Mazda5 Tires: Issues & Replacement Recommendations

[DKaz]

Awesome, I was looking at the ENVigors for myself, my BFGoodrich Super Sports are on their last legs although I have winters to run on until next spring.

The BFGoodrich Super Sports have been great tires though, they started cupping a bit when I neglected to rotate them for 20,000km but the problem went away a few thousand after rotation. They're still quiet, still grip well on dry pavement although due to the lack of adequate tread are starting to get a bit jittery on wet pavement. A good tire for anyone to consider, I'd buy it again but I want to try different tires.

I kinda want to look at a non directional asymmetrical tire like the DWS as well to make rotations easier but honestly with diligent 8,000km/5,000 mile rotations is all a directional tire needs to last long.

 

[Old Rotor]

After research I bought the Michelin Primacy MXM4 215X50X17 at Costco. I like them and the Wife says she loves them on her "5" now.

 

[straw10]

Looking for something that will last a long time....nearing the end at 45K with the factory Toyos...I saw some rated 540 or above, should that mean in "real-life" I should get 55-60K out of them? I know they'll be a much harder tire with more noise...not a huge concern, as I can turn the radio up...lol. The car just turned 2 years old, and I'd rather not have to buy tires every two years...getting 3 or 3 1/2 would be nice...any suggestions?

 

[twintrbo]

Looking for something that will last a long time....nearing the end at 45K with the factory Toyos...I saw some rated 540 or above, should that mean in "real-life" I should get 55-60K out of them?

I love answering this question! The treadwear rating has nothing to do with mileage or anything like that, it is simply a way to cross shop the tires from one manufacturer. The ratings are not relevant from one manufacturer to another either, its arbitrary numbering and not governed by any agency. Simply put: Michelin has tire A with a wear rating of 100, tire B has a rating of 200, it will last twice as long, thats it.........Goodyears 100 will not be the same as Michelins 100. Yes I know its crazy but thats how it works.

 

[Robotazky]

Looking for something that will last a long time....nearing the end at 45K with the factory Toyos...I saw some rated 540 or above, should that mean in "real-life" I should get 55-60K out of them? I know they'll be a much harder tire with more noise...not a huge concern, as I can turn the radio up...lol. The car just turned 2 years old, and I'd rather not have to buy tires every two years...getting 3 or 3 1/2 would be nice...any suggestions?

Michelin Primacy MXM4 215/50/17. I have 20,000 miles on mine and they look brand new(rotated twice). Plus, the are very smooth, quiet, and exceptional in the rain. Best tires I've had on anything other than my pickups, by far. I will definitely buy them again. There is no way that I would go back down to 205s now.

 

[rodslinger]

I need to update that I'll be coming up on two years and probably have a month or two of life left in them. I bought them in October 08 and have since put about 32k miles on them. They still ride smooth and even at about 3/32nds to 4/32nds of tread depth, are still relatively quiet. Cornering grip has always been excellent. I will be buying another set.

My van is a 5 speed manual with the Tri-Point engineering rear sway bar. I don't slow down for turns. I'm really impressed they lasted this long as I drive the living s*** out of them.

These tires have hit their end of life and are getting replaced tomorrow. They went 35k miles with no balance problems or uneven wear issues. Noise was consistent. Handling was great. Cold weather grip wasn't the best but it doesn't matter much where I live and commute. I was going to get another set but wanted to try a set of the Continental Extreme DWS after seeing reviews for them. I instead picked up a set of Kumho Solus KH25. I was looking for something more all season and I was able to get them for $360 shipped to my door. For that price I have to give them a shot. If they suck I can stick them on the wifes car. She doesn't drive like I do and couldn't care less just as long as they were safe.

If they handle even decently well, are smooth and quiet then it was a good dollar spent.

Will update tomorow after the install.

 

[straw10]

Michelin Primacy MXM4 215/50/17. I have 20,000 miles on mine and they look brand new(rotated twice). Plus, the are very smooth, quiet, and exceptional in the rain. Best tires I've had on anything other than my pickups, by far. I will definitely buy them again. There is no way that I would go back down to 205s now.

Thanks...I'll check them out...

 

[straw10]

I love answering this question! The treadwear rating has nothing to do with mileage or anything like that, it is simply a way to cross shop the tires from one manufacturer. The ratings are not relevant from one manufacturer to another either, its arbitrary numbering and not governed by any agency. Simply put: Michelin has tire A with a wear rating of 100, tire B has a rating of 200, it will last twice as long, thats it.........Goodyears 100 will not be the same as Michelins 100. Yes I know its crazy but thats how it works.

I knew there was something buggy with the ratings...just forgot what it was...thanks...

 

[RnDM5]

I took the plunge yesterday and went with the Nokian WRG2 for our 5 in a 215/50/R17. I have run two sets of these on a previous vehicle and have been really inpressed on the all around performance. They are one of the only "all-weather" tires available which means they have the snowflake symbol, therefore good for ice/snow but are durable enough to run year round.

On our Jetta I was in the mountain passes of BC and thought the road was fine then came around a bend to find 6 vehicles upside down, one just before we arrived. I decided to stop and when I got out almost landed on my butt. There was no indication while driving that the road was covered in black ice. Not sure whether that is good or bad but the tires kept us where we belonged!

I picked up some aftermarket mud flaps too that are not yet installed but will post pics when done.

Here are some shots of the new shoes:

 

[zoomdaddy01]

Just replaced the OEM Toyos with 215/50/17 KUMHO Ecsta Platnium LX. What a difference! The car rides smoother and is quite a bit quieter at highway speeds.

 

[flcruising]

FYI - http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/Tires/Tires+Rating

 

[Sammi Scathe]

all i have to say is: tireseasy.com

i got snows for my p5, and their low prof, and they were only 80 bux a tire. So, i imagine the rubber for that van wont be too much from them. Just order 'em from the site, and theyll even ship 'em to yur favorite garage and discount you for doing so.

worth a shot.

 

[coolmazda5]

Just got Continental ExtremeContact DWS (215/50ZR17) installed. Too early to say anything, but very silent and good grip on rain...

One of the shops indicated that I needed to modify the suspension if I wanted to change the OEM tire size, to what I responded: wha...?

 

[Rockin03mp5]

yeah, that .35'' change in diameter will really mess things up.

 

[twintrbo]

Just got Continental ExtremeContact DWS (215/50ZR17) installed. Too early to say anything, but very silent and good grip on rain...

One of the shops indicated that I needed to modify the suspension if I wanted to change the OEM tire size, to what I responded: wha...?

I had a shop tell me they couldn't fix the bad alignment they did because I had a metric rack and pinion........

 

[flcruising]

^I think I would have just stared at them if they had told me something that idiotic^

...and then gotten a refund.

 

[DKaz]

I just picked up four Pirelli P6 Four Seasons for $150, about 6/32" tread life left, should be decent for two summers. I need new shocks/struts soon so can't really afford brand new tires at the same time. I will throw them on next spring after I've repaired and powdercoated my stock rims.

 

[GBean]

The 09 5 Touring is getting a set of these next week. I will review them later.

 

[reMarkable]

I'm on my second set of tires post-OEM Toyos; I'm at at nearly 60k miles:
1st replacement set was Falken Ziex 912 (215/50R/17) http://www.falkentire.com/Tires/Ziex-ZE-912-2 - which were really great under all conditions with one giant exception - the snow/ice. Then I felt like an idiot driving through a simple inch or two of snow and struggling like never in my life on mild inclines. I truly never had such a poor pair of all-season tires for the winter.

So this 2nd replacement set are the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 (205/50R/17) http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...dewall=Blackwall&partnum=05VR7PA3XL&tab=Sizes - they have only been on 24 hours - but these snow tires are well reviewed and should be good for all season use. A lot more expensive than the Falken's - but I'm hoping that they hold their own in the snow. One accident avoided and it will be more than worth it.

 

[5zoom]

I just put on some Michelin Exalto A/S 205/50/17's. So far, they are a bit quieter at speed than the Yokohama 520's. FYI - the 520's lasted about 36k before I saw wear bars. They are treadlife warranted till 50k, so Discount Tire gave me 40 bucks a tire credit. With that credit, plus negotiating and goof up on their part, my out the door price including a mail in rebate and 4 tire replacement certificates will be $461 dollars. I don't think I'll ever be able to buy Michelin's that cheap again!