Hi,

As this is 1st gen specific I thought it was best here rather than in the tire forum?

The current set of 14" tires on my '08 base are nearing replacement. Previously I've always just gone with whatever the local places have in stock, but:

1) Every time the choice is less. There doesn't seem much demand for 14" any more. I had some Pirellis I really liked but they no longer make them.

2) I've always been worried by grip in the wet.

I'm considering getting some larger wheels for great choice/better brands. I'm assuming larger contact patch = better wet grip? What has been everyone else's take on this?

Thanks!

 

The General Altimax RT43 in 185/60-14 has pretty good reviews and good ratings on TireRack. The same tire above as well as the Kumho Solus TA11 are well rated in the 175/65-14 size as well.
There are a couple other brands on tire rack, you can check em out and see if you like anything.

 

I have the General Altimax RT43. No complaints. Consistently high-rated tire. *It's still a first gen Fit* though, so high winds and high highway speeds still don't suit it.

 

If you plan on keeping your Fit long term, I suggest looking for a set of take off 15" Sport wheels. The handling improvement and looks over those 175" wide tires will make quite a difference.

195's are still very narrow compared to modern cars so they will still cut through water just find, but give you more mechanical grip in all circumstances.

 

You'd be doing yourself a favor to go up in size - whether that's going to the 185/60-14 or going to a 15 or 16 inch wheel. The base tire size is like driving on roller blade wheels. I throw in my vote for the General Altimax. The set I had on my Odyssey was great, and will likely be what I get this winter for my base fit. Looking at Tirerack gives you a good baseline for prices and the reviews are a big help before you go shop locally. Let us know what you wind up getting.

 

I still using cheapo 175/65-14 on [painted black] steel rims for variety of reasons, few of them:
They are cheap to replace in case of vandalism or alignment wear;
Aluminum wheels will get stolen next day;
In event of PS failure I still will be able to steer the car with lesser effort

 

Sounds like you need to move!

I would hate to make my purchases and decisions based on worst case scenario's.

 

Yah really. Especially that last one.

 

Yep, the General Altimax RT 43s are on 2 of my 3 cars and will go on the other one when the time comes.