A Few snow tire questions

[Peter B]

Ok
So I read a big chunk of the snow tire thread. Living in the NE I will certainly need to get a set of my own. But I have a few questions before I go drop all that money.

1) The first is about the pressure sensor (you know the little light that comes on when your tires are low?). I have been told that it only works with the mazda rims that came on the car. Is this so? Are there other rims that will work as well? If not will driving around all winter witht he light on be a problem, or hurt the car in any way? I personally doubt it will, but I would rather ask and look dumb then not and hurt the car.
My plan is to get a second set of rims/tires for the winter so I don't have to pay the shop $130 twice a year to change them.

2.) To save money I was probably going to go with 16 or 17 inch rims. I have been told that if I do this it is very important to make sure the outer diameter is the same size as what I have now. My question is how do you tell what it is, and if two tires are the name.


3) I would like to try and keep the car as nice and new as possible over the winter. Anyone here recoment mudflaps, at least for the front?

-Pete

 

[robin2660]

Ok
So I read a big chunk of the snow tire thread. Living in the NE I will certainly need to get a set of my own. But I have a few questions before I go drop all that money.

1) The first is about the pressure sensor (you know the little light that comes on when your tires are low?). I have been told that it only works with the mazda rims that came on the car. Is this so? Are there other rims that will work as well? If not will driving around all winter witht he light on be a problem, or hurt the car in any way? I personally doubt it will, but I would rather ask and look dumb then not and hurt the car.
My plan is to get a second set of rims/tires for the winter so I don't have to pay the shop $130 twice a year to change them.

There are actually several threads on this. Call a tire dealer. I recommend www.tirerack.com They have the specs. for your car and know what to recommend based on your preferences. FWIW the tpms isn't necessary and the dash light may or may not bother you. It doesn't bother me.

2.) To save money I was probably going to go with 16 or 17 inch rims. I have been told that if I do this it is very important to make sure the outer diameter is the same size as what I have now. My question is how do you tell what it is, and if two tires are the name.

Read the threads some more. I know the search engine sucks but you can google Mazda247 and your search terms and it'll get you there better.

There are 16 and 17" rims that fit and the tire experts will figure it for you. There is a wheel size calculator some where on the web.

Here: http://tinyurl.com/6yjgc7

3) I would like to try and keep the car as nice and new as possible over the winter. Anyone here recoment mudflaps, at least for the front?

-Pete

There is a very current thread on this topic. Buy expensive or make your own.

 

[ecniemann]

Ok
So I read a big chunk of the snow tire thread. Living in the NE I will certainly need to get a set of my own. But I have a few questions before I go drop all that money.

1) The first is about the pressure sensor (you know the little light that comes on when your tires are low?). I have been told that it only works with the mazda rims that came on the car. Is this so? Are there other rims that will work as well? If not will driving around all winter witht he light on be a problem, or hurt the car in any way? I personally doubt it will, but I would rather ask and look dumb then not and hurt the car.
My plan is to get a second set of rims/tires for the winter so I don't have to pay the shop $130 twice a year to change them.

You can
1. Change it between rims and should be OK and work fine, not so sure if you drop a size though (ie. 18 to 17 or 16 inch).
2. Just let the light stay on which is also fine, will not cause any problems.
3. Get another set of sensors when you order your snowtire/rim combo (ie. at tirerack).

2.) To save money I was probably going to go with 16 or 17 inch rims. I have been told that if I do this it is very important to make sure the outer diameter is the same size as what I have now. My question is how do you tell what it is, and if two tires are the name.

There are formulas for this somewhere in the tire "sticky"

3) I would like to try and keep the car as nice and new as possible over the winter. Anyone here recoment mudflaps, at least for the front?

Most of the crap that flings up hits that plastic molding/trim and may chip it a bit, but at least it will not rust. I think mudflaps would actually trap more snow/salt and cause other issues, especially when you get that real wet stuff that cakes on there and gets in the way when you turn the tire and hear it grind on the wheel

-Pete

Hope that helps. Maybe others can help you more with that tire conversion issue. It is not my area of expertise.

 

[Peter B]

"You can
1. Change it between rims and should be OK and work fine, not so sure if you drop a size though (ie. 18 to 17 or 16 inch).
2. Just let the light stay on which is also fine, will not cause any problems.
3. Get another set of sensors when you order your snow tire/rim combo (ie. at tirerack)."

Is that to say the sensor is something that is added to the rim? I was under the impression it was part of the car, and you needed a rim that worked with the 'system' if you will. That is how it was explained to me. But if the sensor can be moved from rim to rim, or purchased separately and added to a rim that is good to know. Is this something one would purchase from a dealer or an auto parts store?

It is a feature I would like to keep working through the winter, as I have already had it come in very handy and the car has less than 5000 miles on it.

As far as wheel size, if it is just a strait forward pressure sensor, wheel size shouldn't matter. Volume will change, but pressure should be the same.

-Pete

 

[ecniemann]

"You can
1. Change it between rims and should be OK and work fine, not so sure if you drop a size though (ie. 18 to 17 or 16 inch).
2. Just let the light stay on which is also fine, will not cause any problems.
3. Get another set of sensors when you order your snow tire/rim combo (ie. at tirerack)."

Is that to say the sensor is something that is added to the rim? I was under the impression it was part of the car, and you needed a rim that worked with the 'system' if you will. That is how it was explained to me. But if the sensor can be moved from rim to rim, or purchased separately and added to a rim that is good to know. Is this something one would purchase from a dealer or an auto parts store?

It is a feature I would like to keep working through the winter, as I have already had it come in very handy and the car has less than 5000 miles on it.

As far as wheel size, if it is just a strait forward pressure sensor, wheel size shouldn't matter. Volume will change, but pressure should be the same.

-Pete

Yeah, it is actually part of the valve stem. That is why cars that have the TPMS have metal valve stems, not rubber. The sensor is specific to the make and/or model for the most part. So in other words, sensors BMW uses are probably not the same as Mazda. Tirerack carries them and I believe they are about $50-60 each. If you order tires and rims from them, they will install the sensors on the rim, mount and balance the tires on the rims, and you are all set for that set of tires until you need to change tires again. If you are going with two sets of rims/tires, I would either get a second set of sensors mounted to the rims or just not use them. It does not make sense to swap the OEM sensors from one rim to another as each time you have to unmount, remount, and balance the tire/rim combo.

 

[nhluhr]

The sensor is mounted inside the rim/tire to the valvestem. You cannot feasibly swap it between two sets of wheels because it requires removing the tire - something that costs money and time to accomplish.

The sensor itself talks to transceivers in each of the wheel wells.

As for choosing a tire, you want to go with the same width or one size narrower than your summer tires - so that is 215 or 205. 16" wheel diameter will definitely be the cheapest (for both wheels and tires) so you're left then with only the sidewall aspect ratio to choose - for that you just get the one that makes the smaller wheel and possibly different width to match up with stock diameter as close as possible, which is 25.7" or 811 revolutions per mile.

A great size is 215/55R16 or 205/60R16. The 205/60R16 is a perfect match to stock diameter and there are many good winter tires offered in that size.

As for which tire to choose, you can go CHEAP or high-end. I recommend you read the TESTS (not the reviews) on tirerack's website to help you decide what amount of grip is worth it to you.

Right now the two best snow/ice tires you can buy in terms of grip on winter conditions are the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60 and Michelin X-Ice Xi2.

These both outperform studded tires on ice.

I HIGHLY recommend letting Tirerack do the work for you about whether it'll fit and whatnot and just choosing your car and configuring a winter package for it.

When you factor in the cost of shipping, it usually comes out to less than what a local dealer will charge for mounting (yes, they all advertise free mounting, but that is absorbed in higher per-tire prices). If you already have wheels, then it makes sense to take a quote from Tirerack to them and have them match it at which point you'll be doing better - but for a whole wheel/tire package, tirerack is always cheaper.

 

[Peter B]

I called NTB, they gave me a quote that was about even with tirerack.

So the sensors are at this point a non issue. Thank you for the good info on that.

Still a little unclear as to how the sizing works. I get what the numbers mean, but unclear as to how to check the 'rolling diameter'.

If you have a tire that is say a 205/50/r17 that means its fits on a 17'' rim. The 205 would be the width and the 50 would be the height (sidewall) as a percentage of the width. That is to say in the case I gave the sidewall height would be 50% of 205. Am I correct in this?

So if for example if my tire now was 8inches/50/r18 (i know thats not correct, just an example), the rolling diameter should then be

(0.50x8)+(18)+(0.50x8)= 26 inches across. Is this correct?

Thanks

 

[hilmar2k]

I called NTB, they gave me a quote that was about even with tirerack.

So the sensors are at this point a non issue. Thank you for the good info on that.

Still a little unclear as to how the sizing works. I get what the numbers mean, but unclear as to how to check the 'rolling diameter'.

If you have a tire that is say a 205/50/r17 that means its fits on a 17'' rim. The 205 would be the width and the 50 would be the height (sidewall) as a percentage of the width. That is to say in the case I gave the sidewall height would be 50% of 205. Am I correct in this?

So if for example if my tire now was 8inches/50/r18 (i know thats not correct, just an example), the rolling diameter should then be

(0.50x8)+(18)+(0.50x8)= 26 inches across. Is this correct?

Thanks

http://www.paspeedo.com/calculator.htm

 

[nhluhr]

I called NTB, they gave me a quote that was about even with tirerack.

So the sensors are at this point a non issue. Thank you for the good info on that.

Still a little unclear as to how the sizing works. I get what the numbers mean, but unclear as to how to check the 'rolling diameter'.

If you have a tire that is say a 205/50/r17 that means its fits on a 17'' rim. The 205 would be the width and the 50 would be the height (sidewall) as a percentage of the width. That is to say in the case I gave the sidewall height would be 50% of 205. Am I correct in this?

So if for example if my tire now was 8inches/50/r18 (i know thats not correct, just an example), the rolling diameter should then be

(0.50x8)+(18)+(0.50x8)= 26 inches across. Is this correct?

Thanks

Yes, that is the correct way to calculate it. Of course, the width is given in milimeters. However, the easiest way is to just look at the specs provided by each tire manufacturer. On Tirerack, looking at any particular tire, you just click "Specs" and it'll present to you a table showing diameter, width, weight, load rating, etc etc for all sizes available for that model of tire.

 

[robin2660]

Yes, that is the correct way to calculate it. Of course, the width is given in milimeters. However, the easiest way is to just look at the specs provided by each tire manufacturer. On Tirerack, looking at any particular tire, you just click "Specs" and it'll present to you a table showing diameter, width, weight, load rating, etc etc for all sizes available for that model of tire.

How about just going to www.tirerack.com and choosing your vehicle and "winter", which takes you to a page with "Winter Tire and Wheel Package" or "Winter Tires Only". They are listed in 16", 17", and 18" packages for wheels, and both "recommended" and "alternate" sizes for all three sizes of tires. For example, I clicked on 16" Packages and got 22 tires (all winter categories - studdable, ice and snow, etc).

I selected a tire and it took me to the next page with wheel choices, which included 16 alluminum and 1 steel wheel choice.

You get to see every tire and rim they have that will possibly (correctly) fit your vehicle. OP doesn't have to do any figuring at all.

Maybe I'm just lazy ....

 

[nhluhr]

Yeah I already suggested that in post#6.

 

[robin2660]

Yeah I already suggested that in post#6.

Ha-ha! Surely I am lazy as I seem to have glossed over your post.

 

[nhluhr]

as did the OP (hand)

 

[Peter B]

Op?

 

[nhluhr]

Original Poster... that's you big guy

but nah, I applaud your desire to figure things out for yourself. that is what breeds true knowledge.

 

[Peter B]

Original Poster... that's you big guy

but nah, I applaud your desire to figure things out for yourself. that is what breeds true knowledge.

I figured as much... but if i had assumed that it would have meant something completely different.

If anyone does feel i have glossed over their reply, my sincerest apologies. I do infact read, and try to investigate each idea brought to the table.

I have been looking at tirerack. So far NTB can put together the same package, but no shipping. I would rather go to a guy down the street if possible because if something happens they are right there.

But what I would really like to do is get a set second hand. I have found some good ones.

One guy has a set of 255/55/R17 s with rims that were used on a nissan. However i do not think these will be good as I checked online and foudn that I would wind up going about 5 mph faster then what my speedometer reads. Not good!

I plan to keep looking though. If I could I would love to get 18s... but they are just soo expensive!

Anyhow please do keep the good info coming I have more questions but its late and i have to get up in 5 hours and do the whole go to work thing.

 

[Snyeed]

I would recommend 17's, You want a skinny tire to cut through the snow. Look for a set of snow flakes or regular mazda3 rims, you can get steelies through tire rack for a super cheap price.

Look into Rally armor mud flaps if your not in the DIY mood, Your car paint will thank you.

 

[Peter B]

I would recommend 17's, You want a skinny tire to cut through the snow. Look for a set of snow flakes or regular mazda3 rims, you can get steelies through tire rack for a super cheap price.

Look into Rally armor mud flaps if your not in the DIY mood, Your car paint will thank you.

Have not been able to find 17" steel wheels on tirerack, only 16s. Red and black Rally Armor flaps were ordered yesterday.


When looking for tires, how close do you want them to be? What i mean is I used this calculator, http://www.paspeedo.com/calculator.htm. I did a comparison with a set of 17 inch rims, and my stock set. It said when my speedometer read 50mph i would actually be going 54. This seemed a bit too far off. I am thinking I would like a 1mph or less difference, but I am not sure what is correct.

 

[bacarl]

Aside from your speedo being off, a 255 tire is way too wide for a snow tire, not to mention it's essentially too wide to package on a Speed3.

nhluhr already gave the best options in that post#6 of his - actually that post answers all of your questions pretty well!

My added two cents would be to read some of TireRack's "Tech" articles. They explain everything from your width and aspect ratio question to why narrow tires are better in snow.
Edit: link to TireRack's Tech Center.

I agree that a second hand set is a good idea, but limit yourself to appropriate sizes only; don't just pick up the first set you find for cheap. Don't know if you're familiar with craigslist, but that's where I picked up my set of 205/60R16 Blizzaks on steel wheels for $250. Even on closeout TireRack's price was over $500.

 

[Peter B]

I agree that a second hand set is a good idea, but limit yourself to appropriate sizes only; don't just pick up the first set you find for cheap. Don't know if you're familiar with craigslist, but that's where I picked up my set of 205/60R16 Blizzaks on steel wheels for $250. Even on closeout TireRack's price was over $500.

I have been surfing craigslist and ebay like its my job (sometimes while at my job...shhh ). I do not intend to just pick up any cheap set. I have found quite a few, but have passed on all of them. The reason for all the questions is I want a complete understanding of what I am doing. I never make big purchases without doing alot of research and asking alot of questions. An informed consumer always has an advantage. This approach has always worked out great for me and has saved me alot of money. Even after reading the info on tirerack I still have things I want clarified. I do not believe it is wise to just jump at the first answer you are given. Even if it is the best, I still want to look into the other options, to find out what is best for ME. If I was 100% clear on everything I needed to know about my car and its tires, I wouldn't have joined this forum.
I am still rather new to this, and I want to make sure I do my homework before I go ahead with anything. (homework)

-Pete