MazdaSpeed3 winter tires question

[kriewe]

Hi,
I just recently bought a new MS3. I live in NH where we get a significant amount of snow. I am looking into buying winter rims and/or tires. I've heard that if you go lower than stock on size (stock is 18 inch) for rims, a low tire pressure light goes on. Has anyone dealt with this? I'm not sure what to do- just buy winter tires and put them on the stock rims or buy both rims and tires...please help! Thanks!

[Boosted333]

Not true... I have 17" snow tires/rims with TPMS and everything is fine.

http://skiewert.com/dan/ms3/PC130001.JPG

[Olestra]

It's possible you may have mis-read some of posts.
Lots of ppl go 17 inch to get more pothole protection, skinnier tire and cheaper cost.
Ppl with winter tire packages will get the low pressure light (TPMS) because they don't bother installing TPMS on their winter rims. The sensors cost over $200 dollars so they'd rather deal with the light. It has no negative effects except for being annoying. You just have to monitor the pressure the good old fashioned way.

Nice wheels btw, those look great for being a winter rim.

[Boosted333]

Thanks! I got the TPMS in mine cause the previous RX8 owner got them...

[MS3Jon]

Holy Huge Picture Batman!

[VermZ06]

Do yourself a favor and get a winter rim and tire package. This way you don't have to deal with taking the tires on and off the rims twice a year. Very annoying and costly and you'll save the longevity of your stock rims/summer tires. I just put my winter rims/tires on the other day and it only took 45 minutes of my time with a floor jack and some elbow grease. Do get an idea of some packages take a look at the sites below.

What part of NH are you from? I went to college up there and when it snows its a white out. Good luck!

www.tires.com
www.tirerack.com

[Silver Ecstasy]

That's a beautiful picture up there. I'm starting to lighten up to winter a little bit. Yes, the car looks like crap. Yes, the weather sucks. But with access to a garage, I wouldn't mind washing it up and taking pictures in a fresh powder.

Those 17's look damn nice!

[kriewe]

Thanks for all the advice. Looks like I'll be going with the tire and rim package.

[kriewe]

I live in Portsmouth, NH. Great city!

[Boosted333]

Holy Huge Picture Batman!

Thanks Robin!

[cosic]

Jealous of those WINTER rims!

[builthatch]

i dont care what people think in the winter. you can get steel wheel winter tire packages from tire rack. i rock steel wheels with winterforce MS, but only when necessary. we don't typically get much accumulation worth swapping tires, but it happens.

[cosic]

i dont care what people think in the winter. you can get steel wheel winter tire packages from tire rack. i rock steel wheels with winterforce MS, but only when necessary. we don't typically get much accumulation worth swapping tires, but it happens.

I'm rocking steelies to. Winter mode? Who gives a shit!

[Stu C]

I'm rocking steelies to. Winter mode? Who gives a shit!Me too - running 16"s - what's everyone else running 16's or 17's?

[Silver Ecstasy]

If I can't get these 16" alloys, then i'll be rocking 16" with hubcaps.

What I don't like is the fact that you can't see if the caliper is rubbing or not.

[Boosted333]

I'm rocking steelies to. Winter mode? Who gives a shit!

I agree, but I probably paid less for my combo (see above) than I would have for steelies and tires w/o TMPS. That's why I jumped on it.

[micronesia]

I guess it's time for me to order something as well. If you go down from 18 inches will it affect the odometer/speedometer? With the dozens of tire/rim packages available (I was just looking through tirerack) what's a good way to choose which one to get besides obviously price?

[Stu C]

If I can't get these 16" alloys, then i'll be rocking 16" with hubcaps.

What I don't like is the fact that you can't see if the caliper is rubbing or not.Unless the rim gets warped, it doesn't rub. It's about a credit card width of clearance though. I checked mine during the summer when I put them back on and there wasn't any rubbing.

[Stu C]

I guess it's time for me to order something as well. If you go down from 18 inches will it affect the odometer/speedometer? With the dozens of tire/rim packages available (I was just looking through tirerack) what's a good way to choose which one to get besides obviously price?While you reduce the rim size, you increase the profile of the tire to offset the difference. For example, stock is 215/45 18's. When I went to 16's, I changed it to 225/55 16's The overall width of the tire changed by .5%. The ideal size for 17's is 215/50 to keep the difference as small as possible.

[ottawaP5]

You can look online for used rims from a 3 or 6, that'll keep the cost lower and your car will look good all year round. This is my setup:

http://www.msprotege.com/members/ottawaP5/MS3/MS3sideRHCrop.jpg

[gibbs631]

Question... Boosted What kind of rubber is that? And if you were to put cables on your front two tires would they rub the wheel wells while turning? And damn I wish I knew that I could have put 17's on cause when I got a hold of mazda they said I had to get 215 45 18 tires...

[Boosted333]

I have 225-50-17 Dunlop Wintersports...

Cables?? Is that like mini chains? I really am not sure but I don't think its tight at all, probably could.

[CamelFilters]

My setup is 17" steel rims with 215/50R17 Bridgestone Blizzaks.
i live in canada and I had no problems last winter.

you can also check out the new michellin X-Ice Xi2 if you want an alternative to the bridgestones.

[Silver Ecstasy]

You can look online for used rims from a 3 or 6, that'll keep the cost lower and your car will look good all year round. This is my setup:

http://www.msprotege.com/members/ottawaP5/MS3/MS3sideRHCrop.jpg

I just seen this, wow that looks good!! Are those 17's?

[ottawaP5]

I just seen this, wow that looks good!! Are those 17's?

Thanks! Yep, they are the MSP rims. I got lucky and found a set for sale locally.

For my tires I'm using Toyo Garrit KX (215 50 17)

[Silver Ecstasy]

That's awesome, it looks REALLY sharp and makes the front brakes look absolutely gigantic!! Those look so good on the car, i'd rock those year round!

[Gmac03]

I'm running MS6 rims w/ Michelin Xice tires.

To say the least i'm very unimpressed with this tire. I haven't had much snow yet, though the forecast calls for it through the next three days. But my last two sets of snows on an Infiniti G20 were Nokian Hakka's RSi and Blizzaks. Both were great in and out of snow, these Xices feel like i'm going to wreck the car everytime I drive on dry pavement.

I was going to try a set of less aggressive snows, Goodyear performance grip or something like that and i'm wishing I did.

Gmac

[Chris08MS3]

I bought some 16" alloy wheels and Blizzaks from Tirerack for cheaper than it would be to put snow tires on the stock 18" wheels. Plus I got a $50 gift card. :)

I will probably put them on tonight and snap some pics if anybody wants to see them.

[JingChuan]

You can look online for used rims from a 3 or 6, that'll keep the cost lower and your car will look good all year round.

True dat.

http://i35.tinypic.com/10qj4lh.jpg

It took my about 30 seconds to find a set of like-new 17" stockers from a 3 on Craigslist, a mere $150. I suited them up with a set of Yokohama IC-somethingoranothers in p215-50r17 size. I thought these would be the closest in size, just based on the math (tire width in mm * aspect ratio*0.5 / 25.4 + rim diameter = overall diameter). Mathematically, a p215-45r18 = 25.618 inches diameter, and a 215-50r17 = 25.465 inches, a difference of less than 3/16 of an inch, or about 0.60%. Pretty much negligable. But as you may know, the size that the tire manufacturer stamps on the side doesn't always match up to a real world measurement.

Case in point: the stock rubber is mated to the odometer perfectly, as confirmed by GPS over hundreds of miles. No error. However, these snow tires (which should only show an error of 0.6%) are actually showing an error of 1.8%. Not that 1.8% is a big deal of course; it's actually comfortably close to stock. Just make sure you check your size before you mount them up; remember that your mileage will accrue at a different rate depending if your overall tire diameter is smaller (accrue mileage faster) or larger (accrue mileage slower).

Yeah, that might be a bit on the obsessive side, I know. I study way too much data every day at work, and the whole data analysis thing has crept into my personal life too... (stoned)

[ottawaP5]

True dat.

http://i35.tinypic.com/10qj4lh.jpg

It took my about 30 seconds to find a set of like-new 17" stockers from a 3 on Craigslist, a mere $150. I suited them up with a set of Yokohama IC-somethingoranothers in p215-50r17 size. I thought these would be the closest in size, just based on the math (tire width in mm * aspect ratio*0.5 / 25.4 + rim diameter = overall diameter). Mathematically, a p215-45r18 = 25.618 inches diameter, and a 215-50r17 = 25.465 inches, a difference of less than 3/16 of an inch, or about 0.60%. Pretty much negligable. But as you may know, the size that the tire manufacturer stamps on the side doesn't always match up to a real world measurement.

Case in point: the stock rubber is mated to the odometer perfectly, as confirmed by GPS over hundreds of miles. No error. However, these snow tires (which should only show an error of 0.6%) are actually showing an error of 1.8%. Not that 1.8% is a big deal of course; it's actually comfortably close to stock. Just make sure you check your size before you mount them up; remember that your mileage will accrue at a different rate depending if your overall tire diameter is smaller (accrue mileage faster) or larger (accrue mileage slower).

Yeah, that might be a bit on the obsessive side, I know. I study way too much data every day at work, and the whole data analysis thing has crept into my personal life too... (stoned)

I'm running that size as well. Don't worry about the speedometer error, the stock 18's aren't accurate either.

[motocrosser614]

Not true... I have 17" snow tires/rims with TPMS and everything is fine.

http://skiewert.com/dan/ms3/PC130001.JPG

Hey How you liking the stage 1+103r map? I havent tried any of the new maps but heard there was some spiking issues close to 20-22 psi

[BSTD3]

kriewe (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/member.php?u=66025)

From NH here too, Goffstown to be exact.

I'm running these in the winter: 17" Kazara KZ-R's with Blizzak WS-60's 225/50/17's

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k159/nopstnz/REDBLUR/Winter%20wheels/DSC02732.jpg

[djthom]

NH kids unite!
Manch-Vegas here.

think i am going to go with mz3 17's this winter!

[BSTD3]

Holla! :D

[JimmiV]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/3065761399_808d58d60c.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/3065761399_808d58d60c.jpg?v=0

You guys with your fancy winter tires... Lets see some real winter looks(evil)

[BSTD3]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/3065761399_808d58d60c.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/3065761399_808d58d60c.jpg?v=0

You guys with your fancy winter tires... Lets see some real winter looks(evil)

Kickin' it with the steelies! (dance)

[Sport6]

I had 16" steelies on my 6 that I tried to use on my speed3.. they didnt clear the calipers. It was a bead of welds on the inside of the wheel that rubbed the caliper. I bought them from tire warehouse so don't get steelies from them.

I bought a set of 16" alloy sport edition d3 wheels and dunlop winter sports. Fit fine.

[JimmiV]

I had to use spacers to clear the hub poking threw on the rotor...

[karl hungus]

discount tire (tires dot com) has a deal on 16 inch black steelies through the end of march - set of 4 wheels for $50 ($25 each, free shipping & $50 coupon). i got 16x7s with a 45mm offset (max offered).

haven't tested them to see if they'll clear the front brakes but will either grind down the weld beads or swap them out w/ my local garage for a bigger offset if they rub.

they had 24 left in stock. quick psa - i'm ashamed to have driven on snow with the stockers this past winter. many thanks to senator john blutarski, shaitsta & surnixalot for your help.

[derspi]

^^

Dang, that's a smokin' deal!! I paid the full price back in October for my set of 16" steelies from TireRack - $55 each. At least I got a smokin' closeout deal for the snow tires I got with the steelies so I guess it all works out in the end.

Great find!

[karl hungus]

the steelies arrived and i mounted one on a front rotor. it spins fine w/ no rubbing, however, i noticed the wheel bore size is a little bit too small for the car's hub.

figured out the wheels came from an 07-08 nissan altima which have a 66.1mm bore size. mazda's are 67.1mm. so these are 1mm too small for my hubs.

i don't want them riding on the lugs. any ideas on how to bore out 1mm? dremel myself (it's only 1mm) or take them to a local machine shop? would a garage have this capability (still need to get the tires mounted and balanced)?

[LukeP]

Used 17" steelies, blizzak 215's. They ride perfect, stick like glue.

I didn't notice any wheel hub issues....unless I just torqued the wheel right overtop and warped em! Doubt it though, tracks pure and glides easily without a hint of shimmy right up to and over 90 mph.

[john blutarski]

16" steelies FTW

[derspi]

the steelies arrived and i mounted one on a front rotor. it spins fine w/ no rubbing, however, i noticed the wheel bore size is a little bit too small for the car's hub.

figured out the wheels came from an 07-08 nissan altima which have a 66.1mm bore size. mazda's are 67.1mm. so these are 1mm too small for my hubs.

i don't want them riding on the lugs. any ideas on how to bore out 1mm? dremel myself (it's only 1mm) or take them to a local machine shop? would a garage have this capability (still need to get the tires mounted and balanced)?

Sorry to hear, I guess Discount Tire are not as anal about ensuring that you have the right wheels for the specific car that you're ordering for like TireRack. They wouldn't even sell me steelies when I told them I had a MS3, I had to place an online order stating I had a regular Mazda3 in order to get the 16" steelies. Lucky they fit, no problems for me.

I think your best bet now is to just take it to a local shop to have it bored out - not a huge job but I have no idea what they'll charge you.

[karl hungus]

thanks for the advice, Derspi. i'm still happy w/ discount tire. they warned me they couldn't guarantee fitment. my bad for not asking about bore size.

[Beltonius]

FWIW, I just went with high-quality All-seasons (Continental Extreme Contacts in 225/R18...45 I think?) on stock rims. This past winter I've seen it go from snowy and ~20F to ~60F and sunny in a couple of days, and having to swap out wheels in the parking lot of my apartment building did not seem like that much fun.

Pure winter tires might be better, but my MS3 handled the snow at least as well as my parent's Acura MDX when I was home for xmas, so I'm thoroughly satisfied.

My stock tires are currently sitting sitting in my storage closet...I'm debating selling them (~9600 miles) or just springing for some new wheels so both sets of tires are mounted.

[bani]

never understood why someone would buy a "performance" car, and then nerf it with A/S tires.

[ottawaP5]

never understood why someone would buy a "performance" car, and then nerf it with A/S tires.

I don't think A/S makes much of a difference when driving the car on the street. On a track I would understand.

[john blutarski]

I don't think A/S makes much of a difference when driving the car on the street. On a track I would understand.

Wouldn't you want the best grip and handling you could get on the street too though? I know most summer tires outperform all seasons. I mean the car comes with summer tires... switching to all seasons (MOST all seasons) actually reduces performance street or track.

[ottawaP5]

Wouldn't you want the best grip and handling you could get on the street too though? I know most summer tires outperform all seasons. I mean the car comes with summer tires... switching to all seasons (MOST all seasons) actually reduces performance street or track.

It all depends on what type of driving you do. For someone who likes an occasional spirited drive on a backroad, then a good quality A/S performance tire will be more then enough. I used to have a set on my previous car and had no complaints on cornering.

[bani]

I don't think A/S makes much of a difference when driving the car on the street. On a track I would understand.

it most definitely does make a difference, especially in braking distances. dedicated tires is much much much safer.

what's more expensive, dedicated tires or your deductible + lost work + hospital stay?

[john blutarski]

I could see if the car came stock with all seasons but it came stock with high performance summer tires. The suspension and brakes were designed around these tires... not only for performance but safety as well.

[bani]

Lots of ppl go 17 inch to get more pothole protection, skinnier tire and cheaper cost.

no they go 17 inch to get wider selection of tires. 17" gives you hundreds more choices, and 16" even more. at 18" you have a miniscule selection.

[builthatch]

never understood why someone would buy a "performance" car, and then nerf it with A/S tires.

it's not a ferrari. yeah, it's got some high performance aspects, but it's still a loaded up econobox (mazda3) that people use every day, for everything. many drive the car in high speed rain, snow....whatever.

if you you drive the car in all seasons, then you want the best tire for that application.

yeah, ideally we'd all like to run on azenis 615 or advan r equivilents.


no they go 17 inch to get wider selection of tires. 17" gives you hundreds more choices, and 16" even more. at 18" you have a miniscule selection.

there are tons of choices in 18, esp in the 225/45/18 size....tons. the idea w/ 17s is ligher overall setup and some people consider cost as well.


I could see if the car came stock with all seasons but it came stock with high performance summer tires. The suspension and brakes were designed around these tires... not only for performance but safety as well.

what? safety? have you ever drive a performance oriented fwd with, say, kumho asx OR something in that realm? i have for many miles and i can tell you you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference in the conditions that would be ideal for that factory 'summer tire'. where you see those tires really shine vs. factory issue is slush and light snow, but otherwise, daily performance is very compareable. why would they put tires that perform decent in the snow on a car that is sold all over the world? everyone for the most part has sunny days and rainy days. very few have days that include slush and snow. so what do they do? they equip them all with summer performance tires.

the stuff you guys come up with sometimes is incredible.

[john blutarski]

what? safety? have you ever drive a performance oriented fwd with, say, kumho asx OR something in that realm? i have for many miles and i can tell you you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference in the conditions that would be ideal for that factory 'summer tire'. where you see those tires really shine vs. factory issue is slush and light snow, but otherwise, daily performance is very compareable. why would they put tires that perform decent in the snow on a car that is sold all over the world? everyone for the most part has sunny days and rainy days. very few have days that include slush and snow. so what do they do? they equip them all with summer performance tires.

the stuff you guys come up with sometimes is incredible.

I've driven several different FWD cars with several different tires. Yes, I said safety. The car is designed with stickier summer tires. Running summer tires as opposed to all seasons in MOST SITUATIONS will grip better through the turns and have shorter braking distances. If your driving style is more suited to your all seasons than by all means. I happen to enjoy pushing the car sometimes since it is a performance car. It is much more fun and SAFE to do it with high performance tires.

[bani]

exactly. it's all about safety. you won't see the difference in daily driving, but it will make a huge difference when it really matters -- braking and emergency maneuvering.

how much is your life worth? proper tires or cheapskate tires?

which is cheaper? proper tires or hospital bill + insurance claim?

it's amazing how many people try to drive an ms3 in cold with a/s or summers and then wreck their ms3. and then blame the car :D

[bani]

there are tons of choices in 18, esp in the 225/45/18 size....tons. the idea w/ 17s is ligher overall setup and some people consider cost as well.

the best winter tires stop at 17", eg blizzaks.

and 225 for winters? lol. great idea for snow and ice.(eek2)

[Z-Indy]

Looking for recommendations on winter tires. I see a few people mentioned ones they like. Anybody have any other suggestions? I've been looking at the Continental extremeWinterContact. Seems to have good reviews on tirerack, and the price isn't bad.

Looking for something that will last a few seasons.

[tuOdekcalB]

Would these be fine for winter rims/tires? want to make sure they will fit and that I wont die in the snow with those tires.

http://longisland.craigslist.org/pts/1937236650.html

[dastpe]

i have those tires and they performed amazing last winter in 6+ inches of snow.

[Neptune8]

I've run 2 years with Glacier Grips studded in a 205/50/17's now making the jump to 215/45/17 studded. Nothing beats a studded snow here in the Northeast.

[Z-Indy]

It looks like I'm going to go with General Altimax Arctic's in a 205/55/16 size. I thought 205 might be too narrow for my wheels (7.5") but the tire shop says they should be ok.

[Darth Vader]

Michelin Pilot Alpin on 16" standard steel rims. These tires take the shit and abuse the torque-laden 3-Rex dishes out very well. Most snow tires will just be wiped off like dust on a chalkboard by the power and torque of the MS3.