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Mazda 3 Tire & Wheel Questions

267 messages,  Last post on Nov 13, 2009 at 3:04 PM

You are in the Mazda3 Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

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


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#66 of 267
Re: Tire Pressure Problem [mazdrvr] by tomkozski
Mar 07, 2008 (11:16 am)
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Replying to: mazdrvr (Mar 06, 2008 5:52 pm)

Go to a tire shop and check the tire for damage. If one tire keeps losing pressure, you might have a nail or screw in it. It's not the fault of the car, it just happens. A few weeks ago I had a nail in my tire that was causing it to lose pressure.
#67 of 267
Re: does a bigger tire make a difference... [mazdrvr] by tomkozski
Mar 07, 2008 (11:27 am)
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Replying to: mazdrvr (Mar 07, 2008 5:45 am)

A 16" tire will give you a smoother ride because there is more sidewall (more tire) to absorb the bumps. A 17" rim means having a tire with a lower profile, necessitating a stiffer and stronger sidewall. There's less tire to smooth out the bumps (and protect the rim from large potholes), but you will have better handing as there's less sidewall to flex and bend during hard cornering.
 
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.
#68 of 267
Re: rim/wheel quality, etc [mazdrvr] by roadburner
Mar 07, 2008 (12:47 pm)
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Replying to: mazdrvr (Mar 07, 2008 5:39 am)

When you guys get wheel work done, do you get scratches, chips on your rims?
 
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.
#69 of 267
Re: Tire Pressure Problem [tomkozski] by mazdrvr
Mar 10, 2008 (3:04 pm)
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Replying to: tomkozski (Mar 07, 2008 11:16 am)

All tires are fine; no nails or screws...
#70 of 267
Mazdaspeed 3 tire replacements by networkguy
Mar 21, 2008 (8:12 am)
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I was washing my 2007 Speed 3 the other day when I noticed that my sticky Bridgestone R050A summer tires are getting pretty worn at 15,000 miles. I love the tires, but replacement is pretty expensive. Anybody have experience with alternatives?
#71 of 267
Re: Mazdaspeed 3 tire replacements [networkguy] by roadburner
Mar 21, 2008 (10:57 am)
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Replying to: networkguy (Mar 21, 2008 8:12 am)

Tire Rack has the R050A for $197 each; everything else in the "Max Performance" category costs about the same or more. I'm probably going to drop down to the "Ultra High Performance" class and buy the Kumho Ecsta Sports for $116 a tire. I've fitted a couple of sets of Kumhos to my 3 Series track rat and I've found them to be very good tires- especialy considering the price.
#72 of 267
Re: Mazdaspeed 3 tire replacements [roadburner] by networkguy
Mar 21, 2008 (11:22 am)
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Replying to: roadburner (Mar 21, 2008 10:57 am)

I've fitted a couple of sets of Kumhos to my 3 Series track rat and I've found them to be very good tires- especialy considering the price.
 
The last set of tires I put on my old Mustang GT were Kumho. They were very good tires for the money. That may be the route I take. With the cost premium fuel heading rapidly toward 4 bucks a gallon, I don't want to spend an extra 800+ a year on tires. At least I get far better MPG than I ever had with the Mustang
#73 of 267
Re: Mazdaspeed 3 tire replacements [networkguy] by roadburner
Mar 21, 2008 (6:42 pm)
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Replying to: networkguy (Mar 21, 2008 11:22 am)

At least I get far better MPG than I ever had with the Mustang
 
I cross-shopped like crazy before I settles on the MS3. I came real close to picking up a 2003-2004 Mach 1, but I just couldn't get past the interior. Ditto for the Charger SRT-8. OTOH, I loved the interior of the GTO, but I couldn't stomach the Mutated Cavalier styling. I guess it all worked out. 23 mpg just isn't all that bad...
#74 of 267
Chat night by pf_flyer HOST
Mar 25, 2008 (10:31 am)
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It's Tuesday so that means mazda chat time again. Stop in and meet and greet with your fellow Mazda lovers. Or just stop by for a little fun and car problem chat diagnosis. (One of our favorite games..heh)
 
The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
#75 of 267
Tire Recommendations by dride
Apr 25, 2008 (4:20 am)
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Seeking advice for tire replacement for my 2005 M3 s. I have not had good luck with the GY Eagles or Continentals. Any input would be appreciated!

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