The ride over rough roads, potholes and rocks is my concern. I am considering when the need for new tires comes about of replacing the tires and rims with a higher profile.

Any experience with this? Any known problems?

My initial concerns are:
To not change the overall tire diameter.
To retain the same offset.
Avoid interference with the calipers and drums.
Overall to not create any problems.

Painted black no frills steel rims are what I have in mind. Cheap, simple and elegant.

Oh, is there some rating for rolling resistance where economy will not be affected?

Am I missing anything?

I haven't visited any tire dealers yet. Just looking for some background info before I start.

 

Hi, neighbor,
As to sizing tires, here's a handy dandy calculator to compare the different sizes:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Mo
Rough & Ready, Ca

 

I have 16's on for winter and use 18's in the summer. The ride improves some but not a lot.

You have your bases covered by what you have listed.

Just go to the Tire Rack and they list the revs per mile and that will keep your speedo correct. Most mfg specs can vary. Same size tire are not identical in size even if their tire size is liter as the same.

For economy look for low rolling resistance tires. The will give better mileage but ofte less traction. Goodyear Fuel Max are one of the best all around performer for now. I would just keep with a regular tire for an HHR.

If you want cheap a stock steel wheel is your best bet.

 

Thanks guys, but it seems there are no 15" Rims available in steel with the HHR's specs. Which are, for anybody's future reference:

5X110MM Bolt Pattern
42MM Positive Offset
65.1MM Hub

 

Hmm,I wonder how different a 15" Cobalt wheel would be?I would think they'd be usable.

 

I'll be looking into that, thanks.

The Cobalt, according to my research, only differs with a 49MM offset. I believe that means the tires would stick out further from the vehicle by a little over a 1/4 inch. If the rim clears the calipers it sounds good to me. Opps, I believe my initial visualization was incorrect; they will recess into the wheel well.

I'm totally unfamiliar with the Cobalt and the base level stock rims are they like the HHRs?

 

check a 99 and up Saturn L series or 04 and up Malibu, they should be really close in a 15"

 

The base Cobalt has only four lugs, only the SS has five.