14 or 15 inch snow tires?

[kevinmcc]

I am searching tire rack for winter tires for my 2003 Mazda protege. It gives me my OEM size 195/55-15 but also lists a set of 14 inch tires for cheaper as a recommend size as well.

14" Recommended: 175/70-14 (comes with new rims and tires already mounted for 400 bucks.

Would It be wise to go with the smaller tire in the winter and keep my 15 inch for summer? (2 sets of rims)

I heard smaller tires will cut through snow than my 15 inch


I assume they will clear my brake caliper and everything if TireRack recommends them for my car and they are cheaper as well.

 

[concept]

You are correct in that narrower tires tend to perform better in the snow, all other things being equal. However, I'd be wary about running with 70 aspect ratio tires. The handling will most likely be very sloppy on dry roads, and if you don't have snow on the roads >50% of the time, what's the point in giving up that much steering performance? I'd investigate the cost for 15s.

 

[kevinmcc]

Yea all in all the 15's would cost me about the same actually i was looking in the wrong section. So you think the wider 15 inch tires will be okay in the snow since they are pretty wide?

I never driven this car in the snow, are they pretty predictable? I am coming from a 99 civic that was a beast in the snow with snow tires.

 

[concept]

Your Protg will be great in the snow with 15-inch snow tires. Of course, Michelins (X-ice) are excellent on snow and ice, but if you want lower cost tires, try the Bridgestone Blizzak WS70s. They are on sale, right now at tirerack.com for $89 each. They are just as good on snow and are a bit easier on your spine when traversing potholes.

While I haven't driven in the snow for a while, I know from experience that most front-drive cars are great on snow with the right tires. All season will never be equal to snow tires on snow, so if you plan to change tires in preparation for heavy snow, get Winter tires for all four wheels. Many people also buy a set of steel wheels just for that purpose. That way, you can swap the wheel/tire combos at home.

 

[tweety2300]

My protege wasn't worth a s*** in the snow, my old 2,000 lb ef civic with an LSD and 165-60-13 was doing better than a truck last time I had it in the snow

I actually decided to drive my fox body mustang in the snow over the protege

 

[kevinmcc]

My protege wasn't worth a s*** in the snow, my old 2,000 lb ef civic with an LSD and 165-60-13 was doing better than a truck last time I had it in the snow

I actually decided to drive my fox body mustang in the snow over the protege

Great, thats def not what I want to hear... I deliver pizzas so I drive A LOT in the snow... Did you have snow tires on your protege?

 

[concept]

Anyone who feels his Protg is bad in the snow is NOT using good snow tires (or maybe not any snow tires). Even my Monte Carlo drove well on snow with good snow tires and that was a rear wheel drive car.

 

[kevinmcc]

Anyone who feels his Protg is bad in the snow is NOT using good snow tires (or maybe not any snow tires). Even my Monte Carlo drove well on snow with good snow tires and that was a rear wheel drive car.

Thing I should be okay with these?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...ar=2003&autoModel=Protege DX 2.0&autoModClar=

or should I pony up the extra cash and go for the

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...ar=2003&autoModel=Protege DX 2.0&autoModClar=


I hate to buy expensive tires due to I tend to wear them down very fast (60-100 miles of city driving daily when delivering pizza)

 

[concept]

How often does it snow where you work?
If you live in Buffalo, NY or an area that gets similar snowfall, get the Bridgestones. If you live in New Jersey, get the Pirellis.

 

[kevinmcc]

Its random really, but they are calling for a strong winter here now..

I found a set of 4 pretty much brand new MOUNTED and BALANCED on steelies with the general altimax arctic... 100 bucks... what are your thoughts on those I think that it is a really good price. especially since they are mounted and balaced already.

 

[tweety2300]

I had nitto neo gens on the protege and Yokohama something's on the mustang. So clearly not snow tires by any means

I had winter force tires on my 323 and it did do great. I took it every where last time it snowed, did fine till it got past the 6" mark

$100 for a set of wheels with new tires? I'd be all over them

 

[kevinmcc]

Oh I am, its a 4 hour drive but it is worth it I think. wheels and tires mounted and balanced for 100. He said he only used them once. They look brand new.

 

[concept]

The General Altimax Artic is actually a very good snow tire for the price. That price for the tires and wheels seems hard to believe, though, but you can get them, do it.

 

[kevinmcc]

Thats what i thouht a first. I guess he has been sitting on em for a while and had em on ebay for starting price of 100 and buy now for 225. I messaged him and said whats te best deal you can do if i drive all the way to get em. he said throw him 100 and cone get em,

He doesnt need them anymore becuase the car he had them on (2003 protege dx sedan, same as me) the engine blew and got rid of it.

 

[kevinmcc]

Got em for 100 last night! They look brand new as well!

 

[concept]

Congrats on an excellent find. Luck was definitely with you.(2thumbs)

 

[kevinmcc]

Congrats on an excellent find. Luck was definitely with you.(2thumbs)

I like to think so! I think the are OEM Protege Wheels as well.

 

[concept]

Those look like they are in excellent condition.

 

[kevinmcc]

They are, well worth the drive!