225/45/17 on stock rims

[fastNugly]

Hi, I have an 04 Mazda Hatch and looking to put 225/45/17 instead of the standard 205/50/17 tires they come with.

Not sure if this fits/clears. I know height wise they fit.

I have seen a 3 running 225/40/18 and it didn't look that wide or seemed to have issues.

Let me know if this is doable and if anyone is running this size.

[JSI]

They are pretty close to stock, you should be fine.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

something to note, the stock rims are 6.5" wide and 225/45/17 tires are spec'd for a rim ranging from 7" to 8.5".

some tire installers won't put a 225/45/17 on a 6.5" rim...some will and will tell you to monitor the tire pressures frequently

back when the 3 first came out, Mazda USA ran a series where people could drive a "stock" 3 around an auto-x course ...i say "stock" because Mazda USA prepped the cars with 225/45/17 tires on stock rims.

[Noisy Crow]

You should be okay.... might rub a bit when you turn, most people with 225 width have aftermarket rims with an offset lower than the stock 52.5mm

You also need to make sure that the tires you pick will fit 6.5" rims - a lot them aren't recommended for anything narrower than 7"

[fastNugly]

This is why I am asking.... I am worried about the rubbing on turns or even bumps. Height wise they are practically the same so on bumps it may not be an issue unless that .8" difference allows it to rub.

[Gizzmo_jr]

I wouldn't put a 225 on a 6.5 inch rim but that's me.

[condor888000]

215/45R17 is a better choice for that size of rim IMO.

[ZoomZoom09]

I've got 225/45/17 but i'm on 17 X 7.5.

[condor888000]

The issue is not with 225/45R17 fitting on the 3, the issue is putting them on the 6.5" rim. It's possible, but less than ideal. Really, a 215/45R17 will fit on that size rim, and is close enough to stock diameter to be fine.

[fastNugly]

Why is it not recommended to put 225 on a 6.5 rim?

Can someone explain that?

I am asking about that size because they are slightly cheaper than the stock 205 and 215 tires.

[Noisy Crow]

Why is it not recommended to put 225 on a 6.5 rim?

Can someone explain that?

I am asking about that size because they are slightly cheaper than the stock 205 and 215 tires.

Because the lip of the tire will be tilted over too much. Won't seal properly, and load transfer between the wheel and tire will be very badly aligned -- the wheel will literally slide past the tire lip rather than being pressed into it.

[Axelarate]

Because the lip of the tire will be tilted over too much. Won't seal properly, and load transfer between the wheel and tire will be very badly aligned -- the wheel will literally slide past the tire lip rather than being pressed into it.

That and the ride will be too spongy like as someone on this forum have said before. He was running 225's on his stock rims. You will have too much movement on the sidewalls when turning as well.

[fastNugly]

Thanks for the info guys. The guy that I saw running that did have aftermarket wheels.
Looks like I'll be looking for summer wheels come spring or now if I find a good deal
I'll keep my stock 17's and use em as winters.

[Soupie]

I also have a 04 hatch but have 205/55/16. Are these the stock tires?

[Noisy Crow]

I also have a 04 hatch but have 205/55/16. Are these the stock tires?

Yup, that's the stock size for 16" rims.

For 17's the stock size is 205/50R17

[condor888000]

No idea. What brand and model of tire is it.

EDIT: Crow is right, stock SIZED. However we can't be sure if it's the stock tire from that information.

[McGuyver_3]

i ran this size on my car with a 1.3 or 1.4 inch drop and never had any issues

[McGuyver_3]

Thanks for the info guys. The guy that I saw running that did have aftermarket wheels.
Looks like I'll be looking for summer wheels come spring or now if I find a good deal
I'll keep my stock 17's and use em as winters.

trade off the 17s for 16s the price difference for winters from 16 to 17s is HUGE in difference

[fastNugly]

you ran these on stock 17's?

i ran this size on my car with a 1.3 or 1.4 inch drop and never had any issues

[fastNugly]

I still need to buy steelies if I go to 16's and them it will end up becoming the same.

trade off the 17s for 16s the price difference for winters from 16 to 17s is HUGE in difference

[McGuyver_3]

you ran these on stock 17's?

never had stockers had aftermarkets though currently running 225/40r18

I still need to buy steelies if I go to 16's and them it will end up becoming the same.

will probably still be cheaper though

[fastNugly]

never had stockers had aftermarkets though currently running 225/40r18


will probably still be cheaper though

McGuyver you got PM