Wheels & Tires set for Winter

[runner2k]

Hey Guys! How are you all doing?

I recently bought a 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 and the stock wheels are 18".

I will probably need to buy a winter set tires and I would like to actually buy another set of wheels so that I can install the winter tires on it. (I want to use my stock 18"+tires for summer).

I don't know how it works concerning the KM when there is a 18" or 15" on it. There is a difference right?

How much will a set of 4 winter tires cost?
Would you recommend All season instead?


Sorry guys, I'm pretty newbie for wheels and tires...

[Flagrum_3]

With the Speed you'll definately need a good set of snow tires for winter.I'd suggest going to a smaller rim/tire size to save alot of money.I'm not sure if you can go 16"- because of brake clearance, but 17s should work well.

Check out our tire-sponsors here, as they have pretty decent prices.

_3

[baymoe]

Go with a dedicated set of winter tires.

[Kevin@nextmod]

16s is definitely doable since we have already test fitted a set of 16 inch steelies on a members car last winter. He also purchased it from us with 215/50/16 i believe or it might be 215/55/16. Not 100% sure on the tire size but i'm very sure 16inch steelies will work.

[runner2k]

Cool guys!

Thank you very much.

What I've learned:
- 15" won't fit.
- Stick to Winter tires.

What is the best place to buy Tires? Is Canadian Tire good for it?

How much would cost 4 winter tires or 17"?

$300 new?

[gotak]

Cool guys!

Thank you very much.

What I've learned:
- 15" won't fit.
- Stick to Winter tires.

What is the best place to buy Tires? Is Canadian Tire good for it?

How much would cost 4 winter tires or 17"?

$300 new?

A bit more that double that for winters with 16 inch steels and lower cost tires, more like 700 to 900 if you want performance winters. I didn't find a need for performance winters. Just remember that while in summer trim it can whip around onramps and corners at ridicules speed you are going to have to drive like it's a camry on 15 inch all seasons once you put on soft winter tires.

I was the member that got 16s from nextmod for my 2010 Speed 3. I can check the size when I get home tonight. I am back on my summers already.

[Mazdy]

Cool guys!

Thank you very much.

What I've learned:
- 15" won't fit.
- Stick to Winter tires.

What is the best place to buy Tires? Is Canadian Tire good for it?

How much would cost 4 winter tires or 17"?

$300 new?

Yes $300 new on a cheapest pair maybe LOL
If your looking for 17" winter tires set you are looking about $600-$900 depends on the brand and where you get them.

[Kinn]

There is a set of 17" stock GT rims in the FS section for 250...make great winter rims

[S.F.W.]

What is the best place to buy Tires? Is Canadian Tire good for it?

How much would cost 4 winter tires or 17"?

$300 new?

Don't go to Cdn Tire. Our sponsors on TM3(look in the sponsor section) can offer you better value. $300, um no. Tires only, you should budget $550. If you need steelies, add $200, then add 13% tax.

[runner2k]

Yeah...

Unfortunately, Mazdy just sold his set of 17" stock GT rims .... :(

thank you guys!

[cwp_sedan]

If you are looking for some 16" steelies I may have some available soon. They are Mazda OEM and are about 3 seasons old.

[PR3Y11]

You can go 16 but no smaller. I've got 17s for winter. +1 on having some good winter tires. I had Michelin xice thisyear from the dealers and it's so crappy. Going to yokahomas this winter those are awesome.

[Flagrum_3]

You can go 16 but no smaller. I've got 17s for winter. +1 on having some good winter tires. I had Michelin xice thisyear from the dealers and it's so crappy. Going to yokahomas this winter those are awesome.

Folks, 16" may be doable, but are they safe? Sure you may have enough clearance so they just clear the brake calipers but you have to think about crusty snow/slush build-up!, which can basically deminish your braking ability substantially..So the more clearance the better./If going 16" I would suggest an open design rim, such as oem 5 spokes for example, but if sticking to steelies go minumum 17", (if available)!...My choice if I were in the OP's position would be 17" spoked rims for the best and safest winter set-up.That's my opinion anyways.

_3

[Mazdy]

Ive been using 16" steelies for years...and im still alive and my car never been to an accident once/ never skid/slide/out of control..never ever...and still in one piece.


Folks, 16" may be doable, but are they safe? Sure you may have enough clearance so they just clear the brake calipers but you have to think about crusty snow/slush build-up!, which can basically deminish your braking ability substantially..So the more clearance the better./If going 16" I would suggest an open design rim, such as oem 5 spokes for example, but if sticking to steelies go minumum 17", (if available)!...My choice if I were in the OP's position would be 17" spoked rims for the best and safest winter set-up.That's my opinion anyways.

_3

[aZuMi]

I have 16" 5 spoke design rims and I didn't notice any snow build up by the brakes. If you're going steelies, just stick with 17's for MS3 just to be safe since you can't really see the calipers and breaks part. But if you're going alloys, 16" is fine in my experience.

[cwp_sedan]

I have 16" 5 spoke design rims and I didn't notice any snow build up by the brakes. If you're going steelies, just stick with 17's for MS3 just to be safe since you can't really see the calipers and breaks part. But if you're going alloys, 16" is fine in my experience.

Sounds like a smart plan!

[Flagrum_3]

Ive been using 16" steelies for years...and im still alive and my car never been to an accident once/ never skid/slide/out of control..never ever...and still in one piece.

So have I, but

We're talking MazdaSpeed here, the brakes are larger.

_3

[S.F.W.]

We're talking MazdaSpeed here, the brakes the larger.

_3

There are many people driving Mazdaspeed's running 16" steelies. As long as you get a proper fitting steelie, you will have no issues. You are entitled to your opinion, but I think you are fear mongering without having MS3 experience.

[Flagrum_3]

I have 16" 5 spoke design rims and I didn't notice any snow build up by the brakes. If you're going steelies, just stick with 17's for MS3 just to be safe since you can't really see the calipers and breaks part. But if you're going alloys, 16" is fine in my experience.

Well thats good, that's why I suggested using spoked rims.You won't get 'build-up' with them, meaning 16" spoked rims would be fine, but not with steelies....Still I would suggest for absolute safety 17" spoked rims would be ideal.

And Ami, I don't need MS3 experience to use common sense and fyi, I hold a MoT wheel and tire license....Safety is no.1

_3

[PR3Y11]

nuff arguing over this. i say just run 24 chrome spinners and call it a day!




bottom line 17's are ideal for winter, however you CAN still run 16 or even 18. if it's a money saving winter go with 16s if not go 17s, just don't cheap out on tires no matter what size you go with

[peterm15]

My suggestion is to look into something other than steelies. You can get 17" used rims off kijiji probably cheaper than new 16", then slap some decent rubber on them. I paid about 400 for my steelies ( no tires) and wish I hadn't. If I had realized that I would want to upgrade my rims I wouldn't have spent the money, put tires on my stock rims and upgraded mine. Keep in mind I'm on stock 15" and don't have a speed. If you like your stock rims search for a used set if alloys for winter. If your thinking of getting new rims for summer then put winter rubber on stock rims.

[Charlie S]

I went on the toProtege.com website and found a set of 16" OEM alloy wheels for $250.
Then I went and put a set of Hankook snows on.
The car drives smoother and have no problems with brake clearance and other stuff.

http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/7554/03gt.th.jpg (http://img541.imageshack.us/i/03gt.jpg/)

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Folks, 16" may be doable, but are they safe? Sure you may have enough clearance so they just clear the brake calipers but you have to think about crusty snow/slush build-up!, which can basically deminish your braking ability substantially..So the more clearance the better./If going 16" I would suggest an open design rim, such as oem 5 spokes for example, but if sticking to steelies go minumum 17", (if available)!...My choice if I were in the OP's position would be 17" spoked rims for the best and safest winter set-up.That's my opinion anyways.

_3


There are many people driving Mazdaspeed's running 16" steelies. As long as you get a proper fitting steelie, you will have no issues. You are entitled to your opinion, but I think you are fear mongering without having MS3 experience.


Well thats good, that's why I suggested using spoked rims.You won't get 'build-up' with them, meaning 16" spoked rims would be fine, but not with steelies....Still I would suggest for absolute safety 17" spoked rims would be ideal.

And Ami, I don't need MS3 experience to use common sense and fyi, I hold a MoT wheel and tire license....Safety is no.1

_3

Ron,

With respect, there are many, many MS3's that run 16" winters on 16" steel rims in the winter without any issues whatsoever. I just happen to be one of the many.

There is plenty of clearance on the front calipers if you have the proper steel rim. While a lot of 16" steel rims will fit, not all have the same clearance to the calipers. Allen at Simply Tire has been equipping MS3's like this for a few years now and with the 16" tire and higher sidewall, you will actually improve your traction in the snow. Safety First as you said... ;)

[Flagrum_3]

Ron,

With respect, there are many, many MS3's that run 16" winters on 16" steel rims in the winter without any issues whatsoever. I just happen to be one of the many.

There is plenty of clearance on the front calipers if you have the proper steel rim. While a lot of 16" steel rims will fit, not all have the same clearance to the calipers. Allen at Simply Tire has been equipping MS3's like this for a few years now and with the 16" tire and higher sidewall, you will actually improve your traction in the snow. Safety First as you said... ;)

Hey thats fine and dandy, but I never said 16s would not be good, but that 16s or 17s with an open design wheel would be better and safer...Which it would be almost 100% sure!...BTW I'm curious, how exactly would a higher side-wall be any safer in snow? ;)

_3

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Hey thats fine and dandy, but I never said 16s would not be good, but that 16s or 17s with an open design wheel would be better and safer...Which it would be almost 100% sure!...BTW I'm curious, how exactly would a higher side-wall be any safer in snow? ;)

_3

You implied on several occasions in your posts that 16" steel rims would not be good and were not safe on the MS3 because of caliper clearance. Yes, you did state your opinion on open design vs. closed, but it was the implication specific to 16" steelies I was commenting on. I have my own opinions on the merits of running open design alloys in winter.

As for winter traction in snow, a thinner tire and higher sidewall (which equals more tire flex)= increased traction and grip in snow.

[Flagrum_3]

You implied on several occasions in your posts that 16" steel rims would not be good and were not safe on the MS3 because of caliper clearance. Yes, you did state your opinion on open design vs. closed, but it was the implication specific to 16" steelies I was commenting on. I have my own opinions on the merits of running open design alloys in winter.

As for winter traction in snow, a thinner tire and higher sidewall (which equals more tire flex)= increased traction and grip in snow.

And my implication still stands, that a using an open design wheel is a safer design then running 16" steelies.But I never said or implied 16" steelies were unsafe.Also a narrower tire yes will give you better traction thru some snowy situations but the taller sidewall does not help in any way.Firmer is better in almost all cases.Ever drive a car with bias-ply tires? THe taller the side-wall the skirmier, sorry.

_3

[strakz]

I've ran 16in steelies on my MS3 for 2 winters now and not had any issues. I see no reason to buy 17's.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

And my implication still stands, that a using an open design wheel is a safer design then running 16" steelies.But I never said or implied 16" steelies were unsafe.Also a narrower tire yes will give you better traction thru some snowy situations but the taller sidewall does not help in any way.Firmer is better in almost all cases.Ever drive a car with bias-ply tires? THe taller the side-wall the skirmier, sorry.

_3

Not going to argue with you, but you implied several times that 16" steelies on the MS3 were not safe. Maybe something was lost in translation.

Also, firmer is not better on snow and ice. It is the reason that when I ice race with friends occasionally up in Minden, we deflate the crap out of the tires to get increased traction. This is especially true if you run in a novice group where studs are not allowed and only regular winter tires are regulated. You run high sidewall and low psi to increase grip in snow and ice, not the opposite.

[Noisy Crow]

I don't know how it works concerning the KM when there is a 18" or 15" on it. There is a difference right?

I didn't see this part answered. In a nutshell: the overall diameter of the wheel assembly does not change. When you reduce the rim diameter you compensate by choosing a tire with a taller sidewall.

[Flagrum_3]

Not going to argue with you, but you implied several times that 16" steelies on the MS3 were not safe. Maybe something was lost in translation.

Also, firmer is not better on snow and ice. It is the reason that when I ice race with friends occasionally up in Minden, we deflate the crap out of the tires to get increased traction. This is especially true if you run in a novice group where studs are not allowed and only regular winter tires are regulated. You run high sidewall and low psi to increase grip in snow and ice, not the opposite.

You keep saying you don't want to argue, but....

I think you may have to rethink why the air is taken out of the tires in ice racing or ask your friends again, which by the way is completely different from normal (ashpalt) road driving...So a bad analogy.

_3

[jwangyue]

Bought a set a few years ago from our sponsors. Best decision I've ever made. You need a decent set, but I don't think you need to spend a fortune.

[wmzda5]

Isn't it that wit an open design, the caliper is more susceptible to slush or debris that other cars can throw at you?

[Jeff-TheBiz]

long and short...

Go with 16" or higher... Alloys or Steelie... If you go with steelies do not put a hub cap on top, regardless of how ugly it looks without.

If you are looking to unload your 18" let me know... ;)

[wmzda5]

Steelies with chrome lips FTW

[ShortBus]

i don't what you guys are arguing about...


wure 16" have smaller clearance than 17's but even on the coldest days the heat from the brakes ( even on short drives) is enough to melt snow to brake effectively.

i should know i drive my sisters boyfriends ms3 like it was summer during the winter on many occasions.

[runner2k]

Hello everyone! thanks for helping me out!

Really important question now.

If I use 17" wheels on my MS3, will it mess up with the Speedometer?

[Kwokalobster]

Hello everyone! thanks for helping me out!

Really important question now.

If I use 17" wheels on my MS3, will it mess up with the Speedometer?
A definite NO

[cwp_sedan]

Hello everyone! thanks for helping me out!

Really important question now.

If I use 17" wheels on my MS3, will it mess up with the Speedometer?

As long as the tires are the right size, you won't mess it up.

[runner2k]

Ok! I got it.

Well, I'm considering buying a winter car instead. I'm not sure yet.

Check it out!

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?55376-Winter-car-is-it-a-good-idea

[loki]

sorry to threadjack, but for the speed3 guys running the 16 inch steelies for winter.

are the size you guys using 16x6.5 steel rims?

my wife's co-worker is selling his winter tires that were on his 2007 Mazda3 sport and it's a good price but we're not sure if they'll fit or not...

edit: I have an 08 speed3

[rawbz]

I'd be interested to know as well. How much bigger are the calipers on the MS3 versus the Mazda3 GT? I know I couldn't run 15s on my GT cuz of larger calipers but wondering if 16 is enough for the MS3 I'm considering..

Also, does anyone know if the hub on the mazda3 is the same as mazdaspeed3? I assume so since they're the same axel I believe? I bought hub centric steelies from tires23 for my mazda3 and hope to use them for the mazdaspeed3 I want to get..

[midnightfxgt]

Most 16" Steelies will fit the MS3.

Same bolt pattern and hub bore as your MZ3 (5x114.3 and 67.1mm).

[S.F.W.]

I'd be interested to know as well. How much bigger are the calipers on the MS3 versus the Mazda3 GT? I know I couldn't run 15s on my GT cuz of larger calipers but wondering if 16 is enough for the MS3 I'm considering..

Also, does anyone know if the hub on the mazda3 is the same as mazdaspeed3? I assume so since they're the same axel I believe? I bought hub centric steelies from tires23 for my mazda3 and hope to use them for the mazdaspeed3 I want to get..

I as well as many others run 16" winters on the speed3. Not all hub centric steelies fit the Speed3, because the calipers are larger than the GT. Worst case, you buy new wheels, but keep your existing tires.

[Mr Wilson]

16 in steelies are big enough (sorry Loki not sure on the width with 16's) even with the larger calipers on the Speed. I know the sponsors on TM3 are well equipped to know what steelies will fit an MS3 and which will have trouble. If buying used see if you can test fit. Would hate to think I'm set for the winter only to find the steelies don't clear the calipers.

Not 100% sure on the bore, but would assume they are the same, especially as people have run MS3 rims on their Mz3 with no issue and you can always keep the tires and sell the wheels if worst comes to worst.

I run 17in alloys from Nextmod with Hankook W300 from Simply Tire and couldn't be happier.

Edit: Beaten twice

[rawbz]

I figure the hub must be same size if MS3 rims are being used on Mazda3s. I'll try to bring a winter tire with me to see if it'll fit on (just to satisfy my curiousity) and report back if I get a chance

[runner2k]

I've decided I will buy a set of winter tire instead of buying a Winter Beater...

So, I will take a set of 16". I'm quoting prices...

[allen@simplytire.com]

I didn't see this part answered. In a nutshell: the overall diameter of the wheel assembly does not change. When you reduce the rim diameter you compensate by choosing a tire with a taller sidewall.

This is correct, and if it does, it is very minimal... like 6 months of tire wear.


I've decided I will buy a set of winter tire instead of buying a Winter Beater...

So, I will take a set of 16". I'm quoting prices...

16" Steel wheels will fit 100%, and has enough clearance to be safe and effective.