This will be the first winter with my HHR SS. I decided to try the Michelin X-i2 (X ice 2) from COSTCO and got a set for the wife's Genesis coupe as well. Didn't get separate winter wheels for my SS just put the X-i2's on the stock SS wheels. Will post how they handle the Alaskan winter; so far no snow in Anchorage, yet.

 

I hope everyone is not forgetting the need for tire pressure sensors, unless you dont mind driving with the stupid idiot light being on! I found'em on ebay for about $75 a set brand new. Punch in part #25920615 and thats what you'll need. I also went with the 205/60-16 Genteral Altimax Artic and 6.5" wide rims. So far so good. Just got them.

 

I did the idiot light thing.

Sorry.

 

I have been shopping local retailers for a package, and so far Bell Tire is giving me the best package price which is getting close to the final cost of on-line costs (delivered). In the package, the TPMS are about $30/ea, but they are throwing in mounting and lifetime balancing.

 

Again, thanks DLVRNIT for the advice and link. I asked about bumping the size to the 225 55 16 and they were only $5 more to go with that size, and they are now 25.7" overall diameter compared with 25.9" for the stock SS tire. That's only 1/5" shorter!

I tried to include the chart, but it's a little hard to read....

Wheels: Wheel 1 Wheel 2
Wheel size 18x7.5 ET 42 16x7.5 ET 42
BackSpace 150 mm (5.9'') 150 mm (5.9'')
Tires: Tire 1 Tire 2
Tire size 225/45-18 225/55-16
Section width 225 mm (8.9'') 225 mm (8.9'')
Sidewall 101 mm (4'') 124 mm (4.9'')
Tire diameter 659 mm (25.9'') 654 mm (25.7'')
5 mm (0.8%) shorter.
Rim sizes 18x6.5 to 18x8.5 16x6 to 16x8.5
Circumference 2069 mm (81.5'') 2054 mm (80.9'')
Revs per mile 777.7 783.7
Speedometer Assuming that this is OEM tire and speedometer readings are correct When speedometer reads 60mph (96.6km/h) actual speed will be 59.5mph (95.8km/h): 0.8% slower.
Clearance: Package 1 Package 2
Suspension Assuming that this is OEM wheel/tire and there is no any problems with clearance on both sides The same.
Fenders The same.
Wheelwells 100% clear (leaves even more room than OEM)

 

I just had brand new Bridgestone Blizzaks put on and WOW what a difference in the grip in the snow. Kinda expensive but they look really good on the stock SS rims.

 

We now have now have snow with more on the way. The Michelin X ice 2's work great and look great on the SS wheels. Don't know how they work on the wife's Genesis coupe yet, her car keeps breaking down Her gear shifter (6spd auto) doesnt like the cold weather. It's in the shop; again

 

Got em on today, not bad looking.... at least for winter

 

wicked

 

^X2^ and we don't even live where it snows .....