GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

My question is whether the difference in wheel offset is likely to cause any problems with steering or tire wear. Anyone have any experience with this?I have a set of snow tires mounted on 15-in steel rims. (Tires are185/65 x 15 - same diameter as the stock Vibe tire on 16-in rim).The Vibe wheel has 38 mm offset, the Subie wheel has 57 mm. The net change to track width is about 30 mm or 1.25 in, which seems quite a bit.

I don't see how it would. I went from 53 mm to 30 mm offset for a concave look. if you're going backwards and from 38 mm to 57 mm, then it shouldn't matter too much. I mean, people get larger width wheels and tires all the time. as long as it clears your brakes and drums or cause any rubbing, I don't see why it would matter. mainly the diameter of the wheel would be more pertinent. However, i'm no tire expert, so maybe someone else wants to add their expertise of tire knowledge.

Here's why offset matters: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offset_(wheel)

Actually 195/65/15 is the recommended size (.45% bigger). 185 is smaller (1.75%). You're getting into a much lower load capacity also.

My '03 with Subaru fitment wheels from my old Impreza, no issue so far and this is the second season.. The brakes clear..

oh duh! i had some 15's off an old celica on my Vibe GT for my winter rims.

Hey if it works, it works!... but not really sure if I like the 55 Chevy tire to wheel well relationship. Couldn't you find some wheel spacers. H&R makes some. They are a pain, (extra 5 bolts per wheel) but will bring the wheel closer to proper offset.

Quote, originally posted by vibolista »Hey if it works, it works!... but not really sure if I like the 55 Chevy tire to wheel well relationship. Couldn't you find some wheel spacers. H&R makes some. They are a pain, (extra 5 bolts per wheel) but will bring the wheel closer to proper offset.Old adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"

Thanks, all! The 185 size improved traction in snow on a Legacy GT wagon.The Vibe has to be lighter than that...

oh i'm sure it's a lot lighter than that. LOL, especially the older versions.

Quote, originally posted by skeezix »Thanks, all! The 185 size improved traction in snow on a Legacy GT wagon.The Vibe has to be lighter than that...I'm sure it IS lighter, but, do yourself a favor and put some bags of sand/corn/whatever in the back for some weight on the rear... I add 150lbs of corn to the back of the Vibe every year and it really settles the rear down on the highway..