Yeah I didn't mean to imply I was just changing two tires. I do plan on changing all four. Thats a reason two of the tires need changed worse than the others - but I need new skins all the way around.
MEANWHILE I can't seem to figure out these tire charts I see. It looks like if I get taller tires; the tire is narrower (but that doesn't make sense) That was why I was curious if I might go to the wider along with the taller.
I'm still searching; trying to figure out maximum width to go along with the 26.1 height

 

See the "tires" section in your Owner Manual page 316 for an explanation of tire sizes. You are a bit confused.

Maximum width depend on the wheel width and offset.

 

Yeah - I checked that - it don't tell me crap (only the OEM size)

 

" It looks like if I get taller tires; the tire is narrower" - there is no relationship between the height and width of tires. Like Don says, there is some confusion on this.

Several options are posted as replies to you that give good alternatives for you - ie: post #3 from Silverfox and a few others.

This subject has been discussed several times already - try the search tool at the top of the page and look for "tire width" and you will spot threads like this:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/tire...-my-hhr-62398/

 

Maybe this can help, if not start using google to learn more.
https://www.lesschwab.com/article/ti...-sidewall.html

 

so from what is posted here and what research I did...
I can either run a 225/55/16 or run a 215/60/16
But if I go to a 225/60 the increase in width messes me up because the height then becomes an issue.
SO if I want a better RIDE should I go with the 215/60...? I get good handling with what I have now - just want a smoother quieter ride.
THANKS

 

Gee, when I read it I understood that the first number is the width of the tread in mm (215). The second number is the sidewall width expressed as a percentage of the tread width (60% of the tread width).
So, to use simple numbers: 200/60 X 16 means the tread is 200 mm wide the sidewall (from the rim to the tread) is 60% of 200=120mm. The shape of the bulge is not defined because it depends on inflation pressure and materials used.
The actual tire height can be obtained from the tire mfg.

If you want a taller sidewall with the same tread width you might choose a tire with a larger second number. Like the old 78 series tires, IIRC, ours would be H78 (approx. 8.55 inches tread width)
If you want a taller tire you might choose a tire with the same second number and a larger tread width. 235/60 x 16 is wider and taller than 215/60 x 16

The stock size on most HHR LS/LT is 215/55 x 16. I have found that 215/60 x 16 is a cheaper alternative and is taller.

 

Well as someone else has written before a 225/60/16 won't fit because it will hit the suspension.
You wrote what I was getting at. I think we are saying the same thing...
A 225 is to tall - so my only option is to go with a 215/60 to get a taller tire and hopefully a smoother ride.
Since you have the 215/60 tire; could you tell any difference in the ride or noise quality when you changes sizes.>?
Thanks for your help

 

215/60R16 gives you a 26.16 tall tire

https://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Tire...0R16/225-55R16

 

Correct
The 215/60 gives a 26.1 inch tire.
Someone posted the 225/60 was 26.6 - which was too tall
Someone posted a 225/60 would not fit; so unless I misunderstand my best option is a 215/60