View Full Version : Winter Tire Question
Pinnacle
10-06-2009, 02:49 PM
I have heard that the Mazda 5's stock tires suck for winter driving.
Our local Mazda dealer is offering Continental Viking 2, steel wheels, balanced and installed, etc. for $899 plus tax. Are the tires very decent? Good price?
GoFast
10-06-2009, 02:52 PM
you could do much better than that price at discount tire or tire rack.
Pinnacle
10-06-2009, 02:56 PM
I thought it was a decent price (in Canada) as the tires are over $200 each, plus the price of steel wheels, etc. Hmmm.
GoFast
10-06-2009, 03:29 PM
tire rack has a set up with tires and wheels for 620 + shipping. so maybe 720 total
Jetmech
10-06-2009, 06:33 PM
Better off going to an independent shop in my opinion and pricing out some different options. If the viking 2 are anything like the old viking snowtech tires made by Conti save your money and buy a good Hankook i Pike or cheap winterforce made by Firestone or bridgestone if I recall.
Good Luck
Tire Rack charges $300 in shipping, $30 brokerage fee, 7% duties, and any GST/PST/HST to ship to Canada. Might as well shop local.
A local independent shop quoted $1057 OTD for Toyo Observe G-02 Plus on steel wheels.
OilGuy
10-07-2009, 05:08 PM
Consumer Reports just published their updated tire review - includes winter tires.
Frink
10-08-2009, 09:03 PM
I too would call around to some local independent tire shops and get some prices.
Make sure you ask for and get hub centric steel wheels, as they fit much better and are less prone to vibration.
Ive used Toyo G-02's on my civic and Gislaveds on my 5 and I've liked both of them.
FWIW, Tire rack usually has lots of customer reviews and ratings for each tire on their website.
A local dealer is offering Gislaved Nord*Frost 5s in 205/55R16 with OEM steelies for $799 ($895 OTD), a deal I'm likely going to jump on.
KBrian
10-09-2009, 01:23 AM
I just got Nexen Winterguard 215/55-16's, mounted and balanced on steelies, for 700 Canadian OTD from the local Sprawlmart. Can't say what the tire will be like, but on the Island, I will wait for a snowfall before jacking up the 5 and slapping them on.
Why did you go with 215s?
skyhawk
10-10-2009, 02:04 AM
It snowed and road slippery, and I'm still on the toyo proxy. I wondered why I was not sliding around. Then I realized I have this 'scan gauge' clone and had changed my driving habit (gentle on the gas). Obsession with lowering the liters/100km reading, is beneficial afterall.
Tomorrow, in goes the steelies with hankook winter Ipike. the tire's fourth winter.
Pinnacle
10-10-2009, 03:26 PM
So what do people recommend for winter tires ie) brand, etc? What size of steel wheels would I need for the GT?
Any Calgary folks who could also point me in the right direction for a tire shop too.
Thanks guys!!!
remarquian
10-12-2009, 04:15 PM
I have 205/55R16 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25s with 16X6.5 alloy wheels.
I like them very very much. Much better performance in wet weather than the OEMs, never mind the snow.
KBrian
10-13-2009, 03:51 AM
Why did you go with 215s?
I wanted to reduce the revs slightly at highway speeds, fill the wheelwells with more tire (appearance only), and soften the ride a touch during winter season (sidewalls are a little taller). Also, I was swayed by the positive comments in the wheel and tire section of this forum. I also considered going with a 205/60-16 but there were none in stock nor on sale.
KBrian
10-13-2009, 03:56 AM
What size of steel wheels would I need for the GT?
Most places W-mart, Can tire, Kal etc, sell 16x6.5 steel rims 5 lug (114.3 mm lug spacing) that fit the 5. 60-70 bucks each.
flex_y2k
10-16-2009, 09:47 AM
A frind of mine is selling his winter tires he had last year would 215/60/R-16 be a good fit for a Mazda 5?
Not ideal to go wider but hey some winter tires is better than no winter tires.
Someone was selling Bridgestone Blizzak MZ-01s for a really good price, but they were 225/50R17 and in the end I wasn't comfortable going 20mm wider, but 10mm should be ok.
Pinnacle
10-16-2009, 04:07 PM
Hey guys.
So I've done some digging and the NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta 5 keeps coming up as the favorite from mechanics and tire folks. They are crazy expensive though. With a set of steel wheels (16x6,5), the tires (205/55/16), labour, taxes, etc. the final cost is $1580CDN.
The Blizzak's seem to have a bad rap for wearing out very quick.
So confused. The NOKIAN's are $500+ more than others...worth it? (confused)
KBrian
10-16-2009, 04:19 PM
I have used blizzaks in the past, and loved the grip. The winter "cells" did wear out quickly, but the remaining all season tread lasted about 60000km, so I probably got 80 000km in total. 205/65-15 and about $140 can. a tire installed.
Pinnacle, anything from Kal Tire is crazy expensive but their service is second to none. Nokians last long too, I heard you can get 5 or 6 winters out of them, and usually by the 6th winter it's because you shouldn't run tires that are more than 6 years old even if they have lots of tread left. They're a good investment if you didn't have to buy wheels at the same time like I do, but unfortunately we do so...
Here are a list of deals I got from local Mazda dealerships:
(All 205/55R16 mounted and balanced on 16" OE steel wheels)
$799+tax for Gislaved Nord*Frost 5 or General Altimax Arctics
$699+tax for Firestone Winterforce (very good in snow, ok on ice unstudded)
$799+tax for BF Goodrich Winter Slalom (very good in snow, sucky on ice)
$899+tax for Michelin X-Ice Xi2s (ok on snow, excellent on ice)
$1095+tax for Toyo Garit KX (good on snow, good on ice, H rated)
And there's one particular one I'm getting a local dealer to hook me up with, not an official package but 205/60R16 Toyo Observe G-02 Plus (very good on snow, very good on ice), for $1025 OTD.
But if you can spring out $1580 OTD, definitely go for the Hakkas, no other winter tire compares. If not, shop around at your local dealers and see what deals they have on tires.
Pinnacle
10-16-2009, 05:31 PM
I'm not too worried about the price...IF...they are the best as people are saying they are. If $500 more means I get that much more performance...then I will pay it.
They are worth it... BUT one thing to consider... I would assume that Calgary does a good job plowing/sanding their roads? If so, I would steer you towards the unstudded Hakka RSIs. Riding on studs is like riding in an airplane on bare pavement, though they provide ice and snow traction second to none.
I was quoted $918 OTD for Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60s 195/60R16 with steel wheels which is one of the most popular and highly regarded winter tires, and they will last about 3 winter seasons. I think 3 to 4 winter seasons is about average for most winter tires, but the Hakkas do last about 5... depending on how much you drive and how much bare pavement you drive on. Remember that all winter tires lose their snow capability below 5/32" tread,
Pinnacle
10-16-2009, 10:03 PM
They are worth it... BUT one thing to consider... I would assume that Calgary does a good job plowing/sanding their roads? If so, I would steer you towards the unstudded Hakka RSIs. Riding on studs is like riding in an airplane on bare pavement, though they provide ice and snow traction second to none.
I was quoted $918 OTD for Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60s 195/60R16 with steel wheels which is one of the most popular and highly regarded winter tires, and they will last about 3 winter seasons. I think 3 to 4 winter seasons is about average for most winter tires, but the Hakkas do last about 5... depending on how much you drive and how much bare pavement you drive on. Remember that all winter tires lose their snow capability below 5/32" tread,
Calgary is very hit and miss with snow. We can get dumped on and be -20C and then 4 hours later be +10C from a chinook. So it's the constant melting and freezing that gives us the driving grief.
Go for the Hakka 5s then, you won't be disappointed. :) I heard with the EcoStud system they aren't as bad noise wise as traditional studs.
Pinnacle
10-21-2009, 09:14 PM
LOL. I cannot get winter tires/wheels done at any shop unless I purchase the low pressure sensors too. "Legal liability". So add another $60 per sensor and $50 for calibration. Grand total OTD $1828CDN for Hakka5's, steel wheels, etc.
KBrian
10-21-2009, 09:21 PM
Pinnacle, were the tire pressure sensors factory or a dealer-installed option?
Pinnacle
10-21-2009, 09:23 PM
The GT Luxury's sesnors are a factory installed option (at least I believe they are). All vehicles 2008+ have to have them now. I was told, I have no choice if I want a tire shop or dealer to install winter tires/wheels.
M5GT4ME
10-26-2009, 09:24 AM
Hello,
Do the steelies accomodate TPMS?
Pinnacle
11-01-2009, 11:10 PM
The GT Luxury's sesnors are a factory installed option (at least I believe they are). All vehicles 2008+ have to have them now. I was told, I have no choice if I want a tire shop or dealer to install winter tires/wheels.
Any input?
AO928
11-04-2009, 04:37 PM
FYI, I just ordered a set of alloys with winter tires for the 5 (no TPMS) for $619 shipped from Tirerack. They are on backorder until Nov 21, but I think I can wait for that price.
Specifics:
4 205/55R-16 Firestone Winterforce Firestone Winterforce Estimated 11/21/09 $77.00ea $308.00
4 Mount and Balance (No Charge) N/C N/C
4 16x7 Sport Edition D4 Silver Estimated 11/12/09 $59.00ea $236.00
4 Required centering ring In Stock N/C N/C
20 Required lugnut for vehicle In Stock N/C N/C
Some products above selected for the following vehicle(s):
Vehicle: 08 Mazda MAZDA5
Shipping: $75.39
Tax: $.00
Excise Tax: $.00
State Waste Tire Fund Fee: $.00
Order Total Including Shipping: $619.39
:D :D
Any input?
I can't find anywhere that the 08 came with TPMS.
Anyway, apparently of you go to a dealer, they won't require you to install TPMS. Tire shops are pushing TPMS as being required.
Pinnacle
11-06-2009, 11:52 PM
I can't find anywhere that the 08 came with TPMS.
Anyway, apparently of you go to a dealer, they won't require you to install TPMS. Tire shops are pushing TPMS as being required.
It's an 09.
Oddly enough, I didn't need the TPMS after all. No clue. They said Mazda uses a different type of sensor to monitor TP. I was like...okay...whatever. (drinks)
PS Did I mention it has been above +10C since getting the Hakka 5's!? Haha.
M5GT4ME
11-14-2009, 08:27 AM
What pressure are you guys running with 205/55/16's? Just got my winters on steels but haven't mounted them yet. Dropped the pressure down to 34. Also read on another thread that the stock lugnuts will not work with the steelies? Can someone chime in on this so I can go ahead and get new lugs before swapping out to winters. Thanks!
What pressure are you guys running with 205/55/16's? Just got my winters on steels but haven't mounted them yet. Dropped the pressure down to 34. Also read on another thread that the stock lugnuts will not work with the steelies? Can someone chime in on this so I can go ahead and get new lugs before swapping out to winters. Thanks!
It'll work no problems, even wheel locks.
Here in Texas we don't need winter tires.... (hand)
KBrian
11-17-2009, 02:34 AM
It'll work no problems, even wheel locks.
Depends on the winter wheels.
Didn't work with Walmart steelies. Factory lugs too shallow for how much lug is exposed.
Bought open lugs, now wheels work fine.
I decided to suck it and buy at the dealer two years ago. I forgot how much I had to pay then but just want to be sure that the wheel fits.
sethro_GT
12-02-2009, 01:14 AM
This is the third winter for my Yokohama IceGuards IG10 (or 20 cant remember) and they look new and handle better than any studded tires I've used. Living in Utah and Idaho I'm sure they've saved my bacon many times.
mpvue
12-02-2009, 12:32 PM
I can't find anywhere that the 08 came with TPMS.
Anyway, apparently of you go to a dealer, they won't require you to install TPMS. Tire shops are pushing TPMS as being required.
what happens if you run wheels w/o the TPMS? do you just get the dash light?
AO928
12-02-2009, 12:39 PM
what happens if you run wheels w/o the TPMS? do you just get the dash light?
I belive that's the case. I'll let you know in a couple of days when I get back home. My new winter shoes are waiting for me to install w/o TMPS sensors.
KBrian
12-04-2009, 11:40 PM
Been driving for 2 weeks on the Nexen winters/steelies. No fitment issues beyond the open lug nuts, and there is no vibration issues at all. Been up to 120kph and the 5 rides as smooth as with stock wheels and tires.
Wish I could say the same about the way these winter tires handle. They squirm like Tiger in front of the rabid press, and squeal like his wife while listening to his phone messages.
At least they don't hammer under wheel spin like the stockers.
Now we need some snow to see how they handle with the treads packed tight.
skiph
12-05-2009, 12:36 AM
Now we need some snow to see how they handle with the treads packed tight.
Take a trip over to Whistler? I thought I saw they had like 18 feet of snow over there in November.
That ought to do it.
Phratt
12-05-2009, 07:40 AM
Just came back from the dealer...
16 inch steel wheels are 59.99$ + tax
4 x 60 = 240$
Winter tires (from the dealer) are 105 each
4 x 105 = 420$
240 + 420 + tax = 745$ (installed)
That's in Montreal Canada.
745CAD = 704USD
I just ordered a set of alloys with winter tires for the 5 (no TPMS) for $619 shipped from Tirerack
100$ difference - the rims are about the same price!
joeym509
12-08-2009, 07:38 PM
Have had a great chance the last few days to really test out my winter set up, Dunlap winter sport sp2's on new 16" alloys and these tires rock, i have had no problems getting around on 4"+ snowpacked roads, wet roads, and on dry they are quite and drive very nice. I am very happy with them and would recommend them
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