The mission...should you agree to accept it.....

What tire size options do I have for the 16" wheels?:confused:

Now-P215/55R16

I am going to lower my HHR and would like to have tires with raised white letters or white outlined letter. I'm hoping that with a little more options I can find a size with RWL. Can't seen to find any in the stock tire size.

I tried tire paint and it just didn't work well though it did enough to show me that the white letters will look hot!

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

This thread will self-destruct in 30 days!!:guns:

Sorry...but yuck! That's more of the SUV/4X4 look, doncha think? I would prefer either the current blackwalls, or if you did a complete retro mod (sorta like California Cruisers), then a whitewall. But that's just my opinion.

The raised white letters were the hot ticket when I was in high school and in the service...

Sorry...but yuck! That's more of the SUV/4X4 look, doncha think? I would prefer either the current blackwalls, or if you did a complete retro mod (sorta like California Cruisers), then a whitewall. But that's just my opinion.

"more of the SUV/4X4 look" Actually, I don't think that.

I think it would look great. :thumb:

I was hoping for help not someone to slam my idea. :roll:

And, at least in my opinion, the HHR is ALREADY retro!:one:

But thanks for your opinion anyway, oh and when you wrote "Sorry" did you mean that you couldn't help or you were sorry for thinking my idea was "yuck!":D

On Soapbox

Hasn't this forum had enough of people slamming others and their ideas lately?!

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I'm not sure how much help this will be, but something like this tire-size calculator (http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html) can help in determining which tire sizes give you an overall diameter/circumference close to the stock size. Unfortunately, I could't tell you how wide a tire the HHR can accomodate (based on fender and other clearances), nor can I tell you how wide, or narrow, a tire can safely fit on the stock wheels. Maybe someone that owns one can be of more help there than I can. You might be able to go with a 225/50-16, or even a 235/50-16 (which is real close to the same diameter and circumference), but I'm not sure you'd have much more luck finding them with the RWL either, since it seems most tires with the RWL are truck tires anymore.

I'm not sure how much help this will be, but something like this tire-size calculator (http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html) can help in determining which tire sizes give you an overall diameter/circumference close to the stock size. Unfortunately, I could't tell you how wide a tire the HHR can accomodate (based on fender and other clearances), nor can I tell you how wide, or narrow, a tire can safely fit on the stock wheels. Maybe someone that owns one can be of more help there than I can. You might be able to go with a 225/50-16, or even a 235/50-16 (which is real close to the same diameter and circumference), but I'm not sure you'd have much more luck finding them with the RWL either, since it seems most tires with the RWL are truck tires anymore.

Thanks for the link.

You're right though. They're either 17+ for trucks or 14s and 15s.

I have found a few that were 16s but don't know enough about tires to tell if they'd work.

the stock HHR 16 inch rim is 6.5 inches wide ,i can tell you for sure a 225/50/16 and a 235/50/16 ...WILL fit on the HHR stock 16 inch rims. BUT i would not try to mount anything larger then a 235, anything larger you would need a 7.5 or 8 inch wide rim.

Thanks for the link.

You're right though. They're either 17+ for trucks or 14s and 15s.

I have found a few that were 16s but don't know enough about tires to tell if they'd work.

The few I have found for cars mainly seem to come from specialty shops/companies that manufacture them for classic cars, though I still haven't found the right size. I'll browse around a little more and see if I can find anything.

Ok, I think these might work from the info I've gotten from all of you.

What do you think?

I'll take as much input as I can get.

click here Goodyear Eagle #1 (http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyeartireselector/display_tire.jsp?prodline=Eagle+%231+NASCAR&mrktarea=Performance&treadwidth=225&aspectratio=60&rimdiameter=16&sidewall=RWL)

http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyeartireselector/graphics/Tires/full/eag1nasc.jpg

I don't really like the NASCAR logo, but I think I could live with it.

Check out this thread. I'm thinking about getting these for my HHR. They are really cool looking and run about $125 a tire. Gotta save up my pennies for these. Should look really nice with my new American Racing Casino wheels.
:nuts: :nuts: :nuts:

http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1927&highlight=raised+white

Ok, I think these might work from the info I've gotten from all of you.

What do you think?

I'll take as much input as I can get.

click here Goodyear Eagle #1 (http://www.goodyeartires.com/goodyeartireselector/display_tire.jsp?prodline=Eagle+%231+NASCAR&mrktarea=Performance&treadwidth=225&aspectratio=60&rimdiameter=16&sidewall=RWL)




As long as there aren't any clearance issues, I don't see how they would be a problem. Since the outside diameter and circumference changes, your speedo would be off slightly (at 60 MPH on the speedo, you'd be traveling at ~63 MPH). Now, cschhr06 has already claimed that the width of the stock wheels on the HHR can accomodate the wider tire, but if someone can chime in with whether or not there would be any clearance issues, that would be nice. It would really suck to get some new tires just have them rub the fenders. Also, as far as clearance issues, you'd have to keep in mind that these tires are slightly taller than stock, which could be another factor in determining the clearance.

I personally wouldn't get the Eagle 1s just because I don't like the tread pattern (I love Toyo Proxes 4 (http://www.toyojapan.com/new_tires/proxes_4/proxes_4.pdf)). You should check out how the tires handle and perform plus read some reviews from people that already have them before you buy them on looks alone. It would suck to buy a set of tires that you think are great looking only to find out that they handle like crap, especially in rain and snow.

"more of the SUV/4X4 look" Actually, I don't think that.

I think it would look great. :thumb:

I was hoping for help not someone to slam my idea. :roll:

And, at least in my opinion, the HHR is ALREADY retro!:one:

But thanks for your opinion anyway, oh and when you wrote "Sorry" did you mean that you couldn't help or you were sorry for thinking my idea was "yuck!":D

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Hasn't this forum had enough of people slamming others and their ideas lately?!

Off of Soapbox


Not slamming, just expressing my own opinion.

If you're not fond of the NASCAR logo, and you're open to the white outlined letters, then you have these as other options as well: Goodyear Eagle LS, 225/60SR16 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Eagle+LS&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=26SR6LS&fromCompare1=yes&place=8)


Goodyear Eagle LS, 225/60HR16 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Eagle+LS&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=26HR6LS&fromCompare1=yes&place=9)


CH brought up a good point, as well, though it would greatly depend on your driving style and typical road conditions where you live. If you get a lot of rain, obviously, you'd want something that handles wet conditions well (unless your HHR is going to be a garage queen). So, keep in mind all the varying factors. I know looks are important to you, but do you want something that you enjoy the looks of, but are otherwise unhappy with?

Another option to look at (see, being helpful!:smile: )

http://www.kelly-springfield.com/kellytires/display_tire.jsp?prodline=Charger&mrktarea=Performance

Another option to look at (see, being helpful!:smile: )

http://www.kelly-springfield.com/kellytires/display_tire.jsp?prodline=Charger&mrktarea=Performance

I do like how those look but they have the same issue as others I'm finding......none in 16s.:(

If you're not fond of the NASCAR logo, and you're open to the white outlined letters, then you have these as other options as well: Goodyear Eagle LS, 225/60SR16 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Eagle+LS&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=26SR6LS&fromCompare1=yes&place=8)


Goodyear Eagle LS, 225/60HR16 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Eagle+LS&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=26HR6LS&fromCompare1=yes&place=9)


CH brought up a good point, as well, though it would greatly depend on your driving style and typical road conditions where you live. If you get a lot of rain, obviously, you'd want something that handles wet conditions well (unless your HHR is going to be a garage queen). So, keep in mind all the varying factors. I know looks are important to you, but do you want something that you enjoy the looks of, but are otherwise unhappy with?

Again, thanks but when you look at the sizes, no RWL in 16s.:confused:

Check out this thread. I'm thinking about getting these for my HHR. They are really cool looking and run about $125 a tire. Gotta save up my pennies for these. Should look really nice with my new American Racing Casino wheels.
:nuts: :nuts: :nuts:

http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1927&highlight=raised+white

:D Deb, If you look at the pic in post #9(?), they're the same tire. Got the idea from you actually!

Again, thanks but when you look at the sizes, no RWL in 16s.:confused:

Crap, I just realized that when I was looking at the tires it says "blackwall, outlined white letters shown" or something like that. My bad.

How about buying different size wheels? That could possibly make things a while lot easier. :)

Crap, I just realized that when I was looking at the tires it says "blackwall, outlined white letters shown" or something like that. My bad.

How about buying different size wheels? That could possibly make things a while lot easier. :)

New wheels would help but I've got the Spring Edition which came with special chrome 16s that I really like and with the SE being a limited production, 2300, I'd like to keep as much as I can.

I did have some custom center caps made for them too!:D (not in this pic)

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/8/9/2/wheel.jpg

That tire is just BEGGING for RWLs!!:thumb:

BFG makes a Radial T/A in a 225/50R16 that you may consider as well. All Radial T/A tires have RWL. There is a difference in size however. The 225/50 Radial T/A is about a 1/2" shorter as well as a 1/2" wider. Your stock tire makes 818 revolutions in a mile and the Radial T/A makes 835 revs, so your speedo will be slightly off unless you have it recal'd. Hope this info helps.

BFG makes a Radial T/A in a 225/50R16 that you may consider as well. All Radial T/A tires have RWL. There is a difference in size however. The 225/50 Radial T/A is about a 1/2" shorter as well as a 1/2" wider. Your stock tire makes 818 revolutions in a mile and the Radial T/A makes 835 revs, so your speedo will be slightly off unless you have it recal'd. Hope this info helps.

The Firestone Affinity touring tires in P215/55R16 that come on the 16" HHR wheels are actually 25.3" in diameter and spin at 823rpm @ 60mph. They are also some of the smoothest riding and longest wearing tires made, with a treadwear rating of 500. :eek:

BFG makes a Radial T/A in a 225/50R16 that you may consider as well. All Radial T/A tires have RWL. There is a difference in size however. The 225/50 Radial T/A is about a 1/2" shorter as well as a 1/2" wider. Your stock tire makes 818 revolutions in a mile and the Radial T/A makes 835 revs, so your speedo will be slightly off unless you have it recal'd. Hope this info helps.

Good suggestion except that the sizes that you mention are of the few that they DON"T offer in RWL. This is the problem I keep running into.

http://www.tirerack.com/images/trans.gifhttp://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/goodyear/gy_eagle1_nascar_rwl_ci3_l.jpg

It looks like this is going to be the only one I can find close.

Tire Size: P205/55R16
Service Description: 89S
Sidewall: RWL
Approved Rim Width:5.5 - 7.5
Meas. Rim Width:6.50
Section Width:8.4
Outside Diameter:24.9
Tread Width:7.6
Max Load:1,279
MSRP:$158.95


Any comments are welcome as far as fit, function, performance and looks. One question, what does "service description: 89S" mean?

Thanks, Mike

89S =

"89" = load index of 89 = 1,279 pounds per wheel max

"S" = speed rating of 112mph (max for 3 hours before delamination)

89S =

"89" = load index of 89 = 1,279 pounds per wheel max

"S" = speed rating of 112mph (max for 3 hours before delamination)

112mph for 3 hours....I can handle that!:D

All joking aside though, are those good ratings, average....?

I've never really cared before so I never paid attention, if they fit, I was happy.

An 89S tire is pretty much "average." My current tires are "W" rated = 168mph for 3-hours! I didn't buy them for the speed capability however! :lol:

When Z-speed rated tires were first introduced, they were thought to reflect the highest tire speed rating that would ever be required, in excess of 240 km/h or 149 mph. While Z-speed rated tires are capable of speeds in excess of 149 mph, how far above 149 mph was not identified. That ultimately caused the automotive industry to add W- and Y-speed ratings to identify the tires that meet the needs of new vehicles that have extremely high top-speed capabilities.

W = 168 mph 270 km/h Exotic Sports Cars
Y = 186 mph 300 km/h Exotic Sports Cars

While a Z-speed rating still often appears in the tire size designation of these tires, such as 225/50ZR16 91W, the Z in the size signifies a maximum speed capability in excess of 149 mph, 240 km/h; the W in the service description indicates the tire's 168 mph, 270 km/h maximum speed.

225/50ZR16 in excess of 149 mph, 240 km/h
205/45ZR17 88W 168 mph, 270 km/h
285/35ZR19 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h

Most recently, when the Y-speed rating indicated in a service description is enclosed in parentheses, such as 285/35ZR19 (99Y), the top speed of the tire has been tested in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h indicated by the service description as shown below:

285/35ZR19 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h
285/35ZR19 (99Y) in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h

As high-performance vehicles have increased their top speeds into Autobahn-only ranges, tire speed ratings have evolved to better identify the tire's capability, allowing drivers to match the speed of their tires with the top speed of their vehicle.

With the HHR, an "S" rated tire should serve you quite well.