What's your winter rim/tire setup?

[fede2022]

Hey guys, just wondering what wheel and tire setup you have for your CX-9. Any recommendations? Feel free to post some pictures if you have any!

Also, is anyone using OEM Mazda wheels from other Mazda models like the CX-5 or 6? I know the bolt pattern and center bore are the same, and most of them have a 45mm offset. Not sure about the width of the rims if they would accommodate a 255 or 245 tire.

Thanks!

 

[sm1ke]

I have a 2018. I've been running Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 winter tires in OEM tire size (255/50/20) on the OEM 20x8.5" +45 ET wheels for a few winters now with no issues.

 

[richabrams6@]

I have a 2019 Sig that came with 20" wheels.
I installed 18" wheels from Gen 1 CX-9 that I bought on eBay. The width is only 8" compared to the 8.5 for the 20" wheels but the tire specs allowed for this. Same bolt pattern and offset.
Installed 235/65 R18 Continental Viking Contact snow tires. The diameter of the snows are essentially the same as the OEM tires. The speedo readings are identical to my GPS readings.
Frankly, these handle better than the OEM Bridgestones!

 

[PTguy]

245/65-17 Blizzak DM-V2. The O.D. is within the 2% allowance for changing size. These 17" wheels I have fit fine, except they aren't wide enough for 255. Anyway, they have been completely satisfactory.

 

[inanimate]

Mazda M011 19" with Blizzak DM-V2s

Mazda M011 Alloy Wheel (Gloss Gunmetal) - 16"/17"/18"/19"

Mazda's intriguing alloys finished in Gloss Gunmetal will make you steal the show! Meticulously designed to combine elegance and sport - best of both worlds. Mazda's craftsmanship is engineered for astonishing strength while remaining lightweight, our alloy wheels have been attentively crafted...

mazdashop.ca

 

[Odrapnew]

Mazda M011 19" with Blizzak DM-V2s

Mazda M011 Alloy Wheel (Gloss Gunmetal) - 16"/17"/18"/19"

Mazda's intriguing alloys finished in Gloss Gunmetal will make you steal the show! Meticulously designed to combine elegance and sport - best of both worlds. Mazda's craftsmanship is engineered for astonishing strength while remaining lightweight, our alloy wheels have been attentively crafted...

mazdashop.ca

View attachment 295227

You put your winter set on and the cops came by to give you a ticket?
That's not fair.
Or are they just admiring the good looks and safety?

 

[youri]

I have nokians R3 SUVs on steel rims in OEM 18’’ size. I will need to get some wheels as i found out too late the steel rims only come in 7.5 inch and that is borderline for the width of the tires.

Not mentioned here yet but dealers in my area usually go as far down as 17” for winter rims.

 

[PTguy]

The taller the tire sidewall, the more cushioning you get when you hit a pot hole for less chance of damaging the sidewall or the wheel. 18" with a 60 aspect ratio or 17" with 65 or 70 aspect ratio gives more cushioning. 245 or 255 tire width both work well.

 

[rndg]

I have 235 65 18 Yokohama Ice Guard on 18 x 7.5 steel rims.

 

[Hyperlite]

Nokian R3 on stock 20’s for me. Very happy with them.

 

[GTA-CX9]

Mazda M011 19" with Blizzak DM-V2s

Mazda M011 Alloy Wheel (Gloss Gunmetal) - 16"/17"/18"/19"

Mazda's intriguing alloys finished in Gloss Gunmetal will make you steal the show! Meticulously designed to combine elegance and sport - best of both worlds. Mazda's craftsmanship is engineered for astonishing strength while remaining lightweight, our alloy wheels have been attentively crafted...

mazdashop.ca

View attachment 295227

Same tires, same rims but in 18 in.

No real reason for 18, I asked dealer to build it into price and he went down 2 inches. I'd probably not like how it looks if side by side the 19 inches, but as is I've been happy.

Kind of a beefy tread look to the tire, which I like. Handles snow in Toronto fine, but we don't get a ton.

 

[tekbiz]

Nokian WRG3 SUV all-weather tires (235 55 R20 on OEM wheels)...Had to change the tires from the OEM specs of 255 50 R20 due to the availability of the Nokians but they were within the +/- 3% tolerance for overall diameter.

 

[jal142]

Back when I used to live where it snowed, I ran Blizzaks on the smallest diameter and cheapest rims that would fit over the calipers. I also ran narrower rims. For me, snow tires are all about functionality. Besides, if you really need snow tires, it is probably too damn cold outside to be concerned about aesthetics. Save that for when it's nice out.

 

[PTguy]

There used to be the thought that narrow snow tires would dig down for better grip. Instead it has been found that wide snow tires actually grip better.

For the same tire inflation pressure and weight on the tire the footprint will be about the same. A wide, short footprint will have more gripping edges on the tread contacting the snow than a narrow, long footprint.