225/55R17 On a 2012 LT1? - Chevy Malibu Forum: Chevrolet Malibu Forums

jmdomini · 11-12-2012, 04:35 PM

Hi All,
Looking for some snow tires for my recently purchased 2012 Malibu LT1. It seems that it's slim pickings around here even though it isn't actually winter yet. Stock tires are 215/55R17 on the alloy rims. I know 225/50R17 is the other dealer stock option. Only thing I can find IN STOCK in either of these sizes is the Firestone Winterforce and Bridgestone Blizzak WS70. If I bump up to 225/55R17 that gives me quite a few more options. The question is will they fit with no problems? I would be using the factory alloy rims and just changing out the tires. I do realize that the speedo with be off some.

Anyone currently running this size on stock rims or equivalent?

In case it matters, I'm looking at the Continental ExtremeWinterContact, and the Michelin X-Ice Xi2.

Thanks!

Steve_AZ · 11-12-2012, 05:26 PM

I have 225/55/17 on my '11 with stock rims and have no issues at all. No rubbing, nothing. Going to that size really adds to the options when looking for tires. The speedometer is off by about 2 or 3 mph at 60 mph - actually going 63 when speedo reads 60. The sidewalls actually stick out a little bit past the rims so it should help to protect them from getting more curb rash too...

http://www.chevymalibuforum.com/foru...ad.php?t=10935

jmdomini · 11-12-2012, 05:42 PM

Excellent, thanks for the quick reply! Yeah, those rims definitely need more protection too! I put a nice scratch in one the first week I owned it driving in a construction zone with uneven lanes, scrrraaapeee.

09LT2 · 11-12-2012, 08:09 PM

Hey look at Michelin Xice Xi3 in 215/55/17. They are rated the best and are cheapest in the 215/55/17. I just did this research, and these are the ones I ordered. I work at Sams Club and they are $171 per tire. I would stay away from the winterforce, Blizzak wouldn't be a bad choice if they are cheaper, but the Michelin is #1.

**Speed_Freak5150** · 11-12-2012, 10:41 PM

I am running 225/55/17's and have no problems. Looking at a tire calculator The speedometer will be off 1 MPH, so at 60MPH you are actually doing 61MPH.

Dalecon · 11-13-2012, 08:29 AM

I bought the michilin xice 3 225/55 17 but that was to replace my 225/50/18, if you are already on 17's why get the wider tread?

09LT2 · 11-13-2012, 10:16 AM

Also, the 215/55/17 xice3 are cheaper than the 225/55/17. I am coming from 18" also but still went with the 215 bc of cost

Steve_AZ · 11-13-2012, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dalecon

I bought the michilin xice 3 225/55 17 but that was to replace my 225/50/18, if you are already on 17's why get the wider tread?

Not all models of tires are available in the 215 size - only reason I went with the 225 was to get the Cooper CS4 Touring...

**Speed_Freak5150** · 11-13-2012, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dalecon

I bought the michilin xice 3 225/55 17 but that was to replace my 225/50/18, if you are already on 17's why get the wider tread?

I went with a wider tire to fill the wheel well a little bit more. Also bigger contact patch in hopes of eliminating some of the tire squeal when cornering.

Dalecon · 11-14-2012, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed_Freak5150

I went with a wider tire to fill the wheel well a little bit more. Also bigger contact patch in hopes of eliminating some of the tire squeal when cornering.

Thats fine for bare pavement theory, but for driving in snow its reccomened to have a thinner tire. I was looking at going to the 215 but didn't want to go from stock, but you will pay more for the 225's.