GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

As winter draws to a close I'm looking at what tires to get for my new 18 inch Matrix wheels. My 16 inch steel rims have my winter tires. I'm planning on sticking with the original 215/45 size. I'm considering the Sumitomo HTR A/S P01. I also have to decide if I want to add the stupid tire monitors to these tires or cover up the dash light with tape. Tire rack sells them for about $250. I think I'll probably skip the monitors, but I haven't decided yet.So ... Any other suggestions? I'd like to keep the cost down and I'm not looking for ultimate performance. Just a decent tire with reasonable handling.

I can't speak for how you like to drive but I currently have Hankook Ventus V4's. They are very hard to hydroplane... even now that I'm down to less then 50% tread it's still difficult!

Went with Nexen N5000 tires 215/45-18. Just put them on Monday. Seems like a good tire. A lot quieter than the Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires. We'll see how they do over time.

I've got Nexen N5000 215/50/R17 on my Vibe, and according to the previous owner, they're good tires. I love them. Grippy enough, great wet traction, and no tire slip at full throttle in the rain. I drove through streets which were flooded in 2-6 inches of water (at night) and never once did these tires hesitate, nor did I jump and lose confidence in them. Meanwhile, my FR710 Firestone tires on my stock rims get REALLY sketchy in similar weather.

NWEric wrote:Went with Nexen N5000 tires 215/45-18. Just put them on Monday. Seems like a good tire. A lot quieter than the Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires. We'll see how they do over time.

A couple hundred miles on them and I like them. Much more solid handling and they do seem good in rain. Only downside is reduced fuel mileage with the wider rubber moving from 16 to 18 inch. The odd thing is my speedometer is now spot on running 215/45 and it was off with the OEM 205/55, if my Garmin is right. Weird. Overall, pretty happy with my tire decision.