New Wheels and Tires

[saskmazdaman11]

Any tips on where I can go to get new wheels and tires. My only options for OEM size tires are Nokian?? and the Crapyears that my car came with. The first option will cost me 1k, but they have a good agressive tread for gravel roads. Would I be better off to get different size rims and a more common tire size. I am thinking 16's or 17's. OR Is my tire shop uniformed, there has got to be more than two companies that produce OEM sized tires and for under 1K for all four.

[goldwing2000]

A popular tire for our cars is the Kumho Ecsta ASX. I got four installed for $465 USD out the door. That's only about $585 CAD.

There are definitely options out there. Try www.tirerack.com

[Don Lockwood]

Check Falken Ziex ZE-512 tires, they have the correct sizes for 15, 16 and 17 inch Mazda3 rims.

They are nice, grippy and quiet, even on wet pavement.... cheap too! Check 1010tires, you might be surprised at the price. I paid $460cdn installed for a set of 15 inchers.

Saw those first in Consumers Reports, was surprised at price/performance ration, so decided to give them a try.... about 3000km so far and i am happy with them., no regrets.

[saskmazdaman11]

Thanks for the help everyone. It saved me from getting ripped off by the local tire shop.

[Airman Jack]

Hey Sask!! I need to get new rubber for my car as well, though I'm down in the 'Jaw right now... and I thought I was in the middle of nowhere! Have you settled on a tire yet?

[saskmazdaman11]

I like the Nokian, because they are basically winter tires that you can run year round, but 1g is quite a bit. I know a guy with the same car who has them, and they run good. Not really a performance tire, but more than adequate for daily summer driving and very sweet in the winter. He did say you have to keep them really hard (50 psi) or the gravel chews the shit out of them, since they are a softer compound. I am thinking the Kumho Ecsta ASX, they seem like a good all around tire, and you can't beat the price.

[Airman Jack]

I've already got separate winter tires, I'd go so far as to say they might have saved my life on the drive out here from toronto! :p I'm going for high performance dry/wet tires. Have you ever had the chance to deal with Innovation Autosports in Regina?