Apparently the Sport's stock tire (185/55R16) is a new size and replacements are not available in retail distribution. I have found this out the hard way -- the other night I ran over something that gashed my rear tire. It cannot be repaired since the damage is too close to the sidewall, so a replacement is necessary. The dealer first referred me to a Dunlop retailer since this would not be "a Honda issue" to resolve, but my local tire retailer (a national chain) found that this size is not yet available from Dunlop.

I called my Honda dealer back, and they said they can get a replacement but it would be a week and I'd have to pay about $100 since it is not a tire defect.

I went back to my retailer who pleaded my case to his Dunlop rep, so they somehow located a replacement and will charge me a prorated value (probably less than $25 including labor). I'll still have to wait almost a week though, so my "little black bean" has to stay close to home and off the freeway for the next few days.

So be aware that if you thrash a stock tire you may be out of commision for awhile. Of course, I'd love to use this as an excuse to set my Fit up with new rims and tires . But, that's just not in the cards right now ...

 

I'd just get another tire in the same size. Doesn't have the be the stock Bridgestones.

 

The retailer doesn't know what he/she is talking about.

Of course Dunlop has that size...it's there on your car!!

Here it is from Tire Rack's site:

Currently Available Prices and Sizes

 

Wow, that's my tire alright (I have Dunlops, not Bridgestones). I wonder if they're really in stock, or if they too would take a week to deliver locally.

 

I have the Bridgestones. Why did we get different tires?

 

For some reason some 09 Fits come with the Bridgestones and some come with the Dunlops. Judging by a couple of car mag tests I'd say I'm so glad I have the Dunlops. They're HP All Seasons vs the Touring Bridgestones. But I really don't know why the 2 tire models.

 

they are on back order and also marked as "new". so the retailer probably does know what they are talking about, but tire rack being a larger distributor simply has them listed before they got stock in.

 

I wonder if the Dunlops were an option. But it's weird because the Bridgestones cost more. Anyway... I prefer Bridgestone over Dunlop.

 

The same issue exists for the 175/65R15 Dunlops.

The fact that the dealers don't have any in stock is really bad planning. Do they expect no damaged tires? Haven't they seen the condition of some of the roads we drive on?

It also does happen that tires have manufacturing defects.

 

Yup, same thing, post on wheels/tirerack forum, ppl thought I was joking. Got a flat beyond repair last Sunday, got a pair of 205/55/16 on the rear, now my car looks like a drag car, lol.

 

you should have gotten 205/50/16
it would have been your best match.
just my 0.02

 

I know, but I got those 2 for free, so no complaint.

 

Tire Size Comparison

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference185/55-16 4.0in 12.0in 24.0in 75.4in 840 0.0%205/50-16 4.0in 12.0in 24.1in 75.6in 838 0.2%You got that right,every body has the 205s

 

In my paperwork I received warranty booklets for both Bridgestones and Dunlops, though the car has Dunlops. Maybe it just depends on which is able to supply them for that production run.

 

I'm surprised that the 09's come with 185's and not fatter, especially on 16" wheels. Since the GD3 Sport wheels come with 195's I'd assume the GE's are at least 205's.

 

my comparisons never fail thanks to my trusty internet calculator
Wheel / tire size calculator / comparer - RIMS-N-TIRES
just punch in all the info and you'll get accurate comparisons





h2o
now thats a good deal

 

Usually that what happens with each new model make-over, but since Honda up-sized the wheels by 1" and one of the big selling points was fuel economy, they downsized the tire width to counter the added weight gain of the larger wheels. And since they revamped the suspension to make it handle better than the GDs they were able to narrow the tire width. That's my thought.

 

I think when i was looking @this problem over, the 195/60/16 were very popular and cheaper. The size diff should fix the 2-3% in the mph vs gps...thunder

 

Replacement tire was pushed back a few more days, apparently it's still on its way from Tennessee. Driving on this gimpy spare for a week really sucks ...

 

I have four of the OEM Dunlops for sale if you're in the Bay Area - PM me.

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/sale...-like-new.html