[jj5406]

I'd like to put snow tires on our leased 2017 Volt. Now that I've read about and understand the tire size naming convention (stock tires are 215/50R17) and the benefits of minus-sizing, I'm curious about how closely one really needs to match the tire diameter. Obviously, if I were going down to 16 inch rims and buying new snow tires, I would attempt to match the tire diameter as closely as possible, however, I happen to have a set of studded snows from my previous lease (Nissan Leaf). Those tires are 205/55R16. Can I safely use those tires on my Volt? Obviously, they would need their own set of 16" rims (they are currently unmounted) - but that would make swapping between the summer and winter tires much easier than the mounting/balancing that I had to do twice a year with the tires on Leaf.

The math works out that the snow tires I have are 2.3% smaller in overall diameter. I have so far found only a few references to recommended difference in size between the original tires and any new ones. One site claimed that you want < 1% difference and optimally <0.5% (that's actually not always easy achieve even when you get to pick the size). Another said that most tire sellers say that <3% is fine (and in fact I found that 3% number quoted on 1010tires.com).

So, is it safe to get some 16" rims for the studded snow tires in my shed and use them on my Volt, saving a lot of money? Or is that inadvisable because of the size difference, or other reason?

Also, would I need anything else, like tpms sensors? Would any 16" rims work, or does the Volt need something special?

Thanks.

-J

 

[jj5406]

Wow. Big coincidence that someone else posted nearly the same question while I was composing mine.

 

[Joe67]

I suggest working with your local tire store. They will be able to assist you quickly

 

[jj5406]

I'm guessing the local tire store would tell me I need to get new tires so they could sell them to me. Before I go to the shop, I'd like to know what is and isn't reasonable.

 

[Joe67]

I'm guessing the local tire store would tell me I need to get new tires so they could sell them to me. Before I go to the shop, I'd like to know what is and isn't reasonable.

Not a good shop, a good shop will understand your needs and help you make the best decision. Far more reliable than random internet suggestions.

 

[rosenqui]

I've got a set of X-ice 205/60R16 on the way... just waiting for the rims and TPMS sensors to arrive before everything is ready. I'll report back once everything is installed.

My 205/60R16 tires are just a tiny bit bigger (0.9%) than the stock tires, so I can't see there being any issue. A bit of tread wear will bring them down to the stock tire size.

Your 205/55R16 are smaller by more of a margin, but I'm no car expert, so aside from the 3% variation figure you mentioned, I don't know where you can get a truly informed opinion other than tire/wheel shops. The Volt is heavier than most cars of similar size, and its centre of gravity is lower. That makes me want to stay as close to the original diameter as possible.

I'd talk to a tire/wheel shop and get their thoughts. You'll need to get the right rims for the bolt pattern and offset of the Volt, so you can't just use any old 16" rims. I ordered some inexpensive alloy rims that cost me about 1.6 times what steel rims would have cost, but they'll be much lighter. My winter wheels should be a tiny bit lighter than the stock set as a result, and they'll look a lot better than steel rims

 

[trm2]

oops, responded to wrong thread.

 

[caronjeff]

Go to bestusedtires.com and buy the correct size. They have several choices in stock. Put an add on Craigslist and sell your incorrectly sized tires. That would be the proper thing to do. Tire diameter, tread width, wheel offset are all factors to consider.

 

[emartin00]

Going with the Leaf tires should be fine, as long as you are going with all 4. The problems of less then 1% difference occur when you have mismatched tires on the car, not when you replace all 4.
The only thing you will notice is that the speedometer will now be about 2.3% off, so you will just have to accommodate for that when you drive.

People change tire size all the time on cars. As long as they safely fit, and don't rub, you won't have any problems.

 

[jj5406]

Thanks for comments everyone.

Joe67, I'm sorry to say that your comments are unhelpful. The purpose of an online forum is to easily collect input from a variety of sources. While it would be nice to go to a tire shop and know that they will be reputable and helpful, experience dictates that it is best to first crowdsource the answers to know before you go there what you probably should be hearing from the shop, and what follow up questions to ask. If your answer in an online forum is "don't use an online forum", why are you on an online forum?

After collecting input on this question, I will probably look on other forums to find what seems to be the most trusted tire place around - but even then, it's buyer beware. When leasing this car at our local dealership, which is very well rated - the original quote they gave my wife seemed high to me. When I pressed them on this and said it sounded wrong, they came back with a quote that was fully 35% less. If I hadn't done my research on the internet first, I either would not have the Volt now, or would likely have been ripped off.

I appreciate the useful input from everyone, even when it conflicts with others. In fact, conflicting advice and the discussion thereof will often lead to a better understanding for all involved. So, please keep it coming.

-J

 

[JaydonzVolt]

Well said. I agree as well.

Also to note. Make sure any other wheels have the proper backset and diameter to clear your brakes. 17"ers are stock and in some instances, 16" wheels may not fit. Front brakes are typically larger and is where you'll want to check for clearance. My Father-in-law had a truck with 17" wheels, but when he had a flat, found that his 16" spare wouldn't fit his front brake. he borrowed my jack so we could swap the rear tire (17" wheel) for the front and put the spare on the back. This wouldn't have been easily fixed without 2 jacks.

 

[madmike]

That is essentially what I did. You will be very happy.

 

[stevek99]

I am very interested in what people do with 2017 Volt tire packages from all sources as i am in the same boat here. Thanks to this thread i will be looking at whether my subaru snows can be mounted on new rims.

I am leaning towards steel rims for winter crappy roads in Toronto as the freeze thaw kills the roads. They are filled with potholes. I am curious why anyone would go non OEM?? Do they fit as good?

 

[stevek99]

nobody ... guess everybody is too busy.

from everything i have check out the subaru tires will not fit. so i am now looking to price out 16" ones and trying to figure out the right size @16.

 

[PilotAlan]

I am leaning towards steel rims for winter crappy roads in Toronto as the freeze thaw kills the roads. They are filled with potholes. I am curious why anyone would go non OEM?? Do they fit as good?

Non-OEMs are cheaper, if you get steelies for winter they are easier to repair if you chip a curb or bend them on a pothole, and much cheaper to replace.

 

[mr_raider]

Well said. I agree as well.

Also to note. Make sure any other wheels have the proper backset and diameter to clear your brakes. 17"ers are stock and in some instances, 16" wheels may not fit. Front brakes are typically larger and is where you'll want to check for clearance. My Father-in-law had a truck with 17" wheels, but when he had a flat, found that his 16" spare wouldn't fit his front brake. he borrowed my jack so we could swap the rear tire (17" wheel) for the front and put the spare on the back. This wouldn't have been easily fixed without 2 jacks.

16 will fit the GEn 2 Volt. It uses the same bolt pattern and offset as the Gen 1 cruze. Any wheel specced for a 2011-2015 cruze will fit.

 

[rosenqui]

I've got a set of X-ice 205/60R16 on the way... just waiting for the rims and TPMS sensors to arrive before everything is ready. I'll report back once everything is installed.

It took longer than expected since the rims were backordered and the X-ice3 were in short supply at times, but I finally got my winter tires on.

Here are the tires on DAI Target rims

 

[acarney]

Thanks for comments everyone.

Joe67, I'm sorry to say that your comments are unhelpful. The purpose of an online forum is to easily collect input from a variety of sources. While it would be nice to go to a tire shop and know that they will be reputable and helpful, experience dictates that it is best to first crowdsource the answers to know before you go there what you probably should be hearing from the shop, and what follow up questions to ask. If your answer in an online forum is "don't use an online forum", why are you on an online forum?

After collecting input on this question, I will probably look on other forums to find what seems to be the most trusted tire place around - but even then, it's buyer beware. When leasing this car at our local dealership, which is very well rated - the original quote they gave my wife seemed high to me. When I pressed them on this and said it sounded wrong, they came back with a quote that was fully 35% less. If I hadn't done my research on the internet first, I either would not have the Volt now, or would likely have been ripped off.

I appreciate the useful input from everyone, even when it conflicts with others. In fact, conflicting advice and the discussion thereof will often lead to a better understanding for all involved. So, please keep it coming.

-J

35% less?! Did they mark a base LT up to like $40k, or did you really get them to discount by like $12-$14k off msrp?!?!

 

[mr_raider]

It took longer than expected since the rims were backordered and the X-ice3 were in short supply at times, but I finally got my winter tires on.

Here are the tires on DAI Target rims

Nice. Makes my steelies look fugly. Fortunately I got them for free.

 

[Ash45]

I bought my winter tire set from tirerack.com. I had them mount/balance the wheels and tires, and they installed the TPMS for me as well. Bought the Michelin X-Ice XI3 tires in size 215/55R16. Dealership mounted and set the TPMS just fine.

Was $1337 for everything including shipping. Pricey, but still cheaper and less humiliating than falling into a ditch, or sliding and hitting the curb, or worse, someone else's car.