new wheel purchase--increase size or not?

[acheron]

I figured I would post this in the general discussion since it doesn't involve a problem, and I just simply want opinions. First, a little background:

I have a 2006 Malibu Maxx LT, and I've never liked the wheels, ever. However, I've never really had the money to replace them. Recently, aside from a much better new job, I was hit in February. I had it parked in a parking lot, actually, and someone swiped it pretty hard on the front driver's side. They had to do a lot of work, but it ultimately came out looking great. However, it dented one of the wheels and the replacement wheel was also slightly dented. Thus, I have now decided its time for better looking wheels .

What I'm unsure on is the size. I could go up to a 17", perhaps from 215/60R16 to 215/55R17 or 225/50R17. Would 225 be best? I am drawn to the better looks of a bigger wheel as well as the widely-published performance enhancements, like better handling. I did hear from someone that said he loves it with his Maxx, and that he liked the improved handling. That is key to me, but I also live in Minnesota and go through sometimes brutal weather. If I switch, will it greatly hamper my winter driving? I was leaning towards the ContiExtremeContact DSWs if i do increase the size, since Consumer Reports and The Tire Rack spoke of its good handling and traction in weather (like snow).

Is the performance/handling improvement big enough to justify increasing the size?

[j cAT]

most times you can go one size larger on tire size of the same wheel dia.

with going into low profile tires with your vehicle in snow country this is not a good idea. with the wider the tread , the traction in snow is poor.

check with a good tire shop if you can increase the tire size to the next larger.

with some vehicles like trucks you can change the size much more . then you run into speedometer/odometer issues.

[malikinam]

i have 2012 xli and i want to know about the how i can change its oil??

i wan to sail it any body want to buy it???

thanks..