Need new winter and "summer" tires

[jaman]

Hi. I have a 2003 Protege5.  This is either my 5th or 6th winter with the same winter tires. I forgot the name (Winteforce?), but they were some cheap brand from Walmart.  While they still have significant tread, they definitely don’t feel as good anymore on the snow as they used to. My first question is; when is the best time to buy winter tires? I would think at the end of the season (~March or early April??).

Secondly, since I have dedicated winter tires, I prefer my other season tires to be more on the sporty side (you know, to keep the family safe  ). I’m still on my original Dunlop tires but it’s high time they are replaced. The original tires are 195/50-16. Since this tire size is quite rare, I was thinking of going to 205/45-16 in the General Exclaim UHP. In your opinions, would there be a noticeable degradation in the ride quality? I’m guessing no, since the difference in side wall height is minimal, but who knows.

[Canada Stig]

If you can do it now, you will probably get a good deal on winter tires.  Especially if you have rims already, you can get them mounted and balanced when it isn't busy.  BUT, remember a tire is only good for 5 years from its date of manufacture, so make sure you are getting a good 25% off or more to compensate for a reduced life span.  I use the Hankook W409 in 205/55R16 and think they are great value.

Lots of Protoge and Mazda 3 owners swear by Kumho Ecsta tires - worth a look.

Search TireRack's website and see what they have - they may also give you alternate sizes.  The difference in ride quality will be with the load rating, not the 205/45 vs 195/50 - both have tiny sidewalls anyway so they tend to be on the hard riding side.  Try to stick to the OE load rating (or within one point) and you'll be good.  Also make sure the new size will actually fit on your rim - it had better be 6" wide or more to accomodate a 205 width tire.

[tortoise]

Protege5 owner here.  For the summers I'd go with the 205/50 vs. the 205/45.   I didn't notice a difference in handling with the 50's but it does seem to have less impact harshness over bumps.

In my experience the best time to buy winters is in the early fall.  Most shops have sold out of their stock by spring so there's little options in terms of models and sizes.  Spring though is a decent time to pick up a lightly used set if you have no issues with that.

[jaman]

Thanks for the suggestion guys. I'll start comparing Kumho Ecsta (either ASX or AXT) and General UHP.

I guess it doesn't hurt to go around some local tire stores and see what they have in terms of winter tires now.

[Weexy]

Thanks for the suggestion guys. I'll start comparing Kumho Ecsta (either ASX or AXT) and General UHP.

I guess it doesn't hurt to go around some local tire stores and see what they have in terms of winter tires now.

I was at the Honda dealer last week for my wife's car, and they had some pretty good clearance prices on snows.  Might be worth calling a couple of your local Mazda dealers and see what sort of deals they have

[tortoise]

Not a bad idea.  This winter hasn`t been as snowy as the previous few so maybe midwinter sales are down.

As far as I know the ASX and AST are quite different tires.  The ASX is the one you want because it`s V rated (what the original Dunlops were).

Though if you wanting to stay with Kumho I`d look at the SPT because it`s more inline with the General UHP.

[safristi]

...Aaaah     .... BUT................... there is a NEW..........................Nano technology coming tha NOO..............and U wouldn't want to MISS THAT....would U !!!? and all around the town.............if'n yer the TYPE that buys Xmas wrap and GIFTS fer next year on Boxing Day this year GO FURRIT.......you'll only use 10 months use and aging...and yer family will like yer OLDE RUBBERS!!!!! ....re GIFT BAYBEE........

[Canada Stig]

...Aaaah     .... BUT................... there is a NEW..........................Nano technology coming tha NOO..............and U wouldn't want to MISS THAT....would U !!!? and all around the town.............if'n yer the TYPE that buys Xmas wrap and GIFTS fer next year on Boxing Day this year GO FURRIT.......you'll only use 10 months use and aging...and yer family will like yer OLDE RUBBERS!!!!! ....re GIFT BAYBEE........

They have medication for this condition now.

[safristi]

   are U a DOKTOR or do U just play with yerself on TEE VEE!!!!.................