Winter Tires

[mazdaspeedster3]

You didnt have them install them? What the hell were they doing all day while they were there? You should have pulled up and had them on your car before you went home..? What were they doing while you were at Wendys? I am really confused.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

When I spoke with them at 2pm, they had gotten them in. I was unable to call them around 5pm to check if they had mounted them yet, so I just went ahead and went straight there without calling. They were swamped and didn't have time to mount and balance them prior to that. So, I basically was just picking them up. Because I wasn't about to sit and wait till 7pm to have them install it.

 

[pjo113]

Looks good Silver...I like those rims.... I am very impressed with the Wintersport M3 handling.... squishier than the oem summer tires especially in turns but not bad at all. We'll see how they fair in snow, ice and slush soon.

 

[pjo113]

btw... I can't tell if you have TPMS installed... the valve looks metal... Are they?

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

Yep, I bought a spare set of TPMS. I have to print up the directions on how to set them. The M3 tread feels soft, but not as soft as my WS-50's. So i'm hoping it won't be too bad to drive on. We shall definitely see!

 

[pjo113]

Yeah now I have been wondering if I should have just ponyed up the cash and got the TPMS. I have a little light that stays on on the dash which doesn't bother me at all... I just hope the bulb doesn't go bad since it is going to be on until the spring. Silver, Post a pick of the car with the tires mounted when you get a chance.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

A lot of people say they don't care about TPMS. But we all know, when it's FREEZING outside and the light does actually come on, I'd atleast know it's definitely cause for concern. Rather than not knowing entirely if the tires are low or not. Granted, you can normally visually see it, but not always.

 

[skubidoobie]

With 16"s you can see lol.

 

[chief_wiggum]

I bought a set of used TPMS sensors off Ebay for $105 shipped. They were off a 2007 Mazda 3. With over 1000 miles on my winter set up with these sensors I've experienced 0 problems. The only issue could be that they are set to go off at a different tire pressure then the Mazdaspeed specific sensors, but regardless, for $100 I'm not looking at the light on my dash and they will alert me to 'low' tire pressure.

Just a suggestion for those worried about purchasing sensor from dealer/Tire Rack/etc...

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

Did you "set" the TPMS Wiggum? Or did you just install them and start driving? Because you can reset the sensors.

 

[chief_wiggum]

Did you "set" the TPMS Wiggum? Or did you just install them and start driving? Because you can reset the sensors.

I had my 'winter' tires shipped from Tire Rack to my local NTB -- I took the sensors and my 2nd set of factory rims to them for installation. I did not use the procedure in the manual to set them...just install and drive.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

I see. Incase you want it:
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/rx8/bulletin/02-004-04-1374a.pdf

 

[Russm]

Just a thought!
Just traveled home on I94 south out of Milwaukee 55 miles, roads where iced !!!!!
Just got a set of Yoko Avid W4S and my little lighty thing came on twice the entire trip( up long grade slow) These tires have already been better than 50-70 cars that where spun ou on the road and the OEM I had n last yrs march 14 " driving home from dealership
Problem I have with steelie and dedicated winter tire, going up and down Interstate, mostly dry snow on 1 day usually and winter tires will be gone in one season 110 miles a day. Shure would be nice though.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

The thing i've noticed is, the tires are not as soft as my Blizzak WS-50 studless winter's. I can see studless winters being burned up in no time on heavy commute, but I have a harder time believing that on performance winters. You can't move the tread with your fingers as easily as you can on studless winters.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

Finally got the chance to install the wheels and tires today! The tires are extremely quiet, more quiet than the stock tires. I can actually hear the turbo spool under load a lot louder, but no release through the BPV, only spool or no spool.

The car rides a lot smoother, in a Caddy sort of way. The springs tend to create a bouncy sort of feel with the higher sidewall tires. It feels sorta awkward at high speed, doesn't feel as planted as it did with the 18's. But it felt great nonetheless. I'm extremely pleased thus far. I need some snow to test it now!

Before

After

 

[pjo113]

looks real nice man.... a sharp color combination!

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

Thanks!! I really like them a lot. Satisfied with the results.

 

[ottawaP5]

Looks real good!!

 

[chief_wiggum]

yea, those look great...good choice.

 

[ottawaP5]

The car rides a lot smoother, in a Caddy sort of way. The springs tend to create a bouncy sort of feel with the higher sidewall tires. It feels sorta awkward at high speed, doesn't feel as planted as it did with the 18's. But it felt great nonetheless. I'm extremely pleased thus far. I need some snow to test it now!

How much air are you putting in? The manual says to add 4psi for winter tires, but I just keep the standard 34 front 32 rear.

And yes, the car will feel a little less planted. At least you won't feel the potholes