GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I have just purchased a 2004 Vibe AWD. Dealer informed me that due to the AWD system I cannot go any larger then the 16s already on it. What can I do? I'm an 18 inch lover and want to get these on. What will happen to the CPU if the data comes in diferent on the wheel spin due to the larger sized wheel and tire package. Anyone with experience on the AWD yet?

Welcome to genvibe!Not sure if it would matter as long as the wheel/tire combination kept the same outer diameter as what you already have.

Your dealer is full of crap. Wheel side matters not. It's the overall tire diameter that matters. As long as the tire diameter is the same on all 4 wheels and the same as the original tires you will have no problem. 17", 18", 15", whatever you want. BTW, the stock tire diameter is approx 24.9" (24.8779").If you want 18" wheels you would need a 215/40-18 (24.77") or a 225/40-18 (25.08") tire. Just don't expect those tires to have nearly the bad weather traction of the 16" tires.

Thats why up here in New England we buy the AWD and have both a set of winter(stock) wheels and the a nice set of summer wheels. All that nastly salt up here. Thanks for your help. Nice to know ther are others out there.

Even if the new tire diameter was substantially larger, the only effect would be that the speedometer would read lower and you would lose a little acceleration compared to the same gear/RPM with the originals. That said, there's plenty of 17", 18" and even 19"* wheel/tire combos that closely match the original diameter, and few good reasons to chose ones that don't. Check out The Tire Rack, Discount Tire and other on-line sources for details. *Only if you plan never to hit a pot hole!

Just don't forget with an AWD system you have to replace all 4 tires when worn - otherwise you'll burn the clutches out of the transfer case (that is, if the system is anything like the setup Subaru uses)!Pete

I agree with silverawd.

I myself have an AWD Black Vibe that I have had for about 14 months now and for the past 11 months I have had 18 in' Quantom Tech wheels on my car and I have had no problems at all. So, go as big as you want as long as wheel diameter is close to the original. By the way, 18's definitely enhance the look of the vibe.

quote:Thats why up here in New England we buy the AWD and have both a set of winter(stock) wheels and the a nice set of summer wheels. All that nastly salt up here.We do the same thing down here in PA, also. It's not exactly Florida weather here in the winter time, either.