My first post, I hope there are no dumb questions. I live in the snow belts 120+ inches per season. Tall skinny tires work way better than short wides. Anyone ever run 205 60 16 vs the 215 55 16. WM won't do it seems it would be a better all around choice the sidewalls would smooth out a bumps as well. I will run the Silverado when the going gets tuff but around here guarrantee you will get caught in the snow.

 

Just stick with a good quality M&S/all weather tire and you'll get around fine. If you have traction control, it makes a big difference. I have very little trouble with the stock tires, and that was in the 12+ inch storms we had last December. Of course my 4WD Trailblazer handles the snow a wee bit better...

You could go with a smaller wheel, say 15 inch and change tire sizes to the type you are looking for, but that will dramatically change the way the car drives. Maybe you will like it that way? You could certainly use it as a opportunity to create an even more retro look.

Tire type and size is a preference. I'll gladly give up what you are referring to as "smoothing out the bumps" for tighter handling and better grip on the road.

 

Our '06 came with 17" aluminun wheels with rubber bands. It's the wifes car and she'll be driving it this winter along with my 16 year old son. Being a hot rodder for more years than most of you have been alive, I hate low profile tires. I got some stock 15" steelies and put on 205/60/15 Firestone winterforce tires. We have yet to try them in the snow, but all who have driven it comment on how much better it handles/rides. I have another set of steelies I'm going to mount up with same aspect tires for the upcoming summer. For me, the only limiting factor is the wheelwhell opening or I'd run 70 series tires.

 

You are right, at least for snow handling & traction. I currently run 195 65 15 and with that, the HHR is a tank. What does suffer though is the dry weather handling: gotta slow down in the corners, but hey, it's winter so I never know what ice patch is waiting for me around the bend, so I drive accordingly.

Yves

 

A narrower footprint is wise in the winter base on pounds per square inch, suggest visiting this site to compare current to new tire diameter and width, prior to purchase.

http://www.rims-n-tires.com/rt_specs.jsp