Just over a month ago I leased a nice new 2018 Mazda 3 Sport GT with premium and tech packages from Jeff the Biz @ Mazda of Toronto (definitely worth the drive from Ottawa! it is my second car from Jeff... the first was a then-new 2007 Mazda 3 sport GT who has now been retired).
We are rapidly approaching the start of winter here (thousands of geese are fleeing south every day; and at night we are in single digits temperatures) and in Ottawa winter tires are pretty much required.
The OEM tires are 215/45R18.
I am looking at Michelin X-ice Xi3 as I have had good experience with Michelin Xice on my previous Mazda 3. On their own steelies.
The local dealership here has a search tool on their website that suggests I downsize to 205/60R16. The xice tires would be $161 each plus taxes and fees, less the Mazda and Michelin rebates. Plus the rims.
Using the same tool to search for the OEM size kicks up 215/45R18 xice for $264 each (!!!).
Other than the obvious cost savings of $100 per tire and I am almost afraid to find out how much per rim, why would one downsize ?? What are the advantages and disadvantages ? What imapct will it have on the various (and many) safety features the car has ? What about on speedometer and odometer ? How the car handles ?
Which size is the actual preferred/recommended one for winters for my car ?
I appreciate any insight any of you can provide.
Thanks !
Starwind.