Help - know nothing about wheels/tires!

[rosskoss]

I need to change the tires out on the MS3 in time for winter. I'm looking for some good looking wheels and all season tires. (since I'm in Indiana where the winter isn't super harsh)

Any suggestions on some good looking wheels and tires? Any deals to be had?

 

[rosskoss]

Also, do Mazda3 wheels fit on the Spd3 regardless of size? ( 15", 16", 17" etc.)

Is there a minimum size requirement? Why do some people choose steel wheels for winter?

 

[Wastegate13]

Also, do Mazda3 wheels fit on the Spd3 regardless of size? ( 15", 16", 17" etc.)

Is there a minimum size requirement? Why do some people choose steel wheels for winter?

People choose steel wheels because they are cheap and functional. 16's are the smallest that will clear our front brakes and even then some may not depending on spoke design. Bolt patterns are shared between the MZ3 and the MS3.

 

[Daddy MO]

Right now the top tire is going to be the Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec. They handle just as good as the more expensive Bridgstone RE01R. Where I race its a battle between the two tires and the Dunlops are $80 cheaper per tire. Its a summer tire andwe just had our first storm and they handled fine.

An MS3 in my autocross class that I use to be even with started beating me hands down after he got the Dunlops. I think his previous tire was the Falken Azenie.

Other good tires on my list are going to be the Goodyear F1 GSD3 and the Kumho Ecsta SPT. You want cheaper? I see alotta gus running on the General Exclaim UHP although I have never used those, I would recomend them to anyone trying to save a buck.

 

[340CID]

Do not buy all season tires. You've got high performance summer tires and since you need to buy another set of tires for the winter, buy snow tires. No need to buy 18 or 17" tires and wheels as 16" will fit and are $25 to $125/tire cheaper compared to the larger sizes.

 

[CWPspeed3]

I ended up putting Pirelli Pzero Nero M&S on my stock wheels for winter in MI and my stock tires will go on the Enkei RS7's i just bought, I didnt want to go the $200+ a tire for full snow tires. Today was the first day with a dusting of snow here and icy roads, did just fine.