Snow tires: Do any of you downsize or upsize your tires for winter?

[Google]

I'm curious because the dealer says they don't recommend it.

Asking an EI like Bard or Google, I get conflicting advice. I know about the "3% rule", but I'm more interested on the achieving the best possible performance from the snow tire (grip, chewing away wet snow and slush). As long as the tire modification size (downsize or upsizing the rim/tire) doesn't impede with any clearances such as brakes and wheel well.

[Flagrum_3]

It is pretty typical to downsize one size and in almost all cases safe. Ex; 18" down to 17" or 17" down to 16"

To be on the safe side have things measured so to be sure the smaller rims will clear the brake calipers.



Downsizing will save you some cash also.


_3

[Flunk]

It's dependant on what your stock tire size is. Some models of 3 have brakes that won't clear smaller rims. E.G. 2013 GS+ trims need at least 16" rims. As long as the total diameter is close it shouldn't matter and I've never had an issue finding the correct size tires to downsize on Mazdas, they use common tire sizes.

I'm running 17" rims on my CX-30 in the winter (stock is 18").

[groovin]

Downsizing is not a bad idea plus you have more tire options. We got another set of 17" wheels for winter and stock wheels for summer.