Does anyone have any input on SS winter driving performance? I've read the strings regarding snow tires and steelies but I'm not sure if it's to preserve the wheels or for added traction & performance.

 

The Pilots are allseason tires but are not the best for the job. Their first job is performance and that they do well. The snow driving is adiquit but there are better options.

I will run some Wheel Vintique retro wheels for winter and a set of 16 inch Goodyear Assurance Triple Treads.

I put a set of Triple treads on the wifes Comp G GTP and they have been as good or better than the BFG tires we took off. They have better all weather traction and wear. They only lack in extream dry tractions but that is not my objective in the winter.

The biggest thing is I also want to protect the wheels as even clear coated wheels take a beating.

 

I bought 16" steelies and Blizzaks mostly to preserve the stock wheels. The Blizzaks will certainly help winter traction, and at $66 each from Tire Rack they were a bargain. G.B.

 

These went up in price.

 

...oh man, thanks for that Wheel Vintique idea. I just got back from a 20 min side trip to the web site. Gotta wipe the drool of the computer now-

 

I will run some Wheel Vintique retro wheels for winter and a set of 16 inch Goodyear Assurance Triple Treads.

What were the sizes for the wheels and tires.
What style did you wind up getting?


George

 

Never mind Found this! (Id get em in red powdercoat)

http://wheelvintiques.com/shopsite_s...ml/page79.html

George

 

dumb question (but dumber if I don't ask) I'm assuming the bolt pattern is the same as the regular HHR and the brake clearance is also the same?

The stock tires suck in the rain (medium to heavy and worse), probably due to the HP of the car. I'm going for snows this winter but tirerack is outrageous for 18's.

 

Pickd up my SS January 31st in the middle of a Michigan snow storm and have been impressed on how well it did in the snow even since. I am sure a true snow tire like the Blizzak would do better, but overall I was very impressed with the Pilots as I was expecting less from such a wide tire. I also have the limited slip, helps in deep snow keeping power to both wheels but should make it "break loose" easier.... Again, I was impressed on how well it did do. Never got stuck, never spun out, but did have wheel spin after full stop just to get moving.

 

That is them and I willstick to the stock size 215-55-16. I think that is the factory 16 inch tire size.

Summit Racing has them in stock and you have cap and ring options. The wheel is only one size.

You also can opt for no holes.

I was one here with red solid wheels on a red panel and bowtie caps.