Where to buy Winter Snows in Windsor

[ccIces]

I am having a hell of a time finding winter snows in Windsor. We currently have the stock 17\" on alum rims and want to go with a 16\" rim and applicable snows. Looking at the tire faq link, the 16 should be 205 x55 x 16 or even 205 x 60 x 16 (not sure which would be the more ideal fit) Has anyone bought the steel rims that Cnd Tire has at 16\" for 69.95 each? Think they would work?
So, if I went with a 16\" rim, how wide can I go with the 16\" and how big of a sidewall can I get away with (60?) Iwould liek to be able to walk into the tire shop and tell them what I want instead of them saying I need 205x55x17 and can\'t get them!

[Mica3SGT]

I\'ve searched all the forums recently and found positive results from owners using CTC steelies. The other source was Walmart and the cost difference is minimal.
CTC has Dunlop Graspic DS1 that are well rated and available at locations across Canada.
You will need 16\" wheels with a 5 X 114.3 bolt pattern and 205/55R/16 tires.
15\'s will not clear our brake calipers.
You will want the minimal width for snow conditions for best results.
Some Mazda dealers stock OEM steel wheels and tire packages. Other sources would be local tire retailers. Favourite brands seem to be Michelin, Kumho, Hankook, BF Goodrich and Dunlop.

[ccIces]

Thanks, so minimal tire width for best results? I would have thought the opposite would be true (wider tire for more traction) I was looking at 225x50x16. But 205x55x16 the way to go then?

[Mica3SGT]

205/55R/16 is the way to go. The narrower tire will cut through the snow more effectively and will give you added performance in these conditions than a wider tire. Look for either a Q or H rated tire as these have a softer compound and will give a smoother ride on pavement.

[MZR3]

You\'re in Windsor, so if you know someone living across the river, you\'d be better off ordering from one of the US online tire dealers and have them dilivered to your friend there. Especially when our looney is stacking up well against US$.

[ccIces]

well, not sure how well I did in pricing but I found a set of Goodyear Ultra Trac at 205x55x16 for $600 out the door. I picked up the CTC steel 16\" rims for $69 each. One thing that bothers me though.. the CTC steel rims seem to have a 2mm or so gap around the hub. The tire installer said this may cause the lugnuts to loosen over time as the the rim is not hub-centric. He said I could not use hub-centric shims on steel rims. Anyone have thoughts on this?

[Ex-Rolla]

Originally posted by ccIces


well, not sure how well I did in pricing but I found a set of Goodyear Ultra Trac at 205x55x16 for $600 out the door. I picked up the CTC steel 16\" rims for $69 each. One thing that bothers me though.. the CTC steel rims seem to have a 2mm or so gap around the hub. The tire installer said this may cause the lugnuts to loosen over time as the the rim is not hub-centric. He said I could not use hub-centric shims on steel rims. Anyone have thoughts on this?

I bought mine from walmart, and it\'s pretty much the same. About 2 mm of space around the hub. I wouldn\'t worry about the lug coming off though. Same situation with my previuos car and never had any issues through 3 winters. I would recommend having the lugs re-torqued a couple of hundred km\'s after the initial install though.

[ccIces]

Thanks again,
I sent Mazda Canada a note asking them what they thought.. here is their reply:


We welcome correspondence from Mazda customers and are pleased to be of assistance whenever we can.

The wheel rims designed to be “hubcentric” offer optimum alignment to the wheel hub assembly. Mazda uses the hub centric design to assure there is no vibration from the wheel unit, once mounted to the vehicle. The wheels can also be aligned by their mounting holes. This type of mounting does not assure they are perfectly centered, and can cause vibration. If you are not experiencing any vibration related issues at this time, there should be no problem.

Regards,

Mazda Canada Inc..

So after reading that, I take it to mean that the hubs I purchase (CTC Steelies) are not hub centric by design but are design to be mounted by the mounting holes. As long as there is no vibrations.. all is good.