Tire advice PLEASE!

[wagongrrl]

Hi

I just bought a 2002 protege 5. We need tires. I am NOT a speedster and not interested in this car as a "high performance" vehicle, FYI. The rcommended tires are expensive. I've heard though that you can put different ones on there. However, I'd like to know the pros and cons, including any safety issues.

This tire is a 195/50R16 from the dealer. What if I put a wider tire on there, a 205/55? Would that be bad?

Also, I was told we could put a 15" rim on these with no problem. Any thoughts?

 

[romecandleboy]

If you're looking for a softer ride, you will find more tire options in the 205/50/16 size. Many people on here run that fitment with no problems whatsoever.

 

[romecandleboy]

You may also want to check this thread:
www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115385

 

[Pretzellogic]

Also, I was told we could put a 15" rim on these with no problem. Any thoughts?

Yup. I run 15" steelies in the winter.

 

[.paul]

If you want a cheap but really good tire, check out the BF goodrich traction t/a

 

[Robot Romeo]

i've heard good things about fuzions. i hear they last pretty long and they're affordable. as for the tire size i would either stick with the stock 195/50-16 or get a lightly beefier 205/50-16. personally i like the way the 205 looks.

 

[.paul]

Oh yeah, don't forget that with a wider tire you have more rolling resistance which = less gas mileage. I'm sure it wouldn't be a noticeable decrease, but...uh yeah..

 

[Th3_Gr33k]

Me I use toyo proxy4s

 

[Nomad]

www.edgeracing.com
Falken Zeix 512 - great tire, great price

 

[chuyler1]

I just swapped to my winter tires. I went from 195/50R16 Toyo Proxes4 to 195/65R15 Semperit sport grips. That is about as soft as you are going to get and there isn't much of a difference. They are a little softer on little cracks in the road but the car handles the same over big bumps. The car simply isn't tuned for a soft ride.

I would keep the stock rims instead of going to 15"s but try a set of 195/205R16 tires such as the Proxes4. There is no need to spend over $100 per tire if you are in the market for a softer ride.

 

[aMaff]

www.edgeracing.com
Falken Zeix 512 - great tire, great price

ditto, different link: here

 

[djp5]

My car had Proxes4s on when I bought it...I think they are one of the better tires you can get in the stock size.

As for the rolling resistance on the 195 vs the 205, it won't be noticable at the pump (provided you remember your odometer will be off with the slightly larger P205/50R16 tire). Good luck!

 

[Pretzellogic]

Proxes4 are great tires if you're in a location that doesn't get any snow. Even considering that, they're better in the snow that the stock Dunlops, and just about as loud.

I love mine, but I run Blizzaks in the winter.

 

[doctormike]

Best Rated by Tire Rack

Is the Pirelli P Zero Nero.........best all around tire by far......and size should be 205/50.........Check their ratings ......no other tire comes close.....

 

[nalspeed]

i GOT SOME NANKANGS ns 1 afew days ago men I ;ve never heard of them but theses tires are sweet cheap and comfortable. If you are not going to race or drift or any of that stuff I would definitely recomend this tires

 

[Th3_Gr33k]

I get mine for $85 a piece. That with mounting on the rim, balance, and new stem. Good deal huh. As far as the Pirelli P Zeros go I think Pirelli is way overrated and how much do you spend on those tires for 1?

 

[Captain KRM P5]

do not do not do not buy tires from the mazda dealer unless you enjoy being ripped off

 

[JOMO]

do not do not do not buy tires from the mazda dealer unless you enjoy being ripped off

Happend to me when I went to pick up a valve cover gasket and one of the mechanics said "looks like you need new front tires" "he told me he could get me the 2 for $325. I calmly decline and got in my car asap before they tried to con me into anything else.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

and thats the price for the stock dunlops no less, which are crap