Well, I got my HHR back in February 2010 just after my 18th birthday as a birthday present for myself (which I pay for on my own). So far, I've loved every minute of owning my HHR, I couldn't be happier. While I'd like to do some mods, I really don't have a lot of money to spend, so that'll have to wait til later. But the one mod I am going to have to do pretty soon is put on some new tires. My tire size is 215-55-R16. Right now, there are Uniroyal Tigerpaw tires on it, that's what came on it from the dealership. They are garbage!!! I don't know if it's because I have very little tread left or if it's the tires themselves, but they spin in the rain!!! (even at a normal acceleration). I've got a month or two before I put on new tires, so I've been looking around locally and this is what I've found so far.

1. Firestone Firehawk GT tires, 50,000 mile warranty
----I guess this tire is more of a mix between a performance tire and a winter tire. Good in Winter, Good in Summer
$467.88 + tax for a set of 4

2. Firestone Affinity Touring tires, 70,000 mile warranty
----They told me this tire is better in snow, but not much of a performance tire at all.
So far, it looks like a lot of people here on the forum aren't too wild about the Affinitys
$525.09 + tax for a set of 4

3. Bridgestone Grid tires, 50,000 mile warranty
----I think this one is probably comparable to the Firehawk GTs
$519.88 + tax for a set of 4

So far, every place I've gone to has told me that I have an oddball tire size, and it's not too commonly used on other cars. Most places only have a couple choices for that tire size. So, I guess I'm going to pay the price for having a weird tire. To put tires on my dad's Dodge Stratus was $317.00. I guess it's not going to be that cheap for me. I found a couple of other tires, but they were cheap, generic tires (Primewell, Hankook) and I don't think I want to go that route. Basically, I'm looking for a good all-season tire that's not too terribly expensive. I considered winter tires, but then you have to take them off each summer and switch to a different set of wheels/tires and I don't really wanna have to do that either.

So, please share your thoughts/opinions about the tires I have listed here, or if there's another kind of tire you have in mind, please suggest it to me. I'm open to anything! I can always look around a little bit more.

Btw, do they make Michelin tires for this tire size? So far, every place I went said they don't carry Michelins in my size.

Thanks,
Tyler

 

I don't know if it opens up more choices for you or not but you can run a 225/55 R16 or a 225/50. I've got the 50's on mine now but will be going up to a 55 when I get new tires. 225's will be wider than the 215's but there's plenty of room.

 

The Firehawk GT's and Bridgestones seem to have gotten decent reviews on tire Rack but not great.

I put General Altimax's on my wife's Ford and for the price they are excellent. They are more of a touring than a performance tire. They are quiet and handle well. Tread wear is so-so but likely better than the more performance-oriented tires. They are available in the size for your HHR and should be priced similar to the Firestones. They are definitely worth looking at.

 

Will this affect my speedometer reading since mine is meant to have 215/55/R16? If it's a minimal speed difference, I could probably live with that.

 

They should be the same height, so no it wouldn't effect the speedo. if they were 50's as opposed to 55's then yes speedo would be off.

The only problem to this would be if your rims are not wide enough, but I think they would be fine...... your tire guys would know.

 

Try this link, there is a good bit of difference in height. http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCal...?action=submit

 

Today, I stopped by the local Ford dealership because they had a banner out in front for a big tire sale (Yes, I know I'm a sinner. I cringed walking into the Ford dealership knowing I owned a Chevy. I am usually anti-Ford, pro-GM) Anyway, it looks like they have a much better selection and some better prices too. So I'm going to add a few more to my list here for opinions/suggestions:

1. Uniroyal Tigerpaw Touring, 70,000 mile warranty
----This is what I currently have on my HHR. I'm not exactly thrilled with the traction, but I honestly think it has more to do with the fact that I have little tread left than the tire itself. Someone I used to work with had these tires on his car, and he said he really liked them and they were good in the snow. So I don't know if I should totally bash it just yet Plus it has a longer tread life....
$423.16 for a set of 4 out the door

2. BF Goodrich Traction T/A, 70,000 mile warranty
----I know nothing about these tires. Does anyone here on the forum have them? Would you suggest buying them/not buying them? Likes/dislikes?
$454.68 for a set of 4 out the door

3. BF Goodrich G-Force Sport, No set warranty
----Again, I don't know anything about these. Does anyone have them? Would you recommend them? Likes/dislikes?
$464.32 for a set of 4 out the door

4. BF Goodrich G-Force Super Sport, No set warranty
----Anyone have these? Likes/Dislikes?
$477.80 for a set of 4 out the door

5. Goodyear Eagle ResponsEdge, 50,000 mile warranty
----According to the Ford dealership, these would be pretty good in the snow. Does anyone have these? Likes/Dislikes?
$517.08 for a set of 4 out the door

6. Goodyear Assurance FuelMax, 65,000 mile warranty
----Definitely in a unique class of tires, but I was wondering if anyone has had these tires before? If so, how much of a MPG increase have you seen? Are they still respectable tires in the snow? I think these come on the "Prius" and other eco-cars.
$574.60 for a set of 4 out the door

7. Michelin HydroEdge, 90,000 mile warranty
----I know Michelins are the best of the best as far as tires go, and the 90K tread life warranty is really tempting too. Does anyone have these? In your opinion, is spending the extra $130 or so worth it to have Michelins?
$633.88 for a set of 4 out the door

8. Goodyear Assurance TripleTred, 80,000 mile warranty
----They said this was one of the best All-season tires for winter driving. I guess the price reflects that. I really wasn't looking to spend this much, but I was wondering if there is a MASSIVE difference in traction vs. a typical all-season tire. Is the big price difference worth it to you? (if anyone has these)
$659.08 for a set of 4 out the door

There, now there's a lot more to choose from. Plus, you can suggest other ones too if you want.

By "out the door", I mean completely installed and including tax and everything. Even though I'm not a Ford person, I have to say they have a good selection and decent prices.

Do these prices seem pretty low to you? Or are they about normal? They're advertising a "huge tire sale" so.....

If you have ever had any of these, would you recommend them or recommend against them?

Thanks a ton,
Tyler

 

So far, I haven't found these anywhere yet. But I'd definitely consider them if I can find them somewhere. I'll keep them in mind. Thanks for the suggestion!! I appreciate it.

 

I've had the Traction T/A's on a couple cars in the past. They are a decent tire but also an old design so it is quite possible newer tires do a bit better.

 

From personal experience we would recommend the Tire Rack! At least go there for reference! Your tire size alone produced 67 different offerings so to say you have an oddball size was probably more like your dealer doesn't carry as large of a selection! We have General Exclaims which were one of the highest rated tires and was also there second cheapest! No complaints here!

Best-O-Luck ,