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Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda 3 Tire & Wheel Questions
288 messages, Last post on Mar 14, 2010 at 8:05 PM
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Just was curious if a bigger tire (17 or 18", low profile?) gives you less gas mileage? My friend is interested is the Toyota Camry hybrid & there's an option for 18" wheels. Also, what's the difference in ride and handling between a 16" and a 17, 18" tires?
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Replying to: borgy (Jan 17, 2007 6:25 am) |
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Replying to: mazdrvr (Mar 06, 2008 5:56 pm)
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Replying to: JBaumgart (Apr 09, 2007 10:52 pm) |
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Ok, i'm having fun *not* with things keep happening. Is it normal for the paint/finish of Mazda rims to chip and/or scratch easily? I'm thinking no but wanted to make sure; heres why... After i came home (yesterday, when i had wheel alignment done), don't know what made me but i went to look at my tires & rim and noticed a tiny piece of the paint (edge near center emblem) sticking up and it peeled off. Thats nothing but i also notice a small scratch on top & a chip also near the center. They are pretty small but thats the new rim i just replaced 3 days ago!  It was from the alignment place. Would you guys say something or just let it go? I know nothing can't be done but i paid a little extra for "adapters" so they would not get damaged... Plus i have to go back because my steering wheel slightly goes right on straight road. (i kinda don't want to go back because i don't want more damage but i did pay for the service in the first place!) This is not the first time either, the other time, at Mazda, i had my tires rotated i had 2 small, deep scratches but by the time i noticed, it was days later. When you guys get wheel work done, do you get scratches, chips on your rims? I swear it is so hard to find people/places that do a good job!! **i forgot which member but they mentioned theres places that can fix rims... what kind of place is it? Thanks in advance (again)!!
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Replying to: tomjones75 (Mar 06, 2008 10:06 pm) Another ques, is a 17" compared to 16" more prone to road hazards?
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Replying to: mazdrvr (Mar 06, 2008 5:52 pm)
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Replying to: mazdrvr (Mar 07, 2008 5:45 am) As for mpg, a 17" rim weighs more than a 16" rim (if made from same materials). In a Mazda 3, the stock 16" rim weighs 18lbs, 17" rim weighs 22lbs. That's four more pounds at each corner. Due to rotational forces (and a bunch of other physics/math terms), more power is needed to get a car with larger and heavier rims going. The trick in getting larger rims, if you really want to increase performance and handling, is to get lighter rims, or else its all just for show. Ok, handling might be better due to a shorter sidewall, but you'll definitely be slower. For a Mazda 3 hatchback, and all 'S' trim Mazda3s, smallest rim that will fit is 16" due to the size of the disc brakes, as they are larger than on the 'I' trims. 15" will not fit. |
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Replying to: mazdrvr (Mar 07, 2008 5:39 am) No, I either use my BMW indie shop or one of Tire Rack's recommended installers. I swear it is so hard to find people/places that do a good job!! I agree, that's why I always use a shop that has received good reviews from people I trust. **i forgot which member but they mentioned theres places that can fix rims... what kind of place is it? Here's one place that several of my automotive writer friends have used. No personal experience, however. |
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Replying to: tomkozski (Mar 07, 2008 11:16 am) |
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