Changing rims on Mazda 3 5-Door iSport.

[Nechronoz]

Hi guys,

Complete noob here. I have a Mazda 3, 5-Door, iSport 2014. I want to change my rims to 18s, however, I read somewhere in the manual that I should NOT do this (I can only go as high as 16s), but it does not go into any detail as to why I shouldn't do this.

My assumption is that it might have to do with the car's computer and how it is calibrated to a specific set of tires (maybe? I don't know, I'm really just guessing here) If so, could this calibration be adjusted by the dealer?

Thanks in advance,

Ulysses L.

 

[stjohans]

There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to run 18" wheels on your Mazda3, Just make sure to do the following:

Pick a wheel/tire combination that will have an overall diameter as close to the overall diameter of the stock wheels (otherwise your speedometer will no show the correct speed)

Do your research and make sure the wheels you buy have the correct offset, and are not too wide so you have enough clearance in the back, otherwise the wheels/tire might rub on the suspension or wheel well.

If your model has a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) make sure to have your tire shop remove the TPMS modules from your old wheels and install into your new wheels, or install a new set of TPMS modules in your new tires or your TPMS will not work and will leave you with an annoying light on the dash.

 

[thzpcs]

You can also get them recalibrated to the new diameter if it doesn't quite match up. I'm really not sure what the issue might be with the bigger wheel/tire combo.

 

[kms1990]

There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to run 18" wheels on your Mazda3, Just make sure to do the following:

Pick a wheel/tire combination that will have an overall diameter as close to the overall diameter of the stock wheels (otherwise your speedometer will no show the correct speed)

Do your research and make sure the wheels you buy have the correct offset, and are not too wide so you have enough clearance in the back, otherwise the wheels/tire might rub on the suspension or wheel well.

If your model has a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) make sure to have your tire shop remove the TPMS modules from your old wheels and install into your new wheels, or install a new set of TPMS modules in your new tires or your TPMS will not work and will leave you with an annoying light on the dash.

this ^^^^ try to keep your overall diameter the same, if you do go bigger diameter it can be re calibrated i dont see why 18s would be an issue the speed 3 has 18s from the factory. you will get a harsher ride and more easily bent rims while also raising your chances of bottoming out. however all this is negligible and easy to fix. plus with 18s you have to get thinner tires which usually means a shorter tire life at a higher cost, however that is the price of after market rims.