After reading several threads on this website it seems that some posters suggest that even know my Fit Sport has an original tire sizes of 185/55R16 there are advantages to using a 15" Steel Rim with the proper spec, off-set etc for the winter months only.

First question: What are peoples thoughts on this suggestion? Agree/Disagree and Why?

I have come across a very good deal on some 15" Steel Rims that meet all the spec. requirements. They had a set of old Good Year Nordic winter tires on them size 185/60 15. I removed those tires and cleaned up the rims.

On this site two tires seem highly recommended for Fits in Winter. The Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 and the Firestone Winterforce. When I go to TireRack they suggest the alternatives for an original 15" tire is 195/60R15 for both the Blizzak and Winterforce tire.

Second question: Does anyone see a problem with me putting onto these 15" Steel Rims I purchased either of the tires suggested above from the TireRack site. Keeping in mind the tire size that came off these Steel Rims were 185/60 15. Also does anyone see any problems in general with my use of these purchased rims and either of these two suggested tires from TireRack. I want a complete set of Winter tires only and these would only be used in those months. Back to my 16" originals for summer

thanks

 

To add to this post above if I measure the off-set on the steel rims I bought they seem to measure approx 40mm. I believe the proper off set for these rims is 55mm. I will double check today. However can a smaller offsetted rim be compensated for with a smaller or larger width tire. Or does one just forget about it becuase the off set is so important to handling and wheel bearing wear that it is not advised to try. Keep in mind I only plan on using this through winter months so approx 4 months of use out of 12. The 55mm off setted rims can be hard to find on the used market

 

my GE use to run 185/55/16 blizzaks on 16x7 wheels. i believe the offset was ET40 too. no rubbing issues on that car while lowered, planning to use the same set on the GK this winter.

 

Put wheels on car, if they clear everything, you are good to go. I actually run 14" steelies that I had left over from my Civic.

For tires, you care about the overall diameter, not the diameter of the rim or anything else. 185 or 195 are fine, doesn't mater which. The Fit uses a 24" diameter tire, anything from 23"-25" will work fine. I ran the 185/60-14 tires that were on the rims until they were done, then switched to the proper size for the fit for 14" rims, 185/70-14.

My go to reccomendation for winter tires are the General Altimax Arctics. Cheap and good, not as good as the blizacks, but will last a lot longer. About the same as the winterforce.