the 16" rim size and mount stock P205/55R16 on them.17x7 is 17" rim thats 7" wide. I would not go to much wider then that as you do not want to rub on the inside when steering. I believe someone on here has 17x8 with no probs. But again if your going 17" rim then your going to need low profile tires.

Yes I ment the Tire Pressure system but I dont have the Trac control system.

I would assume you have ABS which uses speed sensors. GM usually has their tire monitor systems work off that same speed sensor. It detects one wheel is moving at a different speed from the others and determins that tire has different tire pressure from the rest and turns on your low tire light.

I have another question about the rims. I recall someone saying something about the size of the tire needs to remain around 3% of the stock tire. So if I went with a 17" rim and stayed with the 55 sidewall would that cause a problem?

yes that could. If your going to a 17" rim then you'll want to go with a P225/45R17 to match the 16" stock rim size perfectly. To be honest before I lowered my Vibe I was on aftermarket 17" rims from my stock 16" size and the ride wasn't all that much different. I did notice the wider tires follow road grooves though.

Ok thanks for the information Mav

I'm upgrading from the 16" stock on my base vibe to a 17" wheel.I'm going to a little lower profile. The tires I'm getting are 225 45/R17.I was looking at the 215 45R17 but it would change my speedometer reading a little more.You can check discounttire.com and choose your tire and compare it to the tire you are looking at to see the difference. Here is the link.http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos