I just posted a tire and wheel question a few days ago. I've finally made a decision and decided to go with custom wheels when I buy new tires before I store the HHR for the winter next month.

I have a few questions.

What are the largest/widest size tires and wheels that will safely work on the 06 HHR? I'd like to keep some sort of a smooth ride but it's not a must.

I want the meaty look on the rear. Can a person do 17" tires on wheels with 7.5 width and then do 18" on rear with 8" width wheels or do I need to keep certain sizes the same all around?

Also, I'm not sure what this offset thing is with HHR wheels that Sleeper mentioned. What are my limits and what do I need to look for exactly on the offset issue? I've seen some things about spacers, does this have to do with the offset?

I'm also thinking of lowering. What is the best way to lower the HHR if there is more then one option and how much will this affect my tire ans wheel size options?

Thanks again peeps.

 

Wow, those are all good questions that I have pondered myself. The offset for hhr is 40, so if you pick a wheel with a higher offset, say, 55 thats what I picked, you need a 15mm spacer, with extended studs in my case, some have done this with with out them. I think without coilovers the height limit is 26.1 there are lots of tire sizes that will get you there, I picked 255x40x18, cause i like the fat tire look. The offset sizes you sugested I think will look good. I have an extra set of these wheels I am planning on putting some 265x40x18 on them, but I'm not sure they wont rub in the rear well, the 255's have about 3/8" clearance. Have had lots of different tires on the HHR, have learned they are all a little different sized from each other, Like the Michelin Pilot sport, 235x45x18 fits sweet with a 7.5 wheel, so your best bet is to try one on.

 

Front wheel drive rides have more Positive offset. (see Pic)



Do yours have an ABS brake system ? If no, different size tires is not a big deal.
Note, that increased tire height will make the speed-O read a bit slower than actual speed..

If you do have ABS, you could still have 17's in front & 18's in rear, just need to keep the tire heights about the same... Or ABS won't work properly..

 

tirerack.com....punch the details on your ride and u can look at them on your HHR

 

All great replies thanks. I will post info and pics once work is done.

 

The offset on my 08 2LT mags is 42mm (not 40).........

 

If you have ABS you need to keep the od of the tires the same regardless of the rim size.

 

So keep Overall dimension same?

I'm assuming this means if I go with 17" wheels/rims with 215/50/17 tires in the front, and if I use 18" wheels/rims in the rear I would need to go shorter on the tire height to say something like 225/45/18 or whatever combo would make the actual tire/wheel height the same all the way around, in order for ABS to work properly?

Is this true? If so, my new question is do I even want my ABS active. I had my ABS out for 5 years on my 99 Bonneville and it never affected my ability to drive hard in summer months and safe in winter months. Or on the HRR is there another reason I'd want to keep my ABS active?

 

If I go to a legit tire and wheel shop with they be able to tell the correct offset I need? I'm guessing so but sometimes I've come across certain automotive details many shop folks should know but didn't.

 

I think I will pick out a good 2-3 sizes for both fronts and rears and see how wide and big I can go.