Mazda5 Tires: Issues & Replacement Recommendations

[PGCist]

Sumitomo HTR+

Just got my new Sumitomo HTR+'s, sized 215/50. They look nice. I'm told BJ's Club will mount for $9.99 per tire - so that might be where I go first. The next cheapest is Merchant's for $16.99 per tire.

 

[fam]

Im content with the way the 215's ride and handle. Hopefully you have the same experience.

 

[randyl]

A question for those went with 215/50/17. Do you see any difference in mpg? I'd assume you'll lose some due to the bigger tires, but how much or is it even noticeable.

 

[fam]

Ill check on my next tank, but Im guessing the same. Im getting 25-27 on average on tanks and that even includes sleeping in my car during some lunch breaks with it idling for an hour

 

[PGCist]

Good question about the mpg change. I'll top off the tank after I get them installed.

 

[fam]

Dont forget to multiple the mileage by 1.016 to get actual mileage. Thats the difference in the speedo and actual mph\mileage.

 

[PGCist]

Dont forget to multiple the mileage by 1.016 to get actual mileage. Thats the difference in the speedo and actual mph\mileage.

Heh. I guess I'll keep my old TI-82 in the glovebox from now on.

 

[fam]

Most cell phones have calculators now, After I fill up I sit down in the seat and calculate it real quick.

If you can get ahold of a TI83 or better you can actually put tetris\mario and such on them, hence why I dropped College Algebra 3 times before acing it when I got older and stopped doing stupid things on my calculator.

 

[rweatherford]

LOL. I've still got an HP 64G. Reverse notation rules.

 

[perfecto]

Thinking about the same size, but has anyone REALLY loaded the car down at the back to see if it scrapes? I take this car camping and fully load it up with crap, and if it scrapes then I'm screwed.

 

[fam]

ill let u know, but i havent loaded it down with the new tires yet. height diff is so minimal .2" or something you could get by.

 

[perfecto]

My tires are totally done, and I'm really not willing to let it go much further than it has on the crap OEM Proxes. I think I'm just going to suck it up and go with the bigger size. Looking at a Falken 912 in that size atm.

 

[fam]

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
205/50-17 4.0in 12.5in 25.1in 78.8in 804 0.0%
215/50-17 4.2in 12.7in 25.5in 80.0in 792 1.6%

 

[bulwnkl]

Does the Falken 912 have rim guards like the 512 does?

Has anyone ever tried 205/55-17 tires? I can't find many in that size, but if there's a mpg penalty with the 215s, a slightly taller 205 might work?

 

[perfecto]

No rim guards... and I'm going to take the plunge today on the 912's.

 

[perfecto]

OK... really happy with them so far.

 

[PGCist]

Sumitomo HTR+'s are on the stock rims now. A nearby dealer mounted & installed for them $49. Very nice feel. Much better ride than the stock Toyos.

Speaking of which, anyone tried to sell their Toyos? Mine only have 2500 mi on them and I'm thinking of selling 'em.

 

[fam]

craigslist brother!

or you can ship them to me and Ill put them on the wifes car when she wears out her stock tires in 3 more years. They will probably dry rott before she wears them out.

 

[08M5GTGSP]

So, would 215's give a smoother ride than stock 205's?? I'm looking for any and every way to accentuate smoothness & quietness. To be fair, I was so impressed at the refinement of my new '08 5 for the price, but want to make sure I reinforce that in any way I can.

 

[mazdadude]

So, would 215's give a smoother ride than stock 205's?? I'm looking for any and every way to accentuate smoothness & quietness. To be fair, I was so impressed at the refinement of my new '08 5 for the price, but want to make sure I reinforce that in any way I can.

Yes, the 215/50 has a taller sidewall than the 205/50, making the ride slightly smoother, but with a slight loss of handling performance. The Mazda5 has zoom to spare, so I figured the trade-off towards smoother and quieter would be more appreciated, and it is!