Currently have an '06 stick shift LT with 18", '5 spoke' polished rims & 215/50R17 tyres.

The ride has always been on the hard side, there is little 'impact absorption' when bumps are hit. One of the occupants has fibromyalgia & on bad days they feel every bump in the road.

Wondering if anyone has found a rim/tyre combo that gives a 'softer' ride?

I realize that the ride is also affected by the suspension, but not sure what can do in that department.

The HHR feels as though it is sprung 'tight' when run no load, but sits better when a load is on.
Most of our running is to & from work & it runs no load.
Thank you.

 

You will get a less "jarring" ride with a taller tire/shorter rim combination...... The extra sidewall height absorbs more of the initial impact. Not as popular for looks these days as the tall rim with a rubber band tire, but some people like it...... more of an "old school" look.

 

we had a olds intrigue and it had rough ride an i think it was mainly the tires on the car i put a set of goodyear assurance on there an man i got to say that is probly what you want for a softer ride. i will install these as soon i as i wear out the bfg's on my hhr. it a good all around tire here in nebraska we get alot of snow and i had no problems with them the handling is great! that is my two cents!

David

 

Get 16's with 215 60 tires. That's the biggest that would fit on mine and I have no problems with ride quality

 

215/55-16s are stockers on the LS. My wife has fibromyalgia as well.

 

Which is it, 18" or 17" ?

Agree smaller rim & more sidewall = softer ride.

 

215/50 would make them 17's. 18's would have been 225/40

 

A friend bring me a set of 15's from a 96 Cavalier Z24 that he had on his wife's HHR. Im gonna try the smaller rim and go for a fat soft tire. Im tired of feeling every little bump in the road and hearing it sing through the frame.

 

I find it hard to believe they were off of a 1996 Cavalier since a Cavaliers bolt pattern is 5x100. If indeed they do fit, you will want a 215/60-15 tire to keep your speedometer the same. Make sure the rim is between 6-7.5" wide.

 

I posted earlier that the Kumho Solus KH16 tires were the best upgrade I have done to my car (along with Cobalt SS/SC rear springs). Very quiet, soft riding, stick great, excellent in wet weather. Just my experience, and I am sure there are other good tires out there. God Bless, Marc