Mazda5 Tires: Issues & Replacement Recommendations

[jeebusm3]

I'm sure if I keep up with the rotation and check tire pressure it should be fine.

My current Nokian WR tires have almost 108,000km (67,000 miles) on them, and I'm sure the same type will last while on the 5.

I wish our weather was like San Diego. That's a place with nice weather.

The cars here take a bit of beating with our extremes in temp. When its really cold, the tires feel like square blocks, and everything squeaks and groans. When it warms up, you feel like you have a new car.

LOL 67,000 miles. I have never, in my entire life, had a set of tires last more than 25,000 miles. Although in most cases, they were performance tires on performance cars so it makes sense.

 

[Kojack]

I know one thing for sure....the stock toyos are garbage. I put general exclaim UHP on my 5 and they are much better in every aspect of driving.

 

[coolmazda5]

Talking about tires, here is an old 08 Mazda5 review and by looking at the pics I noticed the OEM tires were different:

Bridgestone Blizzak 205/50 R17 LM25V (i think) (scratch)

http://www.roadfly.com/new-cars/wp-content/uploads/gallery/2008-mazda5/mazda-5-wheel.jpg

Anyone got those OEM on their people mover?

The article:
http://www.roadfly.com/2008-mazda5.html

 

[remarquian]

Talking about tires, here is an old 08 Mazda5 review and by looking at the pics I noticed the OEM tires were different:

Bridgestone Blizzak 205/50 R17 LM25V

These are snow tires, i doubt they'd come OEM.

I'm lookin at them for this winter, actually.

CORRECTION: Err, make that Winter Performance tires.

 

[rscottg]

LOL 67,000 miles. I have never, in my entire life, had a set of tires last more than 25,000 miles. Although in most cases, they were performance tires on performance cars so it makes sense.

Even I have to admit 67,000+ miles is a lot. The car doesn't lend itself to aggressive driving so my driving is fairly mild with lots of highway miles.

I once took a Mazda 3 GT for test drive. With it, I could see the tires not lasting long as you just wanted to dive into the corners.

 

[coolmazda5]

These are snow tires, i doubt they'd come OEM.

I'm lookin at them for this winter, actually.

CORRECTION: Err, make that Winter Performance tires.

Duh, Blizzak should've given me hint, no wonder the tread looks deep ...

They don't look bad though, weird that they made an article for a new car using those...

 

[Redlinez]

On our last Mazda6 wagon, I tried the General Exclaims as our first replacement. Very soft sidewalls, made a wierd creaking noise at low speeds, like a creaky running shoe. Then bought Nitto Neogens http://www.neogentire.com/#index.tire.neogen .Really like those tires, we went 215/45/17's. No more wheel sticking out, great all season performance, got them for $90 each.

 

[reMarkable]

Anyone Consider Tires by MPG First, Then Other Factors?

I was wondering what everyone might suggest to first match (or better) the MPG I'm getting from the OEM Toyos? Handling/Quietness/Treadwear would come second. Any thoughts?

Thanks in Advance.

 

[rodslinger]

Review - Sumitomo HTR ZIII

I just put on a set of Sumitomo HTR Z III tires in a 225-45R18 on my 5-Sport this weekend. I am running a set of Mazdaspeed3 wheels and replaced the OEM Bridgestone Potenza RE-040 tires that were 215-45R18 sized.

My expectations - My expectations were not that high. I expected a signifigant decrease in steering response due to the increased sidewall width and tread squirm from a new tire. I also had low expectatinos of grip and comfort when compared to the Potenzas.

The reality - These tires really are great. Even though I went up a size, have a little more sidewall and the included tread squirm, I have not noticed ANY loss in steering response. They are a little quieter, just as smooth and cornering grip so far is as good or better than the worn RE-040's. These tires are also tracking much better and do not appear to be tramming as much as the old units.

Aesthetics - These tires are decent looking units. They have an asymetrical tread pattern so you can properly cross rotate and a nice finish on the sidewall. They give a nice, meaty look and help fill in the wheel wells.

So far I like them and may recommend them fully after a few more weeks of driving. They ar also available in a 215-50R17 which would be a good size for the OEM wheels on the 5.

 

[midMOdan]

toyo tires

So, having had my 5 for a few weeks now and reading through this thread, is the fact that I seem to easily spin the tires on this supposedly underpowered vehicle a function of these toyo tires?

Or do I need some more practice w/ FWD? My previous car had all wheel drive, so never spun anything.

I haven't as yet needed to do much driving in rain, but given the comments about these tires the prospect doesn't sound promising.

 

[rodslinger]

So, having had my 5 for a few weeks now and reading through this thread, is the fact that I seem to easily spin the tires on this supposedly underpowered vehicle a function of these toyo tires?
....

I think it's more about the dynamics of the vehicle. It's even easy to spin them when running the Potenza RE-040's or the new Sumito tires I'm using now.

Seems the higher center of gravity helps it unload weight from the inside front tire when starting off on a turn. This vehicle could really benefit from a LSD in the trans to shift power to the outside tire. My Mazda3 did not have as much of a problem breaking traction and it has the same drivetrain. You would think it would be easier to do since it is a lighter vehicle.

 

[danix]

Has anyone gotten the stock tires replaced or prorated under warranty? Our 06 has 17k miles but the tires are pretty shot already. The parts guy at the dealer suggested I go to a toyo dealer for credit, then buy a better brand.

 

[alykat23]

The 215/50/17 is the best replacement tire for the mazda5. They really worked out great.

 

[coolmazda5]

Got Yokohama Avid T4s (215/50/17, All Season) for the 06 before Winter gets harsh-er.

It is too early to say how good they are but at least they provide a much more smoother ride and less noise so far. The car also looks more "proportional". Love low profile tires but the Toyos are a little bit much...

I got a 4 for 3 deal and they were on inventory, so I could not let go.

 

[mazdamags]

We're ready to replace the OEM Toyo tires on our '06 M5 after 24K. DH wants to get Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S which will set us back over $1K installed. We live in rural New England so we deal with frost heaves, winding back roads, heavy snow, and other hazards of a long winter up here. What's the opinion on these Michelins? Good enough? Too good?

 

[skyhawk]

come to think of it, what is wrong with the original 205/50/17 size for the mazda5?

 

[doctorz]

We have the Michelin Pilot Exactos. We replaced the stock Toyos at 29K and we've rolled up 7,000 miles so far on the Michelins. I think they are worth every penny - they're quiet, offer great traction in wet and dry, and are much smoother riding. They definitely did not cost us over $1000 - it was more like $850.

I grew up in the northeast and lived in western Massachusetts for a time, so I know something about New England winters and the roads. I can't comment on how these the Exaltos perform in snow because of where I currently live, though...

 

[coolmazda5]

come to think of it, what is wrong with the original 205/50/17 size for the mazda5?

I believe nothing specific, except the OEM brand that our Mazda5s come with. In my particular case I wanted something different yet nothing that would dramatically change things around (dunno).

Now I can feel the handling/driving difference when I swap rides from time to time, that is something less boring at least

 

[schokie]

If I remember correctly, the Pilot Exaltos were one of the highest ranked "performance" tires in Consumer Reports within the past year or two. $1K does seem a bit steep-what's tirerack selling them for?

 

[$chocker]

Regarding the Pilot Exalto AS, I bought them for my Mz3, and I have always second guessed my purchase due to the high cost and the fact that they didn't feel like much of an upgrade from the OEM Goodyears. Yesterday morning, however, I had my first opportunity to use them on snow covered roads. They performed really well for an all season, and I'll have to stop second guessing the purchase now since snow performance was one of my primary reasons for buying them.