Winter tire help - Mazda 6 Forums : Mazda 6 / Mazda Atenza Forum

lapis6blue · 10-30-2004, 09:42 AM

I have Mazda 6i 5dr and in the process of looking for a winter tire. Based on searches on this forum I got a good base line on which ones to look for. But there aren't many that fit the OEM wheels 215/50/17. One local tire dealer told me about plus sizing as an alternative, so I have the option of going to 225/45/17.
Other option would be to put 16" rims and go from there, from what I've read hear is that narrow tires are better for winter driving.

I live in seattle where at most we get 5-10 snow days a winter so I'll be dring on mostly wet/dry pavements. Most of my snow/ice driving will occur going to the moutains which will be around 30-50 times.

I guess the questions that I have is going to 16" rims and dedicated winters the better option?
Could some one explain to me better what plus sizing is and pros/cons of going to 225/45/17 tires. Just based on what the dealer said that it's a larger sized tire but in now way would it effect the performance in winter conditions. This kind of goes against what I've read where people say narrow is better when it comes to winter tires. I can see that during summer driving the additional width could produce greater handling.

bigbobo1 · 10-30-2004, 12:29 PM

I assume you have stock 17's? I did on my '03 Lapis Sport Package and last fall I picked up a set of stock 16's on eBay. I had heard reports from other members that the 17's were not the best in snow (I live in Boston). I have to say the stock 16's (alloys) with the Michelin MMXH4 Energy tires did awesome in the snow last year! My favorite memory was passing a Jeep stuck in the road on my way to the grocery store...I just went right past him!

lapis6blue · 10-30-2004, 09:03 PM

Did you use regular tires but just switched to a the stock 16's wheels?Was there a difference in handling? Gas Mileage?

TOPGUN · 10-31-2004, 11:16 AM

Narrower is better for winter! Just purchased some 15" rims and put some Michelin X-ice 205/65R15's on them. The difference in diameter from the stock 17's is only 0.12%! You will save money as well!. Also the load factor of the tire is 94 compared to the smilar 205/60R16 which is 91.

I would definitely not put anything wider than stock and for sure if you can go narrower do it! That's my 2 cents. Can't wait for winter....

10-30-2004, 09:42 AM	#1 (permalink)
lapis6blue Learners License Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	I have Mazda 6i 5dr and in the process of looking for a winter tire. Based on searches on this forum I got a good base line on which ones to look for. But there aren't many that fit the OEM wheels 215/50/17. One local tire dealer told me about plus sizing as an alternative, so I have the option of going to 225/45/17. Other option would be to put 16" rims and go from there, from what I've read hear is that narrow tires are better for winter driving. I live in seattle where at most we get 5-10 snow days a winter so I'll be dring on mostly wet/dry pavements. Most of my snow/ice driving will occur going to the moutains which will be around 30-50 times. I guess the questions that I have is going to 16" rims and dedicated winters the better option? Could some one explain to me better what plus sizing is and pros/cons of going to 225/45/17 tires. Just based on what the dealer said that it's a larger sized tire but in now way would it effect the performance in winter conditions. This kind of goes against what I've read where people say narrow is better when it comes to winter tires. I can see that during summer driving the additional width could produce greater handling.

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10-30-2004, 12:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
bigbobo1 Learners License Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	I assume you have stock 17's? I did on my '03 Lapis Sport Package and last fall I picked up a set of stock 16's on eBay. I had heard reports from other members that the 17's were not the best in snow (I live in Boston). I have to say the stock 16's (alloys) with the Michelin MMXH4 Energy tires did awesome in the snow last year! My favorite memory was passing a Jeep stuck in the road on my way to the grocery store...I just went right past him!

10-30-2004, 09:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
lapis6blue Learners License Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	Did you use regular tires but just switched to a the stock 16's wheels?Was there a difference in handling? Gas Mileage?

10-31-2004, 11:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
TOPGUN Learners License Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 30 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Groans: 0 Groaned at 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: 0 reviews	Narrower is better for winter! Just purchased some 15" rims and put some Michelin X-ice 205/65R15's on them. The difference in diameter from the stock 17's is only 0.12%! You will save money as well!. Also the load factor of the tire is 94 compared to the smilar 205/60R16 which is 91. I would definitely not put anything wider than stock and for sure if you can go narrower do it! That's my 2 cents. Can't wait for winter....