I’m looking into going the good old style look of higher aspect ratio wheels and tires. Just don’t like the looks of these rubber band tires. Plus I’m hopping for a bit better ride.

One of the options I am considering is a 195/70 tire on 15” wheels. I believe this should give a bit better action in the snow and is within a MPH to the stock 215/55/16. I will still need to put on my Spike-Spiders Sports occasionally. http://www.spikes-spiders.com/

However, I am finding this is not a very popular size of tire and worry about sourcing it in the future. Plus Continental is the only manufacture I am finding who makes this size at a reasonable price and I know nothing about them.

What am I missing?

Also considering 215/60-15 and 205/65-15

 

Be very careful, I seem to remember that 15" wheels have clearance issues with the brakes/struts(???)

Best option may be to go with a 16" and then go with a taller tire. That's what I did. Speedo will be off unless you have it adjusted

 

There will be clearance issues with a 15" wheel so best bet would be to stick with a 16" wheel. That being said going to a taller tire is not that much of a difference as you really can't go taller than a 225 x 55 x 16! If you were to find a 15" wheel that worked for you the recommended tire size for your wants would be a 225 x 60 x 15, if you can find them! Also a great source of tire manufactuers is the tirerack!

Best-O-Luck ,

 

Tire Rack says they have 15" steel wheels that have no interference problems.


That is why I picked the three tire sizes mentioned, as they are at most 1 MPH off at 60 MPH. At least that is the theory with the help of the web tire size calculators. The 225/60-15 mentioned is wider than stock, but will put it on my list to ponder.

I don’t really want a taller tire, as in larger outside diameter, just more rubber between the rim and the road. This is for both looks and comfort. AND I still have to have clearance for the Spike-Spiders in meaningful snow, i.e. "chains required" conditions.

 

I may be mistaken but I believe the manual say no chains.

 

My understanding is Spick-Spiders are not chains in the traditional sense. Traditional chains would indeed have interference issues, the reason for Chevy’s warning. Try inserting your hand at the top inside of the front tire, between the tread and the strut. I can’t. If I can’t a traditional chain or cable chain would make contact when loose and chains are always loose.

I could not get around without traction devices of some type. I use my vehicle as a service truck and it cannot be set-aside in inclement weather due to road restrictions. Using the stock tires I have not had a problem in two seasons and have gone everywhere I have wanted and some.

Please consult the second paragraph in the Manual concerning the use of “Tire Chains”. Page 5-75 in my 2009.