Winter tires and RIM for 2009 5 GT

[mothernature]

So am in the market for snow tyres and rims for the 5 here in Canada. Canadiantire told me the car is too new for the rims neded, there systems shows that it will take a 16" as well as the 17" that came with the car.

Is anyone here using the 16" rims on their 5, if so do you have pics to show and how does it handle after that?

I got a quote from the dealership of almost $900 for a set of rims and tyres. It's the firestone brand 16" with steel rims

 

[Tsuru]

You Cambodian Tire rep is on crack. I've got the CT multi-fit steel rims with 205R55/16's on my 5. Went with the Goodyear Nordics since I got them in summer for a steal. Only issue with the CT multi-fits is that they are lug-centric wheels. I haven't had any problems with them but if you want to be sure go to a dealership and get your wheels from them.
I can take pictures if you really want but it's not much to look at.

 

[njaremka]

i have 205/55-16 hankook winter ipike tires mounted on 2001 protege 16" wheels. car still handles great. not as good as with the stock 17's, but good enough for winter mode.

 

[Mazda5wannabe]

I bought an outdated set of 16" mags (cheaper than steelies!) from Kal Tire and run 205/55/R16 Nokian Hakkapelitta Rsi. They fit just fine, the higher profile rides a bit more comfortably, the handling is still decent, and they are awesome in the snow. The Nokians aren't cheap, but since I live in the interior of BC and can't go anywhere without driving over a mountain, I NEED good tires! This is my third and last winter on these tires. I average 25000 kilometers each winter, so they are a fairly good value. 17" snow tires are EXPENSIVE!

16" rims are standard on the 5. 17" is an upgrade!

 

[DKaz]

You can definitely go 16s, $900 is pricey but I guess you're buying winter tires way too late, the best deals were back in October. I got my Toyo Observe G-02 Plus + OE 16" steelies from a Mazda dealer for $963 taxes in. They were selling Firestone Winterforce + 16" steelie sets for $675+tax.

 

[Phratt]

So am in the market for snow tyres and rims for the 5 here in Canada. Canadiantire told me the car is too new for the rims neded, there systems shows that it will take a 16" as well as the 17" that came with the car.

Is anyone here using the 16" rims on their 5, if so do you have pics to show and how does it handle after that?

I got a quote from the dealership of almost $900 for a set of rims and tyres. It's the firestone brand 16" with steel rims

Hi,

I will give you my answer in three parts:

1- Winter tires will never handle as well as summer tires (even on hot asphalt). Go for the 16 inches, there will be more tire sidewalls for potholes or such. They just need to grip in snow and behave on ice.
End of discussion!

2- I would buy the steelies from Mazda (59.95$CAD/each in Montreal) - then buy the rubbers you wish for from the seller of your choice. If you read up a bit, you will find that greater spacing between treads will let the snow out better. Deeper treads will take on more snow. Slashes on the tread will help on ice (you need to learn to use it).

3- Last but not least, the rubber compound used will not last long if it is not hard. But it will be better when temperatures go down. Just make sure to take them off ASAP - do not ride winter tires when the temperature is steady over 10C.

Please learn to control your vehicle with it's new shoes in a controlled environment. Not in traffic....

 

[was98strat]

You Cambodian Tire rep is on crack. I've got the CT multi-fit steel rims with 205R55/16's on my 5. Went with the Goodyear Nordics since I got them in summer for a steal. Only issue with the CT multi-fits is that they are lug-centric wheels. I haven't had any problems with them but if you want to be sure go to a dealership and get your wheels from them.
I can take pictures if you really want but it's not much to look at.

yet another example of fine Crappy tire craftsmanship!! there's a reason the only thing I trust them to do is a straight puncture repair!!! I can't think of the number of times I've gone into a CDN tire and got the wrong answer from the auto department! If you want to keep your car for a while DO NOT have it serviced at CDN tire!!!

16 inch rims is the "standard" winter rim size on the Mazda 5

I wouldn't even buy tires from them. you can get better deals on better quality tires elsewhere. I got Pirelli Winter carving on 16 inch MAZDA steel rims for $800 installed at Giro MAzda in Toronto! and please please don't waste your money on those "Nordic" tires they have. you might as well leave the OEM Toyo's on if you are considering those!!

 

[skyhawk]

yet another example of fine Crappy tire craftsmanship!! there's a reason the only thing I trust them to do is a straight puncture repair!!!

I got Pirelli Winter carving on 16 inch MAZDA steel rims for $800 installed at Giro MAzda in Toronto! and please please don't waste your money on those "Nordic" tires they have. you might as well leave the OEM Toyo's on if you are considering those!!

I think the old belief is that anything a dealership provides is 'very expensive'..
This is one reason why Canadian Tire was started (.. I read it somewhere..).
But nowadays, The dealership is competting well. They can provide you with tires at competitive prices. I got my winter tire and steelies from my mazda dealership. I did not compare the price with the others. I was after
'peace of mind'. I wanted 'hub centric. Where the weight of the car is supported by that center hub.. and not by the 5 slug bolts.

And their service is getting better. Aside from the free coffee, there is a show room that you can roam around to contemplate your next vehicle.

 

[Phratt]

And I for one thought that Can.ti. upped it's prices and downed it's quality through the years for a bigger profit year after year...

The dealers might have lowered a bit their price for parts, but now a days, only the pay grade seems different, not the parts.

And yet, for small differences as buying a set of lugs for winter and a set of lugs for summer, makes me go directly to Mazda.

 

[red headz]

Use Craigslist to find a set of 16" rims (probably mounted with junk tires) for about 100 bucks, then source your own new studless snow tires from a local tire shop.

16" Steelies work, but be sure they are 5x114.3 not "universal". I chose to find some stock 16" Mazda rims from a Protege5.