Topic: Need Winter Tire Recommendation

[Switz]

Hi,

I haven’t posted in a while but it’s about time to snow and I would appreciate some input.  I need to put winter tires on my 2008 Mazda 5 GT.  All I have are the orig. 205/50-17 Toyo tires and I know that they won’t work for the winter.  I’m thinking of getting separate steel rims with winter tires.  Should I stick with the same size or go down to 205/55-16’s?  What advantages/disadvantages are there with the smaller rim size?  Also, is their anything I need to tell the tire shop about ordering the steel rims (offset?), I have read some horror stories and would not like to be one of them.  Also, could you recommend a tire that you have had good winter experience with.  My driving is mostly highway, with some ice and snow cover.  No deep snow driving.  I don’t want to pay a fortune, but I don’t want crappy tires.  I have had horrible luck with Goodyear tires and I will not even consider purchasing them.  I have had good luck with Hankook IceBear 300’s in the past. Any other suggestions?

Thanks for your input.  I will let you all know what I get and how it turns out when I finally purchase the package.

[oversteer]

I have to get winters for a Mazda 5 also.  I suggest you go with the 16" option on steel wheels - try to get OE Mazda rims.  This should not be a problem because you're early.  If you were happy with the Icebears then I see no reason not to get a set now. 

I think I'll get the Gislaved NordFrost 5 or the Yokohama IG20.  Leaning toward the Yokohamas because I prefer a studless design.  Both of these have really good reviews and the prices are reasonable.  I wanted Nokians but they've really jacked up their prices and while I think they're great tires, they're just not worth a premium of 25%.

[APSCORADIALES]

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?search=true&performance=W&width=205%2F&ratio=50&diameter=17&x=16&y=6

I have the Michelin Alpin's, and they're good, but not as good, imo, as the Pirelli Winter 240's which I had on other cars in the past.
BTW, you're probably best off to buy them from Tire Rack. Even after you add-up all the costs for taxes and shipping (Tire Rack's order system does it all for you, and there are no extra or hidden charges), they end up less than getting them from a store in Canada.

No point in changing wheel sizes; stay with 17".
Not enough savings to go to a 16".

[RunsinLight]

I have the same tire size and ended up buying Hankook Icebear. I'm sure there better winter tires out there. But if you want a good tire for the cost its a good buy

[morty]

If you go 16" you will be looking at a tire and wheel package. You will pay a little more up front, but once you factor in the fact you wont have to change your winters over every season, you end up saving in the long run. Running your stock wheels and 205/50/17 means changeover in fall and again in the spring. Can be as much as $120 - $140 per year. If your winters last 4 seasons this would amount to well over $500 when tax is factored in. You will have more than paid for your steel wheels. You also protect your stock alloys from the abuse of the winter season. Steel can be easily spray painted.

If you have a package you also have the luxury of installing and removing your winter tires at any time. If weather is a little warm run your A/S tires. If there is a freak snow storm in the spring. Pull them out and bolt them up.

Here are some options:
         
          2008 Mazda 5 GT Winter Options

[Angry Chicken]

Hi,

I haven’t posted in a while but it’s about time to snow and I would appreciate some input.  I need to put winter tires on my 2008 Mazda 5 GT.  All I have are the orig. 205/50-17 Toyo tires and I know that they won’t work for the winter.  I’m thinking of getting separate steel rims with winter tires.  Should I stick with the same size or go down to 205/55-16’s?  What advantages/disadvantages are there with the smaller rim size?  Also, is their anything I need to tell the tire shop about ordering the steel rims (offset?), I have read some horror stories and would not like to be one of them.  Also, could you recommend a tire that you have had good winter experience with.  My driving is mostly highway, with some ice and snow cover.  No deep snow driving.  I don’t want to pay a fortune, but I don’t want crappy tires.  I have had horrible luck with Goodyear tires and I will not even consider purchasing them.  I have had good luck with Hankook IceBear 300’s in the past. Any other suggestions?

Thanks for your input.  I will let you all know what I get and how it turns out when I finally purchase the package.

I have a separate set of alloys on my wife's Mazda 3 GT Sport and really like the looks of them.  I'm just not willing to compromise on the looks of the car for >5 months of the year.  That said, the tradeoff is that the 17" size that I bought to match the OE rims necessitated the same 205/50/17 low profile tire size.  As long as you're not constantly plowing through heavy snow, I find that the Nokian RSi's that I installed are an excellent match for the car's sport characteristics.  I especially like its ice grip and dry road feel.

Of course, when you hit a pot hole (see linked post with pics) you must be ready to suffer the dire result!

http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,56972.msg489861.html#msg489861

/Eric

[johngenx]

Can be as much as $120 - $140 per year.

You guys need the "Alberta Advantage."  Many shops now charge that much, or MORE, per changeover.  I've been quoted $125 to $200 for installing and balancing four tires.  Many dealers now charge their hourly rate (example of $110 at Subaru) for 1.5 hrs for a tire swap.

The $65 per wheel for the Toyota are saved in ONE year.

[safristi]

  Fack do they Pay the Tire JOCKEYS  Ft Mc EMM Wages......Johnx i suggest ya quit teaching and open a PIT STOP....    as a COMPARO

 2 years ago when I bought my Michelin PILOTS from tireTrends...a local store cleaned my rims,installed the 4 tyres,balance them and did a front and rear wheel balancing fer $125.....oh how TIMES CHANGE.....buddy can ya "SPARE" a Digm........