Topic: Tire size for mazda 3 gt

[heydaze]

Hi there, The tire size for the car is 205/50 R17, Can I put on 215/50 R17. will it work without damage I was told buy a dealer here you could go up or down as long as its within a inch. Anyone know if thats correct, please help need the tires by tomorrow.

[Angry Chicken]

215/50R17 would give you a speedometer error of 1.6% (too slow) according to http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

In other words, not a big difference at all meaning that it will fit no problems, but given the fact that that tire is going to cost you a bit more over the (correct) OE size, why bother in the first place?  I know that wasn't your question, but there it is anyway.

[rrocket]

215/50R17 would give you a speedometer error of 1.6% (too slow) according to http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

In other words, not a big difference at all meaning that it will fit no problems, but given the fact that that tire is going to cost you a bit more over the (correct) OE size, why bother in the first place?  I know that wasn't your question, but there it is anyway.

I would guess availability.  In addition, the 215 tire will give a bit more ground clearance for winter duties....

[DKaz]

Could you go 215/45R17? Lower profile, better handling, very popular tire size.

Wider = better handling, worse snow traction (if you manage to get any at all if you're not getting winter tires, I assume you're not getting winter tires)

[Art]

My son put 215/50R17 all season on his Mazda 3 Sport with no problems.  There is a lot more variety of tires and speed rating in that size compared to the 205/50R17.