Winter Tires and Wheels

[MazdaSpeed0020]

So we just got the first snow fall and i have a hill in my neighborhood, so i tried to drive up the hill and got about ten feet and my car just stopped. Both wheels spinning in second and third gear, the stock tires are definatley not made for the snow. So i was just wondering what everyone else has for snow tires and rims for the msp. I am going to need to buy a winter set. How much did they cost, and also what kind and size did you guys buy? Thanks for the help.

Matt

 

[prospeed]

the stock tires suck in the snow. tire rack just orded 15 steel wheels with tires for around 600 mounted balanced and shipped

 

[girth]

Well, "Ping" told me about Semperit Snowsport tires so that's what I got. Only tried them so far in a tiny amount of very wet snow, but they were perfect in that. They ride nice, handle decent, and are surprisingly quiet. For rims I went with 16" TSW Sting rims. The looks of the rims are merely average at best but I went with them because they have the same center bore as the stock protege. Total package including new lug nuts, shipping, balancing, etc was $900. Pricey but steelies would have cost me at least $600 anyway and this aftermarket set will be easier to sell later down the road.

The car actually looks kind of cool with the snows on because they only have +40 offset, so the tires stick out just a tiny bit more than stock, plus with the taller sidewalls it kind of has that "mudder" look to it.

 

[SpicyRay]

oh man, i should really get that damn winter set already, aahh!!!

 

[Damaga]

there's alot of threads about this, but anyways here's what I got a tirerack.com

wheels 36$ x4
dunlop graspics 195-60-15 54$ x4
includes balancing
+ shipping = 425$

can't beat that...

 

[MazdaSpeed0020]

there's alot of threads about this, but anyways here's what I got a tirerack.com

wheels 36$ x4
dunlop graspics 195-60-15 54$ x4
includes balancing
+ shipping = 425$

can't beat that...

What wheels did you get, are they steelies? How do the dunlops perform in the snow. Thanks for the info man.

matt

 

[ping]

girth: I finally put the snowsports on with MP5 wheels - GREAT tires in the dry so far (hasn't rained or snowed yet). Quiet, handle great for snows. As it would figure, had them on for ~15 miles before I had to take evasive action (another drover ran a stop) and they did exactly what they should, were very predictable. No comment on snow or rain traction as yet, but I'm more than satisfied with dry/speed/local driving.

Oh - I think the MP5 wheels are a _50 vs. the MSP +55 offset, so they stick out a little more also. I also like the more "balloony" look - almost like mudders! I'm looking forward to Spring, though - the 17's defintely look better. Will post a pic of the MSP with snows soon.

Cost of package: $300 net for 4 silver MP5 wheels shipped (after selling off the almost-new tires), ~$70each for 205/55/16 Semperits shipped, $12 each mount/balance/stems = $628

-L

 

[Stormtrooper77]

Unless there is a lot of snow in your area (ie. main routes are covered as well) all of the time, then I would just stick to all seasons for the winter.

I have a set of Arctic Alpines and they suck for pavement! There is snow here, but on the main routes, they're bone dry and free from any snow.

Anyway, just a suggestion.

 

[NoVaMSP]

ya just ordered my set of P5 16's
just slappin the all season dunlop sp5000 on them
should be good enuff if im still sliding around my car can stay home
611$$ shipped

 

[Damaga]

What wheels did you get, are they steelies? How do the dunlops perform in the snow. Thanks for the info man.

matt

yep, black steelies...
the dunlops are quite bad on dry pavement (car is loose) and it hasn't snowed here yet, so I couldn't tell you how they behave...However, the tread looks very agressive and I'm expecting really good snow traction...

I'll let you guys know how they behave as soon as possible...

 

[michiganspeed]

What is the correct bolt pattern? Tirerack and discount tire both stopped selling packages online for our car?:wtf:

I was looking at the Pirelli P210's, anyone know anything about those?

 

[scott42]

Although the Arctic Alpins may not be great on dry roads (and they really aren't THAT bad; just not 17" high performance tires), they are great in the snow...last year I drove past multiple SUV's that were stuck, but I kept going. You can't beat that with a stick!!

 

[Damaga]

What is the correct bolt pattern? Tirerack and discount tire both stopped selling packages online for our car?:wtf:

that is screwed up... :wtf:
got mine using their 1800 number but the package was available online, and that's only 2 weeks ago

if you guys get to know what's going on, please post it!

 

[MazdaSpeed0020]

Anyone know the offset for the stock msp wheels, if i get steelies i am going to need to get the same offset as the regular wheel right?

Matt

 

[girth]

You should post that question in the tires section or just do a search since it's been answered many times already. ---- but, that answer you're looking for is +55 on the stock MSP. Idealy you'd want to get rims with the same offset but it's not absolutely required. I'm running 16 inchers with +40 offset no problem.

 

[Glhboy]

On my Spec-V Sentra I just bought 2 Dunlop Graspic snow tires for the front and that was hella good enough. I only used them for 200 miles.

I actually have them for sale. 215/45-17's. They are new shape. Just put the 2 on the front and you should be set. I'd like to get $120 plus shipping.

 

[II-Savy]

Here's the deal of the year

Tire rack
4 steel wheels
4 Firestone winterforce tires
shipped
mounted and balanced

408.00

 

[YuYuRena]

Unless there is a lot of snow in your area (ie. main routes are covered as well) all of the time, then I would just stick to all seasons for the winter.

I have a set of Arctic Alpines and they suck for pavement! There is snow here, but on the main routes, they're bone dry and free from any snow.

Anyway, just a suggestion.

Well you live in a fortunate place where they shovel the snow off the road fast. But some people don't have that kind of luxury. Snow tires are sort of like extra insurance for that added safety for the winter months up North. Nevertheless all-season are probably cheaper in the long run as they are can be used year round.

I got pirellie snowsport 240 (whatever that P model is called). Mounted on steelie from tirerack, about 590 shipped with 2 day fedex. The bolt pattern is 5 and i think it's the 114.## one, go search for bolt pattern, wheel, and snow tires, I bet you'll find what you want.

The black steelie w/o hubcap actually look good on my titanium, very dark wheel wells now, you can't see the tires and wheels anyway, very stealthy.

 

[ping]

UPdate on the Semperits - great in rain. Also agreeing on the disagreement on the Arctic Alpins - they're great as all-season tires, whine a little in the wet, and get decent mileage (having worn out 2 sets on 3 different cars, I know). They're definitely NOT, however, performance tires.

The Semperits are less soft, and trade off less dry handling than the AA"s, but are still definitely not performance RE040's in the dry... the Semperits are quieter, however (!!) and are actually easier to drive (steer easier due to higher profile and narrower tread, no rut-following)...

That said, I'll still be puttin' 17"040's on for the rest of the year!

 

[RuggedMazda]

If anyone wanted to see what there car might look like, here is mine with BS Blizzak WS-50. 195/55QR15. I have covers too, but Im painting them Black, so theyll be on this weekend
No rain or snow, but the dry pavement driving is not too bad What am I saying the damn car feels like a boat. I cant wait to get my new rims on. Damn things set me back $585 ( Tire Rack ).
:'(
My friends tell me it looks ghetto, they call it "GhettoSpeed" now...