Just went through PA State Inspection, the tires on my wife's Panel passed but not by much...Gonna need new treads by the Fall. Currently running 215/5516s on stock steelies. They're wide enough but I was thinkg of going to 215/65-16 to get a little more sidewall. Anyone else running 65 series tires?? Any issue with clearances?? Thanks!!

 

The tire size calculator shows 215/65/16 as being a 27" tall tire. The max size that will fit on a HHR is 26.3 inches. Those 215/65's will rub on the strut perch on the front.

 

I run 215/60R/16 Michelin Ice 3 and that's the limit on the front.
I would check the O.A. Height on different brands as well to stay within Fireman Georges Information.

Silverfox

 

Thanks,guys!!

 

Here is the obstacle you must have clearance for, the front strut lower mounting plates.

 

On two different LS’s I’ve used Pirelli P4 205/60 16 based in part on a closeout price. Just a little narrower and taller than the factory 215/55 16. They work well, but the tire brand and model is much more important that subtle differences in size.

I like to use the Tire Rack site for shopping because it works so well even if I end up buying elsewhere.




If I were buying that size today, I might try these becaue my wife places a high value on snow performance and these look like a super deal. But XL tires tend to have stiffer sidewalls which can make the ride a little firmer.

 

I have winter tires 215/55g16
it does not rub or interfere inside the wheel wells
But! despite the fact that the width is not much larger, this width is redundant and noticeable to the naked eye. The sidewall of the soft tire sags and a car parked on a rough road a couple of times gave the impression of a flat tire.
If you want 215 wide wheels, look for 7 inch wide rims. And the guys are right, the 215/65 will hook when turning, I've already seen that.