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Mazda 3 Tire & Wheel Questions

435 messages,  Last post on Jan 13, 2013 at 9:50 AM

You are in the Mazda3 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, Tires, Wheels, Hatchback

Messages Page 41 of 44

#396 of 435 Re: All Season Tires? [karena1] by capriracer

Nov 02, 2011 (4:16 am)

Replying to: karena1 (Nov 01, 2011 2:58 pm)
A reliable tire dealer ought to be able to set you up with a tire and wheel package that will work. Generally, going down in rim size - in your case frrom 17' to either 16" or 15" - results in a narrower tire with a taller sidewall, but about the same overall diameter.
 
Your speedoameter wil be unaffected and you'll gain a bit of better traction. The idea is that snow has such poor traction that if you can get down to the pavement - even a tiny bit - will result is more traction.
 
TPMS? The dealer ought to be able to get the right sensors - and prgram them so your car will function as before.
 
But it isn't recommended to use winter tires over the summer. Winter tires are designed for winter use and not only will they wear rapidly during warmer weather, there is a chance that the heat generated will be too much for the tire during the summer months. Tire failures are something to be avoided.

#397 of 435 Re: All Season Tires? [karena1] by autonomous

Nov 02, 2011 (10:31 am)

Replying to: karena1 (Nov 01, 2011 2:58 pm)
My biggest question is how do I retain TPMS capabilities? I can't tell if it's a tire thing, a rim thing, either, or both.
The best source of tire information that I have found is at TireRack.com. If you do a search for TPMS you will find a lot of useful information.
 
Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors (TPMS) are inside each wheel attached to the valve stem. When you buy new wheels you will need to transfer your old sensors or buy new ones. I've never bought ones myself, but I understand from others that they can be pricey.
 
In most cases if one is planning to have new tires with TPMS and also changing tires for winter vs. summer driving, it is strongly recommended to buy a tire+wheel package. In such a case, the advantage of having dedicated tires+wheels for winter driving is that the seasonal change-over is much simpler and one avoids wrecking the sensors.
 
I don't drive the car much over summer (the Miata is so much more fun!)
Have you considered using the Mazda3 strictly for winter driving with winter tires and using the Miata the rest of the year?
 
I'm looking at Blizzaks, and any advice on how much loss I would incur by driving them ~800 miles/year over summer would be appreciated.
My understanding is that driving winter tires during the summer wears them out more quickly since the tire compound has been engineered for cold not warm weather. Mind you 800 miles is not a substantial distance, so you may be able to get away with minimal deterioration.

#398 of 435 brushguard question by docqualizer

Nov 07, 2011 (2:07 pm)

I am new to the forums, so I apologize if this post is in the wrong place.
 
My son owns a 2006 Mazda 3. Last winter, he ran up on a snowbank and got one of the wheels wedged in the bank. When he freed the car, it apparently pulled out some clips/clamps that hold a plastic piece located above the wheel. It has shifted and is apparently rubbing up against the tire when he turns the wheel in particular directions.
 
Are those clams obtainable from the dealer? If so, are they easy to mount. I would hate to have to take it to the dealer for them to do the work unless necessary.
 
Thank you!

#399 of 435 Re: brushguard question [docqualizer] by autonomous

Nov 07, 2011 (2:29 pm)

Replying to: docqualizer (Nov 07, 2011 2:07 pm)
got one of the wheels wedged in the bank ... it apparently pulled out some clips/clamps that hold a plastic piece located above the wheel. It ... is apparently rubbing up against the tire
 
If you mean the plastic rivets / grommets holding the plastic underbody to the vehicle, you can likely find something similar in a hardware store or have a local garage take care of it. I would just mention it the next time you bring the car in for service; I'd be surprised if they charged anything to fix the problem.

#400 of 435 Re: brushguard question [docqualizer] by eoghan1

Nov 07, 2011 (8:32 pm)

Replying to: docqualizer (Nov 07, 2011 2:07 pm)
Have your son stick his head in there and attempt to ascertain what has popped out. Go to the dealer parts counter describe what's missing and ask him for a photo copy of the diagram in his parts manual. Mine are pretty helpful. Not a big deal after a little study and some free advice from the counter guy. I don't think he will call it a brush guard; More likely the inner quarter panel or inner fender.

#401 of 435 Trying something different... by roadburner

Nov 20, 2011 (10:23 pm)

I ordered a set of Cooper Zeon RS3-A tires to use as my winter rubber. I'll report back on how they compare to the Pirelli PZero Nero All Seasons I have been running.

#402 of 435 Re: Tires for Mazda3 [autonomous] by reymoore21

Mar 16, 2012 (1:11 am)

Replying to: autonomous (Apr 15, 2011 9:52 am)
I have talked to a tire distributor and wholesaler, they have expressed an opinion that the Mazda's eat up tires. It has everything to do with the design, the assumption that good handling cars all have the same problem is false.

#403 of 435 pilot sport by mazdamark

Mar 16, 2012 (8:54 am)

The dealer grudgingly gave me 600 towards the cost of new tires. had to buy the tires from them though- 950 for 4 of the pilot sport. let's not discuss the "blow to the head by blunt instrument" on that transaction.
this was last year.
 
Less than 12 months later- one of these tires just came apart. it tore itself apart. the mechanic couldn't believe it. however another guy there said that it is becoming quite common to see this with the mazda since there are now so many of them on the road.
 
the mazda 3 simpy eats tires. it is due to the scalloping caused by the off centre angling of the tires - done to get better traction and corner hugging.
 
NOise issues- unbelievably loud. there appears to be no sound proofing / insulation. the drone from the tires drowns out the stereo. Ear plugs are needed.

#404 of 435 Re: pilot sport [mazdamark] by autonomous

Mar 16, 2012 (9:19 am)

Replying to: mazdamark (Mar 16, 2012 8:54 am)
Could you provide a few more details about your experience with the Michelin Pilot Sport on the Mazda3?
Example: model & year of Mazda3, tire model-size-speed rating (e.g. V), tire installation date, number of miles driven on tires, approx % highway vs city driving; average speed driven.

#405 of 435 details by mazdamark

Mar 16, 2012 (9:29 am)

hi autonomous.
 
it's better if you take the time to read through all the pages. it gives a breakdown ( no pun intended ) on the quality of tires and life expectancy of each.
 
the gist of it is :
 
mazda knows about this issue.
the mazda has off-set the alignment of the wheels for
1. slow
2. short trip
3. city driving
the tires scallop due to the off-set and then start making the loud looping ' whoop whoop " sound typical of scalloped tires.

Messages Page 41 of 44

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