Help a new guy out

[sparky494]

New Vibe owner and lovin it. Mine is a '09 GT. My question is what to you guys do for winter tires on yours. My stock GT 18"s are still in really good shape and I actually like the look. In Wisconsin they do a good job of clearing the snow but they put down a ton of salt which will kill the stock alloys. I am kinda cheep and I was wondering if anyone ever tried to put some 16" steelies on their GT for the winter. The reason I am asking about 16" is because it will obviously keep the cost of tires down and the rims are readily available at junkyards in my area. Do the GT's have bigger brake rotors than the base, I know they have a different bolt pattern, right? And what about the TPMS, do you just deal with the light in the dash for the winter? I am looking for any advise from all you experienced Vibers out there. Thanks!
P.S. Lovin' the forum too!

[Rayven01]

The 16" steelies from the 2.4l base fit the GT just fine. They do have bigger brakes but so does the base with the bigger engine. As for TPMS most bigger shops have the tools and will reset them for free as part of their tire service if you buy a set there but most people live with the light to save the money since a second set of sensors cost so much.

[tpollauf]

Several of us here have purchased a set of winter tires & rims so that we don't destroy our original 18" that came with the car. Here is a pic of mine in winter mode where the summers 18" are safely stored up on my garage wall. You're probably looking at $600 minimum to get yourself outfitted with a winter set BUT well worth it in the long run

[sparky494]

Sweet, thanks for the info guys!

[sparky494]

O.K.... New question: if I find a set of 16" rims what size tires do I need to keep the speedo somewhat correct?

[Rayven01]

O.K.... New question: if I find a set of 16" rims what size tires do I need to keep the speedo somewhat correct?

205/55R16

[vibenvy]

We've used Toyota Camry 16" steel wheels (5x114.3) on both our 2009 GTs since the first winter we had them. They have 205/55/16 tires on them. The 16" steel wheels just barely clear the front calipers. They are the absolute smallest wheel that will fit over the 2009-2010 GT front brakes. I did not spend the extra money for TPMS sensors. We just live with the light being on. The light actually doesn't even come on until you have been driving for about 20 minutes so it's really not a big deal.

[sparky494]

Thanks, I have already contacted the bone yard to be on the lookout for me. Vibenvy, I saw your post of your car in "winter mode", and I think the steelies panted black on your car looked kinda cool. We have the same car so that is what I will be doing come winter. Thank you for all your help.

[vibenvy]

Thanks! I didn't think the plain steelies looked too bad, but the OEM wheel covers I picked up a year ago make our Vibes look even better in winter mode.

[Th17kit]

I just bought Toyo Observe 205/55 R16 for the winter (screaming deal on CL!) and I was sweating that the wheel will look too small/speedo will be way off. This thread took all my cares away! Thanks folks!