Winter Tires for Mazda 3 5 door

[Leowin]

Hi,

I would like some opinions about witner tire package for my 2005 Mazda 3 5 door. At present the car is with P205/55 R16 M+S TOYO Proxes tires. I am planning to put winter tires on all four wheels. I am also willing to go for new rims along with new tires.

As MICHELIN is giving $50 rebate on the tires, I have short-listed X-ICE tires from them. Another tire brand that I checked out was NOKIAN. There is not much of price diff. between them, both are app. $183 each. Michelin wins because of Mail In Rebate.

One of the guys in a tire shop suggested that I can save some money by going for 1" smaller tire + rim package. The size suggested was 195/65 15". The tires for this size are costing at $140 each.

Is there anybody out there who has opted for a smaller sized tire for witner? What's the effect on handling? Is it better? Is it advisable?

Thanks in advance.

[The General]

Usually, the best way to improve traction and save money is to do a -1 size conversion. Problem is that because you have a 2.3L, 15" wheels do not fit. You'll have to get 16" steel wheels and some tires. Yokohama is offering a $10/tire instant rebate. I would suggest you look into the IG 10. Price-wise, you are looking at $140-150 a tire. These tires are far superior to the X-Ice which its only advantage is more stability on the highway. If you want good snow and ice traction, get the IG 10s.

[Leowin]

General,

The car comes with 205/55 R16".

A couple of tire shops have suggested that I can go down 1" with 195/65 15" rims.

I am checking for the availability of Yokohama IG10. I have got a quote from CONSUMERS TIRE, Mississauga for Michelin Pilot Alpins each at $129 for the 15" & $171 for 16"

[woohoo!]

Hmm.. you'll have to be careful, one of my buddies has a 3 Sport and couldn't fit 15-inchers on it, because they don't clear the disc brakes.

[The General]

Originally Posted by woohoo!

Hmm.. you'll have to be careful, one of my buddies has a 3 Sport and couldn't fit 15-inchers on it, because they don't clear the disc brakes.

and calipers...

The other problem seems to be a shortage of jobber steel wheels. The only option to save the mags are $75 + OE steelies.

All this for a Ford!

I kidd, I kidd... :lol:

[apl16]

'ford'.....lol......although i do take mazda's relationship with ford into account before purchasing one. the memory of the electrics in my old probe makes the hairs stand up on my neck even today.

[Leowin]

Well, I do not know about Ford quality, but Mazda 3 sport GS has been quite good so far in the last 4 months... about to complete 8000 kms.. I would give it 9 out of 10 based on the total ownership.

And, the fact is that Mazda sales reps are much more nicer and friendly compared to the guys from Honda! The product quality and reputation might be good but I would never buy from a guy who thinks he is doing a big favour by talking to me when I walk into the showroom! Honda guys absolutely suck here in Mississauga!

Mazda 3 sport GS comes with 16" tires whereas GT comes with 17". Woohoo, can you please check with your buddy whether he tried 15" on GS model?

Here, quite a few tire dealers hv recommended that I can fit 15" rims on my GS. And, since Mazda car comes only with alloy wheels, I believe OEM rims are not available.. I may have to go with multi-fit rims.

Thanks.

[The General]

Originally Posted by Leowin

Mazda 3 sport GS comes with 16" tires whereas GT comes with 17". Woohoo, can you please check with your buddy whether he tried 15" on GS model?

Here, quite a few tire dealers hv recommended that I can fit 15" rims on my GS. And, since Mazda car comes only with alloy wheels, I believe OEM rims are not available.. I may have to go with multi-fit rims.

The brakes are the problem. Those equipped with the 2.3L engines have larger front discs and callipers. 15" wheels clear the brakes for the 3s that are equipped with the 2.0L, not the 2.3L. That is why you will need to purchase 16" steel wheels (which are available) and tires.

[Leowin]

General!

You are absolutely right!

Yesterday, I hv put the winter tires on my Mazda 3 GS Sport and the tireguy tried 15"on them unsuccessfully. They take only 16"rims. I settled for VIKING SNOWs ( 205/55 16"91H) as Michelin Pilot Alpins 16"s were beyond my budget.

Since Mazda 3 GT Sport comes with 17" standard wheels, my guess is that they would take only 17"rims?

Thanks.

[The General]

No. The GTs have the same brakes as the GS so 16's would fit.