"Minus-sizing" Winter Tires / Wheels

[*Ange]

According to TireRack.com, one can save considerable money if "minus-sizing" to 15" wheels (steel or alloy) and either 205/70-15 or 215/65-15 SNOW tires. I have a 2012 2LT with 17" alloys. I'm wondering whether the 15" wheels will clear the brake calipers (particularly the fronts). Does anyone have experience with this situation ???

Thanks,

*Ange

[sciphi]

I'd call the company and check if they've actually verified this. I'd assume they have, but assuming doesn't often work.

The 205/70-15's are spot-on for outer diameter with the 17" wheels/tires on both of our Cruzes. I had a set of those, but sold them when I couldn't find a 15" wheel in our bolt pattern.

Another option is getting 215/60-16 snow tires on 16" wheels. I have this size snow tire and wheel. It works well. The handling is mushier and less sure-footed, though.

I'd snap up a 15" package if it's been verified to fit. Be warned, the car's handling will be changed notably going from a 225/50-17 to a 16" or 15" snow tire.

[wetpainted]

I purchased some 15" steel wheels and snows from TireRack, I haven't tried them on yet to see if they'll fit. Personally I've always used the smallest wheels that I can in the winter, Having the extra sidewall height really helps when the roads get rough from packed down snow

[*Ange]

Thanks Sciphi. I'll call TireRack and speak with someone who can verify. I live in western NY state where we sometimes get a fair amount of snow, but more important, our roads get beat-up badly throughout the winter. The extra rubber in the side walls helps absorb the pot holes. Thoughts about good handling won't re-enter my mind until late spring after some road repairs are made.

Thanks again,

*Ange

[*Ange]

Thanks wetpainted. Hope your wheels will fit. I agree with the idea of having more sidewall height when the roads are rough. What one loses in handling one gains in reduced wear and tear.

Good Luck,

*Ange

[sciphi]

I lived in Buffalo for a few years, so I know all about snow. There were many nights I'd come back from Ellicottville or Colden in the middle of the lake-effect. Good snows were a must.

[NBrehm]

I think 15" wheel will fit fine on the Cruze, brakes are tiny enough. You also might want to consider slightly narrower tires for the winter, increases the weight on the contact patch and helps you get the tread to the pavement. You can also always use a ruler or tape measure if you are worried about it and see how car it is from the rotor to the far side of the caliper. Won't be exact but it will get you close enough to guess. Then just look up the inside diameter of the wheel you want to buy. I think the Cruze rotors are around 10.8 inches, so if the back of the caliper is even 13 I would be surprised

[*Ange]

sciphi,

I live in Boston, NY. You may remember "Kissing Bridge" ski resort - I live on the back side of the hill from the ski slopes. Was just in Ellicottville yesterday for Octoberfest. It felt like it was going to snow!

*Ange

[UpstateNYBill]

Has anyone found 15" rims in our bolt pattern? As far as I know, no other car besides the Cruze and the Sonic uses a 5x105 bolt pattern and a 15" wheel is not an option here in the U.S.

It seems your only option would be to look overseas at Holden or Vauxhall vehicles, like this: Alloy Wheels Search Vauxhall Astra 5x105 09> all sizes Page 1 - Alloy Wheels - Specialist supplier of alloy wheels and tyres packages, Fast Delivery, Buy Online. Sort Price Low.

[babymobilcruze]

Unless you get tons of snow many times a year imo I think your best bet is to get 1LT 16" wheels with the oem all seasons or even LS steelies. The narrower the tire the better for cutting through snow just make sure you get a taller sidewall so you don't throw off your speedometer too bad and rack up extra miles you aren't actually driving.