I am glad someone else has asked these questions. I was wondering about different tires myself. Stock is 215/55/16. I want to take up some of the wheel well gap. Would 225/55/16 work without the possible rubbing? I thought if I went a little wider it would also be a little higher. Or is 225 too wide for the HHR? Thoughts??

 

I've got a set of 225/55/R16 for my summer set, they are on 8" wide Euromax wheels though, not sure how those would fit on the factory wheels...... That size fits the car fine though. Don't expect it to fill much of the "gap" though, some, Yes! A lot.... No. They look great on the car though, check out the photos in my gallery (Click on the camera under my name on the left)

 

Thats a less aggressive increase in tire height but a little wider. I think it would probably fit ok on the stock wheels. Problem is I don't think Michelin makes the Hydro Edge in that size. May just stay with stock size. I'm a bit uncomfortable with the 215.60/R16's.

 

I put the 75000 mile PepBoys Definity on (215 60 X 16). I don't notice any difference in ride, but then I don't concentrate much on those factors.
I go $/mile mostly, I think this tire went for around $90 each installed and a rebate equal to one tire, a damn site better than ANY price on 215 55 X 16 I could find (mostly around $155 and way up + install, even for the same tire). I think I ended up around $315 total.
They do seem to deal with wet roads better than the Sumitomos 215 55 X 16 that I had before, they cost around $600 for the set.
But, be aware of the 3.5% difference in the speedo and mileage. Now come to think, I wonder how they would calculate the warranty?

 

Ordered four 215/55R16's from Costco. They are running a $70.00 off sale for the month of February. Decided to just stay with the stock size and avoid any potential clearance issues. Having had the Michelin Hydro Edge before, I know they are a pretty rugged tire, and should hold up well.

 

I am running 225/60/65 studded snows on Malibu wheels. They pull pretty good. Plenty clearence for me on the front. Rear is tight but don't rub. 12-14inches snow today. The "Red Toad" stayed in the garage. Got the Silverado out.

 

Ok the new Michelin Hydro Edge tires went on this morning, followed by a front end alignment. Between the new tires and the corrected alignment handleing and ride are improved. The main alignment problem was camber. Fortunately when the car was in an accident three years ago, part of the fix was the installation of a camber kit, so that is adjustable, which is not the case out of the factory.